Spine Surgery at Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital – Fort Worth: Comprehensive Care and Treatment Options – Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Fort Worth

Spine Surgery at Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital – Fort Worth: Comprehensive Care and Treatment Options

Spine conditions can affect your ability to work, exercise, or even enjoy everyday activities. At Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital – Fort Worth, a dedicated team of spine specialists offers comprehensive care. With a focus on patient-friendly care and modern techniques, our goal is to help you find lasting relief and return to the activities you love.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

Patients seeking spine care in Fort Worth can explore services at our Spine Surgery Center, where minimally invasive approaches and personalized treatment plans are emphasized. Options include:

Epidural Steroid Injection
Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation
Cervical and Lumbar Fusion
Kyphoplasty
Microdiscectomy
Laminectomy

Epidural Steroid Injections for Pain Relief

An epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the space surrounding spinal nerves (the epidural space). By reducing inflammation of irritated nerve roots, these injections can provide temporary relief from neck, arm, back, and leg pain. Some patients report significant reduction in radicular symptoms for weeks to months, potentially helping them participate more fully in rehabilitation programs.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation

For chronic, severe pain unresponsive to conservative treatments, a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) may be considered. During this procedure, a small pulse generator is implanted under the skin, with thin leads placed near the spinal cord. Electrical impulses delivered by the device can interfere with pain signal transmission to the brain. Studies suggest SCS may help some patients reduce reliance on opioid medications and improve daily function.

Cervical and Lumbar Fusion Procedures

When spinal instability or deformity contributes to pain, fusion surgery may be recommended. In a cervical fusion, two or more vertebrae in the neck are joined using bone grafts and hardware, stabilizing the spine and alleviating nerve compression. Lumbar fusion follows a similar principle in the lower back. While individual outcomes vary, fusion can help restore alignment and support long-term spinal stability.

Kyphoplasty for Vertebral Compression Fractures

Osteoporotic or traumatic vertebral compression fractures may benefit from kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive technique to restore vertebral height and reduce pain. During the procedure, a small balloon is inflated within the collapsed vertebra to create a cavity, which is then filled with bone cement. This may help relieve pain, stabilize the fracture, and allow many patients to resume normal activities more quickly.

Microdiscectomy and Laminectomy: Decompression Techniques

When herniated discs or spinal stenosis cause nerve compression, decompression surgeries may be used:

Microdiscectomy removes portions of a herniated disc through a small incision using a microscope, aiming to relieve pressure on nerve roots and speed recovery.
Laminectomy involves removing part of the vertebral bone (lamina) to enlarge the spinal canal and reduce nerve irritation.

Procedures like these are often performed through minimally invasive approaches, which can lead to more minor scars, less muscle disruption, and shorter hospital stays.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Early mobilization—often beginning the day after surgery—can help reduce complications and support healing. A personalized rehabilitation plan may include:

Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
Gradual progression to low-impact activities (walking, swimming)
Education on posture and body mechanics
Some patients resume light activity within days and achieve most functional gains by three to six months, though individual recovery timelines vary.

Taking the Next Step

Exploring treatment for spine conditions is a journey best taken with an experienced care team. To learn more about spine care options at Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital – Fort Worth, visit our Spine Surgery Center or call to schedule a consultation. Our specialists are here to guide you through every step, from diagnosis and non-surgical management to surgical treatments, so you can get back to living your best life.

Sources:

Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital – Fort Worth – Spine Surgery Center
https://bshfw.com/spine-surgery/

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Adult Spine Deformity – Spinal Fusion.”
https://www.aaos.org/conditions–treatments/spinal-fusion/

American Association of Neurological Surgeons. “Lumbar Microdiscectomy.”
https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Lumbar-Microdiscectomy

American Association of Neurological Surgeons. “Laminectomy.”
https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Laminectomy
Spine Health. “Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty.”
https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/kyphoplasty-and-vertebroplasty

North American Neuromodulation Society. “Spinal Cord Stimulation FAQs.”
https://www.neuromodulation.org/Neuro/UserPages/for-patients/Neurostimulation-FAQs

Cleveland Clinic. “Epidural Steroid Injection.”
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/3759-epidural-steroid-injection