The spine (also called spinal column or backbone) protects the spinal cord and is the main structure to support movement, communication to the brain, and sensory function.
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A list of common terms that you may hear during the diagnosis and treament of your back pain. Read More

This is a description of the tests that are available at the Nebraska Spine Center to help diagnose your back pain and provide the most definitive treament possible.   Read More

An overview of the basic anatomy and function of a disc, as well as a description of what problems can develop between the vertebrae.  Read More

The cervical vertebrae are the bones that support your neck and head.   They form the top part of your spine.  Read More

Kyphosis refers to the natural shape of the thoracic spine, which has a gentle curve of 20 to 40 degrees.  Read More

Scoliosis is a deformity in the spine wherein the spine develops a curve that resembles a sideways letter “S”. Read More

A condition of the spine characterized by pain coming from muscles and the connective tissue between the muscles.  Read More

Decompression refers to a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure and alleviate pain caused by the impingement of bone and/or disc material on the spinal cord or nerves. Today, this can be done using minimally invasive spine surgery.

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A lumbar discectomy is a spine surgery that involves removing all or part of a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve(s) in the lumbar spine, or lower back. In patients for whom it’s appropriate, this procedure may be performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques.

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The X-STOP® Spacer is the only interspinous spacer approved by the FDA in the United States to treat the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). LSS is the most common reason for back surgery in people aged 65 years and older in the United States.   The surgeons of the Nebraska Spine Center can perform this procedure.  Read More

A transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a type of spine surgery that involves approaching the spine from the back, or posterior, of the body to place bone graft between two vertebrae. The procedure may be performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques.

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Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a spine surgery that involves approaching the spine from the front of the body to remove disc or bone material from in between two adjacent lumbar vertebrae. The procedure may be performed either as an open surgery or using minimally invasive techniques.    Read More

Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is a surgical procedure that involves relieving the pressure placed on nerve roots and/or the spinal cord by a herniated disc or bone spurs in the neck - a condition referred to as nerve root compression.

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