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Bone, Spine & Joint Care

Spine Surgery

Expert care for complex spinal conditions.

Spine Conditions Why ChristianaCare Our Team Contact Us Resources

Spine Conditions

Back Pain

Schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional for back pain if:

  • Lasts longer than a few weeks.
  • Is severe and doesn't improve with rest.
  • Spreads down one or both legs, especially if it goes below the knee.
  • Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.
  • Is paired with unexplained weight loss.
  • Sudden loss of bowel or bladder function.
Disc Issues

Disc issues, also known as spinal disc problems, can cause significant discomfort and impact daily activities. Here are some common types of disc issues that we treat:

  • Herniated disc
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Bulging disc
Spinal Instability

Spinal instability occurs when the spine is unable to maintain its normal alignment and function under normal loads.

Spinal Stenosis

This is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that travel through the spine. The most common cause damage related to arthritis. People who have serious spinal stenosis may need surgery.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about any of these issues, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Why Choose ChristianaCare?

The program includes at 30-bed unit within Christiana Hospital that provides comprehensive care for people suffering from cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine disorders. Conditions treated include degenerative diseases, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, tumors and spinal-cord injuries.

Advanced Tecniques

Our orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgical spine specialists use the most advanced techniques and technologies available today. These include minimally invasive surgery with image guidance, spinal fusion, artificial disks and disk replacement.

Continuum of Care

In addition to an expert surgical team, our program unites specialists in medical imaging, physiatry, outpatient and assessment and pain management to provide patients with a full continuum of care before, during and after surgery.

Experts in Specialty Care

Because of our commitment to evidence-based medicine, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has designated ChristianaCare's Spine Surgery program as a Blue Distinction Center for its expertise in delivering specialty care.

Meet Our Team

Our spine surgery team consists of over a dozen of highly skilled and experienced surgeons, neurosurgeons, and more. They are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care for our patients.

The spine surgery team continues to add quality measures to ensure that the care patients receive is safest and of the highest quality.

Contact Us

To arrange a consultation with an orthopaedic or neurosurgeon, call 1-800-693-CARE.

Additional Resources

Welcome to ChristianaCare! You have been scheduled for spine or orthopedic surgery. This guide will help you learn how to use a special cleanser to get your skin ready before your surgery. The cleanser is called Chlorhexidine Gluconate, or CHG. it will help prevent infection after surgery.

If you are allergic to CHG, do NOT use this cleanser. Instead, please use a liquid antibacterial soap like Dial, Safeguard, or Lever and follow the directions below. Please tell your care team about your allergy the day of surgery.

Follow these steps each day during showers for the 5 days before your surgery:

  • Wash your hair with your usual shampoo and rinse your hair and body fully. 
  • Turn the water off after you finish washing your hair and before you apply the cleanser to keep it from washing off too soon. 
  • Put the cleanser from your chin down, using a clean washcloth or your hands. Do NOT use it near your ears, eyes, nose, or mouth. 
  • Wash your front and back, including your arms and legs for 5 minutes. Clean the area where you are having surgery extra carefully. Do not scrub too hard. Do not wash with regular soap after the CHG soap. 
  • Turn the water back on and rinse your body well. 
  • Use a clean towel to dry. Put on clean clothes and use clean bed linens. You only need to change the bed linens on the first day. Do not allow any pets on the bed after putting on clean bed linens. 
  • Do NOT use any lotions, perfumes, colognes, or powders after showering. You may use deodorant 
  • Do NOT shave the area of your body where you will have surgery during the week before your surgery

Morning of surgery:

  • Do not shower the morning of surgery. You can wash your face with soap and water in the morning. 
  • Wear clean clothes and underwear to the hospital

Learn more from this tip sheet: Preparing Your Skin for Surgery (PDF).

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Woman sitting at computer holding her back Woman sitting at computer holding her back
Know your Risk - Spine Health Assessment
There are numerous factors associated with development of lower back pain, many of which can be effectively controlled while some cannot. At the end of this free assessment, you will receive personalized information to provide you with the best defense against back and spinal disorders.
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