Spinal disorders can cover a wide range of problems, but the
most common areas of the spine that cause discomfort are the
neck and lower back. Your neck, or cervical spine, can be
injured from trauma, such as car accidents, or become stiff or
sore from muscular pain, arthritis, or disc disease. The lower
back often becomes painful from lifting or bending but can
likewise be involved with arthritic changes and many other
conditions. Back pain is the second most common cause of missed
workdays due to illness and the most common cause of disability.
Fortunately, the vast majority of these individuals can recover
completely without surgical treatment. If not, spinal surgery
may provide relief of persistent pain and discomfort. The
refinement of surgical techniques allows for shorter hospital
stays where some spinal procedures are now performed on an
outpatient basis. In many cases, highly complex surgical
procedures such as exposures through the mouth, chest, and
abdomen are relatively common.