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Spine Surgery Program

At Mass General Brigham, our neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons provide expert spinal surgery tailored to your diagnosis and goals. We offer advanced surgical options, including minimally invasive spine surgery and complex reconstruction.

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Renowned spinal surgery expertise

If a spinal disorder is causing ongoing pain, weakness, or loss of mobility, surgery may be part of your treatment plan. At Mass General Brigham, you receive care from nationally recognized spine surgeons who specialize in complex spinal disorders.

When appropriate, we offer minimally invasive spinal surgery, motion-preserving procedures, and advanced technologies such as spinal cord stimulation.

Part of the Neuroscience Institute

Part of Orthopedics

Our approach to effective spinal surgery

We expertly diagnose spinal disorders and select the most effective spinal surgery to help you feel better. When you choose Mass General Brigham for spine surgery, you benefit from:
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Subspecialized spine surgeons and coordinated care

You receive care from internationally recognized spine surgeons at some of the best hospitals in New England. Our surgeons work with other team members to support every aspect of your care. Your multidisciplinary care team may include experts in:

Evidence-based, patient-centered surgical decisions

We’re committed to providing safe, expert spine surgeries that positively improve your health and life. At Mass General Brigham, you benefit from:

  • Conservative approach to treatments that always starts with nonsurgical options
  • Surgeries using the latest technology and innovative surgical approaches
  • Minimally invasive surgeries, including robot-assisted procedures
  • Advanced surgical care informed by research in spine disorders and recovery
  • Extensive experience in surgically treating complex cases
Streamlined spinal surgery services, from diagnosis to recovery

We have all the resources you need in one integrated health system. We make it easier for you to get presurgical, surgical, and postsurgical care closer to home. We offer:

  • Appointments that fit your schedule, including virtual visits
  • Coordinated care from diagnosis through surgery and recovery
  • Convenient access to routine spine surgery at our community hospitals and complex surgeries at our academic medical centers
  • Access to physical therapy and rehabilitation locations throughout New England
Full range of routine to complex spinal surgeries

Our spine surgeons are internationally known for their spinal surgery expertise. The surgery type depends on your unique diagnosis. We offer:

  • Spinal decompression, such as laminectomy and microdiscectomy, to take pressure off pinched nerves
  • Spinal fusion surgery to stabilize the spine and ease nerve pain from degenerative disc disease
  • Minimally invasive spinal surgery, which takes place through smaller incisions and may use robotic technology
  • Motion-preserving surgery (arthroscopy), an alternative to spinal fusion that uses artificial discs
  • Complex spinal reconstruction to correct spinal curvatures
  • Spinal tumor surgery to remove tumors while using a specialized microscope to monitor spinal cord function
Advanced procedures for chronic nerve pain

For select patients with severe, treatment-resistant pain, we offer specialized procedures that target nerve pathways. Options may include:

  • Dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesioning
  • Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia
  • Motor cortex stimulation
  • Percutaneous cordotomy for cancer-related pain
  • Percutaneous rhizotomy
  • Spinal cord stimulation

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to common questions about spine surgery.
What does a spine surgeon do?
Spine surgeons diagnose and treat conditions that affect the neck, back, and spine—from herniated discs and scoliosis to spinal arthritis and fractures. At Mass General Brigham, our experts offer both surgical and non-surgical care to relieve pain, restore movement, and protect spinal health.
When should I see a spine surgeon for back or neck pain?
You should see a spine surgeon if your pain or symptoms (numbness, tingling, or weakness) has not improved after a thorough course of non-operative treatment. Our surgeons evaluate your symptoms and imaging to find the cause of your pain and recommend the most effective treatment.
How long does it take to recover from spine surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the procedure and your overall health. Some minimally invasive surgeries allow patients to return home the same day, while more complex operations may require longer recovery and rehabilitation. Our team provides detailed recovery plans and ongoing support to help you safely return to normal activity.

Spine clinical trials and research

Our research is shaping the future of spine care. We offer access to clinical trials and emerging therapies, including treatments that may not yet be widely available. Eligibility depends on a person’s diagnosis, treatment history, and more. Explore our research and clinical trials or talk with your care team to learn about available options.
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Explore our neuroscience research

Learn how neuroscience research informs patient care

https://research.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/institutes-centers/neuroscience-institute
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Search clinical trials

Search open clinical trials for neurological conditions

https://rally.massgeneralbrigham.org/
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Explore our orthopedics research

Learn how orthopedic research informs patient care

https://research.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/institutes-centers/orthopedics-department-research