Spine

Nearly everyone will experience back pain at some point in their lives. But if your back pain is chronic, you should turn to Grady.

Grady’s expert orthopedic spine surgeons have unparalleled experience treating all kinds of spinal injuries, whether they involve your neck or upper or lower back, spinal abnormality, or muscle injuries that can cause back pain and affect mobility. No matter the issue, our experts can provide the best surgical or non-surgical solutions for you.

Our team of the best spine surgeons in Atlanta diagnoses back and neck issues and develops tailored treatment plans to relieve your pain. We treat a range of issues, including:

• Cervical cord compression. This neck condition occurs when the spinal cord is compressed or squeezed. The condition typically occurs in patients over 50 and can result in weakness and numbness in the hands and arms, loss of balance, and neck pain.
• Herniated disc. A disc is a cushion between spinal bones. When a disc fragment is pushed into the spinal canal, it presses on spinal nerves, causing pain. Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine but are more common in the lower back. Learn about herniated discs.
• Radiculopathy. This condition occurs when a nerve root in the spinal column is pinched. The pinched nerve can occur in different areas along the spine. Symptoms vary but frequently include pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling. Learn about radiculopathy.
• Spondylolysis. This is a stress fracture in the thin bone segment joining two vertebrae in the lower back. This condition is common and is found in one out of every 20 people. Most people don’t have symptoms, but some may experience pain or muscle spasms.
• Myelopathy. This injury to the spinal cord results from severe compression produced by trauma, congenital stenosis, degenerative disease, or disc herniation. Symptoms vary and can include pain, numbness, difficulty with motor skills or walking, abnormal reflexes, or loss of urinary or bowel control. 
• Stenosis. This is a narrowing that can cause pressure on your spinal cord or the nerves that go from your spinal cord to your muscles. Spinal stenosis can happen in any part of your spine but is most common in the lower back. It typically results in lower back pain. Learn about spinal stenosis.
• Fractures. A spinal fracture is a dislocation or fracture of the vertebrae or backbone. It can occur anywhere along the spine. Most spinal fractures are caused by trauma from car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. 
• Compression fracture. This special fracture occurs when one or more bones in the spine weaken and crumple. It typically results from the loss of bone mass, known as osteoporosis, which occurs as people age. Symptoms include pain, a loss of height, or a hunching of the back.
• Thoracic spine issues. Because the thoracic spine has a complex anatomy of interconnected bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues, various issues can arise and cause pain and other symptoms. The most common problems are:
  • Trauma, such as rib fractures
  • Sprains, often caused by twisting the body too much
  • Repetitive motion, such as lifting or bending
  • Arthritis, including osteoarthritis
  • Herniated discs, which irritate nearby nerves
  • Fractures, which can be caused by trauma or osteoporosis
  • Nerve compression
  • Spinal stenosis

Grady’s Orthopedic Center deals with 11,000 unique patient visits each year – from trauma cases to compound injuries to tendon repairs. Our orthopedic surgeons specialize in traumatology, the use of surgery to repair fractures and other injuries caused by trauma. This makes them uniquely qualified to handle the challenging orthopedic cases that other institutions often refer to Grady: complicated fractures, complex joint reconstruction, debilitating arthritis, joint issues associated with obesity, and others.

Plus, we take a “sports medicine” approach to care that aims to restore peak performance – whatever your level of activity. When you choose Grady, you’re choosing the team that:

• Put Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost back on the field after he shattered his pelvis in a fall.
• Saved Justin Keoninh’s arm after a devastating motorcycle accident.
• Helped Reid Traylor walk again after he broke his thoracic spine – an injury few people survive.

Because the Grady Orthopedic Center’s elite staff works in Atlanta’s busiest trauma center, our providers are uniquely qualified to treat the broadest range of musculoskeletal conditions. Whether you need a hip replacement, spinal disc surgery, or complex surgery for an injury, you will be cared for by an expert.

Grady’s Orthopedics Center accepts new patients with referrals from either primary care providers or other specialists. Please ask your provider to use our Grady Referral Request Form. We will contact you to schedule an appointment.

If you are an existing Grady orthopedic patient and have a MyChart account, visit MyChart or call our scheduling line at (404) 616-1000, to make an appointment.

Every hospital treats patients. At Grady, we strive to treat them better, more efficiently, and effectively. Our Orthopedic team of physicians, nurses, and other staff specializes in treating conditions that limit patients’ mobility. Our innovative care and research attract physicians from across the nation. All coming together to ensure we can provide you with Atlanta’s best neck and spine care.