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Spine Care
About Us
Your Care Team
Patient Stories
Why Choose UPMC?
Giving
Conditions We Treat
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Discitis
Sciatica
Spondylosis
Synovial Cyst
Syringomyelia
Our Services
Pain Management
Rehabilitation
Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Telemedicine
Procedures
Cervical Dorsal Root Rhizotomy
Kyphoplasty
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Microdiscectomy
Microforaminotomy
Microlaminectomy Surgery
Spinal Fusion
Spinal Reconstruction Surgery
Vertebroplasty
Tests
Electromyography (EMG)
Myelogram
Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
For Patients
Your Visit
For Professionals & Students
Research & Clinical Trials
Our Locations
Southwest Pa.
Allison Park
Bethel Park
UPMC Program for Spine Health
Butler
Coraopolis
Cranberry Township
UPMC Program for Spine Health
Greensburg
Hermitage
Latrobe
McKeesport
McMurray
Monroeville
Natrona Heights
New Castle
Pittsburgh
Aspinwall
Lawrenceville
McCandless
Oakland
Shadyside
Uptown
Sewickley
Slippery Rock
Toronto
Washington
West Mifflin
Wexford
UPMC Matt El-Kadi Spine Center
White Oak
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Spine and Back Care at UPMC

If you have a back or neck pain problem, the experts at UPMC can help you find relief.

With access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge research, our specialists provide advanced diagnostics and the latest, most advanced nonsurgical and surgical treatments available. Among them are many minimally invasive procedures, some pioneered and refined at UPMC.


Find the Right Care For You

What Is Spine Care?

The spine, or vertebral column, plays a critical role in many body systems.

Nerves leave the brain and travel throughout the body like the branches of a tree. Just as an issue with a tree's trunk can affect its branches, so too can the condition of the spine impact every major system of the body.

Other systems that may be affected by the spine include:

  • Central nervous system — Using the tree example, the spinal cord is the trunk from which all nerve branches begin. It transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body, affecting movement, reflexes, and sensation.
  • Circulatory system — The spine has major blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the spinal cord and surrounding tissues. It also serves as the conduit for nerves that control the lungs and heart.
  • Digestive system — Spinal health can influence digestion and bowel control because the nerves of the gastrointestinal system come directly from the spinal cord. These nerves impact the functions of the digestive organs. Additionally, the vagus nerve runs the entire length of the body and is instrumental in our "fight or flight" response.
  • Musculoskeletal system — Using a computer reference, the spinal column is the motherboard of the body’s musculoskeletal system; most muscles and muscle groups are controlled by nerves that branch off from the spinal cord. These same nerves carry signals to the brain, including signals of pain, injury, or injury to these nerves themselves.
  • Respiratory system — Branches from the thoracic spine (upper back) support heart and lung function and enervate the diaphragm, controlling breathing.
  • Urinary system — Like the digestive system, the nerves that control the bladder and kidneys are direct branches of the spinal cord. Spinal injuries can affect urinary function.

Truly, the spine is a central hub that affects and supports many other critical systems in your body.

How Can UPMC Back and Spine Care Help Me?

UPMC offers a multidisciplinary approach to spine care. Our team includes highly skilled experts from different fields. Our nonsurgical and surgical specialists treat back and spine pain with different approaches, so your spine issue will be reviewed from each perspective to find the best approach for your condition.

Areas of Care

Pain in lower back
Pain Management
Physical therapist works shows patient exercises
Spine Rehabilitation
Surgeons work on patient in operating room
Spine Surgery
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