Spine surgery is surgery performed near or on the spinal cord, which controls the body's motor function. Spinal surgery is typically reserved for serious spinal conditions, as well as for some conditions that may cause chronic back pain.

The spine is composed of bones called vertebrae that usually number 33 at birth but total 26 in adulthood because some of them fuse. It connects with the skull, shoulders, ribs and pelvis. Many diseases, conditions and trauma make the spine subject to pain and disability. For most spinal conditions, treatments such as physical therapy, medications and injection therapy are attempted before surgery.

Conditions treated with spinal surgery include several forms of arthritis and spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the nerve openings in the spinal column. Herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, unresolved sciatica, severe scoliosis and some cases of pinched nerves may also be treated surgically. Vertebral compression fractures, which may occur among patients with osteoporosis, can be treated with newer surgical procedures such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.

Spinal surgeries vary, depending on the condition treated. Some are minimally invasive and can be performed at a physician's office under local anesthetic. Others may require general anesthesia and an extended hospital stay and rehabilitation. Patients typically undergo a physician’s evaluation prior to surgery to minimize the risk of complications. In addition, instructions are often given to patients after surgery to aid in recovery and minimize pain.