Spine

The Rothman Orthopaedics Spine Team annually performs more than 3,000 spine surgeries in the Philadelphia greater metropolitan area.

Why Rothman?

The Rothman Orthopaedic Institute’s spine team is known nationwide for its innovative and exemplary spinal treatments. Our specialists perform thousands of spine surgeries each year in the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area alone. These helpful spinal procedures treat problems resulting from degeneration of the cervical and lumbar discs, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal deformity, tumors, trauma, and instability.

Our specialists are board-certified, fellowship-trained and have many years of extensive experience. Some have been team physicians for area professional sports teams.
Our spine specialists also are leading scientists who have published original research on scoliosis, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, outcomes of cervical and lumbar spine surgery, value in spinal care, spinal trauma, and minimally invasive/motion-sparing spinal techniques personalized to the patient’s needs.
Rothman specialists regularly lecture worldwide to share their vast knowledge with the next generation of orthopedic specialists.

Our nationally recognized orthopedic team has consistently ranked among the best in the Delaware Valley by US News & World Report.

How does the spine work?
The spine is made up of 33 doughnut-shaped bones called vertebrae. A spongy/rubbery cartilage disk sits between each pair of vertebrae, acting as a shock-absorbing cushion.

The spine:
- Protects the spinal cord, which connects nerves to the brain
- Provides the support needed to walk upright
- Enables the torso to bend and twist
- Supports the head
The spine is made up of 33 doughnut-shaped bones called vertebrae. A spongy/rubbery cartilage disk sits between each pair of vertebrae,
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What are the parts of the spine?
Each vertebra in the following sections is assigned a letter and number that correspond to the section and order of the bones.
- Cervical: The seven cervical vertebrae in the neck connect the skull to the rest of the spine.
- Thoracic: The 12 vertebrae of the upper back begin at the shoulders and extend down to the end of the rib cage. Scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, commonly affects this area
Each vertebra in the following sections is assigned a letter and number that correspond to the section and order of
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What are the parts of the spine? (Cont.)
- Sacrum: Five vertebrae join together to form the sacrum, a wedge-shaped area of the spine that rests at the top of the pelvis.
- Coccyx: Often referred to as the tailbone, the coccyx consists of four vertebrae.
The spine is connected to the bones of the torso and the hip with ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
- Sacrum: Five vertebrae join together to form the sacrum, a wedge-shaped area of the spine that rests at the
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Why do spine problems happen?

While the normal spine is a strong structure, its amazing ability to bend and move makes it vulnerable to injury and disease. Almost any movement or activity can cause a spine problem. Lifting, twisting, exercising, and poor sleeping conditions can trigger back and neck pain.

While the normal spine is a strong structure, its amazing ability to bend and move makes it vulnerable to injury
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Why do spine problems happen? (Cont.)

Longer term spinal issues are caused by either wear-and-tear or an acute injury. They can cause muscle strain or spasms, ruptured discs, or fractures. Some injuries can also occur because of an existing weakness or deformity in the spine or disks.

Longer term spinal issues are caused by either wear-and-tear or an acute injury. They can cause muscle strain or spasms,
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Common Conditions
- Cervical Spondylosis
- Herniated Cervical Disc
- Herniated Lumbar Disc
- Kyphosis
- Low Back Pain (Lumbar)
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Spinal Infections
- Spinal Osteoarthritis (Spondylosis)
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spinal Tumors
- Spondylolysis
- Whiplash — Neck Sprain or Strain
Health Tips
- Lift light and lift right. Stand close to what you’re lifting, bend at the hip and the knees while keeping your back straight, and lift smoothly without sudden, sharp movements.
- Never twist your back when moving an object. Move your feet instead.
- Stand and sit straight and tall. Pull your shoulder blades back and hold your head up straight. (Your earlobes should be in the middle of your shoulder.)
- Work smart. Choose a supportive, adjustable height chair and a desk or keyboard tray to keep your back straight. Use a hands-free headset or hold the phone to your ear.
- Stretch and do strength and aerobic exercises regularly. Consult a physician or exercise expert for a good routine.
- Sleep on your side with your knees bent and a pillow placed between your knees. If you must sleep on your back, put a pillow under your knees to help maintain the spine’s nature curve. Don’t sleep on your front or on a thick pillow.
- Choose a mattress that supports your natural spine alignment. Soft beds provide insufficient support, while overly firm beds can push your body into stressful positions.
- Turn your mattress regularly to maintain even wear and provide consistent support.

Spine

Why Rothman?

How does the spine work?

What are the parts of the spine?

What are the parts of the spine? (Cont.)

Why do spine problems happen?

Why do spine problems happen? (Cont.)

Common Conditions

Health Tips