Spine - South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates

Back Pain Is One of the Most Common — and Most Treatable — Conditions We See

You don't have to live with neck or back pain. Most spine conditions improve dramatically with the right care, and surgery is rarely where we start.

Back and neck pain affects nearly 8 out of 10 Americans at some point in their lives, making it the leading cause of missed work and one of the most common reasons people visit an orthopedic specialist. The good news: the overwhelming majority of spine conditions (even those involving herniated discs, bone spurs, or nerve compression) respond very well to non-surgical treatment. At South Hills Orthopaedics, our spine specialists begin with an accurate diagnosis, take the time to explain what’s actually going on, and build a treatment plan designed to get you moving again without rushing you toward a procedure you may not need.

SOUND FAMILIAR?

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

Herniated Disc (Cervical & Lumbar)

Between each vertebra sits a disc, a soft cushion-like structure that absorbs shock and allows movement. When the outer layer tears or weakens, the inner material can bulge outward, pressing on nearby nerves. A herniated disc in the neck causes arm and hand pain/weakness; a lumbar herniated disc often causes sciatica. The vast majority improve with non-surgical care within 6–12 weeks.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Intervertebral discs naturally lose water content and height over time, a process beginning in most people in their 30s and 40s. When this degeneration causes pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility, it’s called degenerative disc disease. Despite the name, this is a very common, manageable condition that rarely requires surgery.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal, most often from bone spurs, thickened ligaments, and disc degeneration. Lumbar stenosis classically causes leg pain or heaviness with walking that improves with sitting or bending forward. PT, injections, and activity modification help many patients significantly; surgical decompression is highly effective when these measures are insufficient.

Sciatica

Pain traveling from the lower back through the buttock and down one or both legs along the sciatic nerve path, most commonly caused by a herniated lumbar disc or lumbar stenosis. The majority of sciatica cases resolve with conservative treatment within 6–12 weeks.

Spondylolisthesis

One vertebra slips forward over the one below it. Can be from a stress fracture (young athletes) or degeneration (adults over 50). Many cases managed conservatively; significant slippage with neurological symptoms may require surgical stabilization.

Cervical & Lumbar Radiculopathy

Compression or irritation of a nerve root as it exits the spine, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the nerve’s path into the arm (cervical) or leg (lumbar). One of the most common spine conditions we treat, responding well to PT and epidural steroid injections.

Facet Joint Arthritis & Syndrome

The facet joints guide spinal movement and can develop arthritis, causing localized spine pain that worsens with extension. Facet joint injections and medial branch blocks are highly effective diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

Vertebral Compression Fractures

Most commonly in patients with osteoporosis when a vertebra weakened by bone loss collapses under normal load. Treatment ranges from bracing to minimally invasive kyphoplasty, which restores vertebral height and dramatically reduces pain.

CONSERVATIVE TREATMENTS

Physical Therapy

Targeted programs addressing core stabilization, manual therapy, nerve mobilization, and gradual return to full activity. Many patients with herniated discs, radiculopathy, stenosis, and DDD improve dramatically with PT alone.

Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs)

Corticosteroid injected into the epidural space under fluoroscopic guidance, powerful anti-inflammatory medication delivered directly where it’s needed. Highly effective for radiculopathy, sciatica, and stenosis-related leg pain.

Facet Joint Injections & Medial Branch Blocks

Targeted injections delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to arthritic facet joints. Both diagnostic and therapeutic, performed under imaging guidance for precision.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Precisely targeted heat temporarily interrupts the small nerves transmitting pain signals from the facet joints, providing relief typically lasting 9–18 months, and can be repeated.

Activity Modification & Ergonomic Guidance

Personalized guidance on workstation setup, sleeping positions, lifting mechanics, and daily activity modification that significantly reduces pain and prevents recurrence.

Bracing

For certain conditions (particularly compression fractures and spondylolisthesis) a spinal brace provides support and protects the healing structure while reducing pain.

SURGICAL OPTIONS

Microdiscectomy (Lumbar)

The most common spine surgery, removes the portion of a herniated disc pressing on a nerve root. Performed through a small incision using magnification. Most patients go home the same day with excellent relief of leg pain.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)

For herniated discs or bone spurs in the neck compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots, disc removed through a small front-of-neck incision, vertebrae fused with an implant. Excellent outcomes for arm pain relief.

Cervical Disc Replacement

Alternative to ACDF for appropriate candidates, replaces the damaged disc with an artificial disc that preserves motion at the operated level, potentially reducing adjacent segment disease risk.

Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Stabilizes the affected segment(s) by joining vertebrae together. Modern minimally invasive techniques (TLIF, XLIF) significantly reduce recovery time vs. traditional open procedures.

Laminectomy / Decompression

Removes bone and tissue narrowing the spinal canal, relieving pressure on nerves. Highly effective for stenosis-related symptoms; can be performed minimally invasively in many cases.

Kyphoplasty (Compression Fracture Repair)

Minimally invasive, a small balloon restores vertebral height then bone cement stabilizes the fracture. Rapid, dramatic pain relief as an outpatient procedure.

Neck or Back Pain Slowing You Down?

Our spine specialists will give you a clear diagnosis and an honest plan, starting with the most conservative approach that can get you better.

FAQ

How do I know if my back pain is serious?

Most back pain (even severe acute pain) is not dangerous and will improve with conservative care. Seek prompt evaluation for: back pain with bowel or bladder problems, progressive leg weakness, pain following significant trauma, unexplained weight loss alongside back pain, or back pain in a patient with a history of cancer. For typical back or neck pain without these red flags, a scheduled appointment is appropriate.

Do I need an MRI before I see the doctor?

Not necessarily. We begin with a clinical evaluation and may order X-rays at the first visit. An MRI is ordered when symptoms suggest nerve involvement, when you haven’t improved as expected, or when surgery is being considered. MRI findings don’t always correlate with symptoms, many people have disc bulges on MRI that cause no pain.

What is sciatica and will it go away on its own?

Sciatica is pain traveling from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg, most commonly from a herniated lumbar disc. The majority of sciatica cases resolve with conservative treatment within 6–12 weeks. PT and epidural steroid injections are highly effective. Surgery is reserved for progressive weakness, bowel/bladder involvement, or failure of adequate conservative treatment.

What is the difference between a pinched nerve and a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a structural finding, disc material has pushed out of its normal position. A pinched nerve (radiculopathy) is the symptom that results when a herniated disc or bone spur presses on a nerve root. Not every herniated disc causes a pinched nerve, and not every pinched nerve is caused by a disc.

How long does spine surgery recovery take?

After microdiscectomy: return to light work in 2–4 weeks, full recovery by 6–8 weeks. After ACDF: light activities in 2–4 weeks. Lumbar fusion: typically 3–6 months for full recovery depending on levels fused. Your surgeon will provide a detailed, realistic timeline before any procedure.

Can I prevent my back pain from coming back?

Yes, ongoing core strengthening, healthy weight maintenance, ergonomic setup, attention to posture and lifting mechanics, staying active, and not smoking all significantly reduce recurrence risk. Our PT team will build you a home maintenance program as part of your treatment plan.

Expert Care You Can Trust

Meet the Team

Our experienced team is here to provide top-notch orthopaedic care tailored to your needs.

Dr. Smith specializes in joint replacement and sports injuries. He is dedicated to helping patients regain mobility and comfort.

Dr. Doe focuses on rehabilitation strategies, ensuring patients recover effectively and return to their routines.

Dr. Brown specializes in sports medicine, providing tailored treatment for athletes of all levels.

Dr. Green helps patients manage chronic pain through comprehensive assessments and individualized plans.

Dr. White supports patients through their rehabilitation journey, ensuring they achieve their goals.

Dr. Black focuses on facilitating safe and effective surgical interventions for optimal patient outcomes.

Dr. Rose is dedicated to enhancing patients’ quality of life through expertise in joint replacement surgeries.

Dr. Blue assists in surgical procedures, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and coordination.

What Our Patients Say

Hear from our patients about their experiences with us!

"The care I received was top-notch. My surgery went smoothly, and the recovery process was well supported. I can truly say I’m back to my favorite activities thanks to the team!"

Sarah Thompson

Marketing Manager | ABC Corp

"I was impressed with the thorough care I received. The staff was friendly, and the physical therapy really helped with my recovery. I feel stronger than ever!"

John Davis

Teacher | Local School

"From the first consultation to my post-op follow-ups, the attention to detail was outstanding. I felt supported at every stage of my treatment!"

Emily Johnson

Software Engineer | Tech Solutions

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Are you ready to take the next step towards better health? Our team is here to provide you with expert orthopaedic care and personalized treatment plans. We are dedicated to helping you manage pain and improve your mobility with the best possible strategies. Reach out today to see how we can support your journey to recovery!