Treatments & Surgical Procedures
Comprehensive Spine Treatment Options
Dr. Lomedico provides both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine conditions. Recommendations are individualized based on symptoms, neurologic function, imaging findings, spinal stability, bone quality, and patient goals.
C1—C7 ·
Cervical
T1—T12 ·
Thoracic
L1—L5 ·
Lumbar
Six Categories
Tap a section to explore procedures, goals, and recovery context.
A comprehensive resource for understanding spine conditions, treatments, and long-term wellness.
Pain & Function
- 01Physical Therapy
- 02Activity Modification
- 03Anti-inflammatory Medications
- 04Neuropathic Pain Medications
Injection-Based & Bone
- 01Epidural Steroid Injections
- 02Facet Injections
- 03Bone Health Optimization
- 04Osteoporosis Treatment
- 05Rehabilitation & Recovery Programs
Goals of Non-Surgical Treatment
The goal of non-surgical treatment is to reduce pain, improve function, maintain mobility, and allow patients to return to daily activities while avoiding unnecessary surgery whenever possible. Many spine conditions can improve with a combination of activity modification, medications, physical therapy, injections, and time.
When Conservative Care Is Appropriate
Conservative treatment is often appropriate for patients whose symptoms are manageable, stable, and not causing progressive neurologic deficits or significant functional decline. Many conditions such as disc herniations, sciatica, degenerative changes, and neck or back pain may improve without surgery.
When Surgery May Become Necessary
Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, when pain significantly limits quality of life or function, or when neurologic symptoms such as weakness, balance problems, or spinal cord compression are present. Surgical recommendations are individualized based on symptoms, imaging findings, functional limitations, and patient goals.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy and rehabilitation focus on improving mobility, strength, posture, balance, and overall function while supporting recovery and long-term spine health. Therapy recommendations are individualized and may be used before or after surgery depending on symptoms, weakness, conditioning, and recovery progress.
Bone Health and Recovery Optimization
Bone health plays an important role in spine surgery outcomes, healing, recovery, and fracture prevention. Optimizing bone density, nutrition, vitamin levels, mobility, and overall health may help improve recovery and support long-term spine stability and function.
Anterior Approaches
- 01Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)
- 02Anterior Cervical Corpectomy
- 03Cervical Disc Replacement
Posterior Approaches
- 01Laminoplasty
- 02Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy
- 03Posterior Cervical Decompression & Fusion
- 04Occipital Cervical Fusion
- 05C1-C2 Fusion
- 06Endoscopic Posterior Cervical Surgery
Procedures Performed
- 01Thoracic Posterior Decompression
- 02Thoracic Instrumented Stabilization / Fusion
- 03Kyphoplasty
- 04Minimally Invasive Thoracic Procedures
- 05Endoscopic Thoracic Spine Surgery (selected cases)
Anterior & Lateral
- 01Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
- 02Anterior Lumbar Corpectomy
- 03Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (XLIF / LLIF)
- 04Lumbar Disc Replacement
Posterior
- 01Posterior Spinal Fusion
- 02Lumbar Laminectomy
- 03Lumbar Foraminotomy
- 04TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion)
- 05Minimally Invasive TLIF
- 06Endoscopic Lumbar Decompression
- 07Endoscopic Lumbar Fusion
Endoscopic
- 01Endoscopic Cervical Surgery
- 02Endoscopic Thoracic Surgery
- 03Endoscopic Lumbar Decompression
- 04Endoscopic Lumbar Fusion
Minimally Invasive
- 01Minimally Invasive TLIF
- 02Tubular Decompression Techniques
Smaller incisions
Reduces blood loss, scarring, and postoperative pain compared to traditional open approaches in appropriate cases.
Muscle-sparing technique
Preserves the paraspinal muscles, which supports faster early recovery and earlier return to function.
Outpatient or shorter stays
Many minimally invasive procedures are performed as same-day surgery or with a single-night hospital stay.
Procedures
- 01Kyphoplasty
- 02Vertebral Fracture Stabilization
- 03Osteoporosis Optimization Before & After Surgery
Why bone health matters
Screws hold in bone. When bone is weak, instrumentation can loosen, healing slows, and the next fracture is more likely. Identifying and treating osteoporosis around the time of spine intervention protects both the immediate surgical result and the patient's long-term skeleton.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Care doesn't end in the operating room.
Preparing for Surgery
What to do in the weeks before — bone health, conditioning, medication review, and home setup.
Recovery Timelines
Week-by-week expectations across the most common procedures.
Physical Therapy Protocols
How rehab is structured — phases, milestones, and red flags.
Bone Health Optimization
DEXA, FRAX, supplementation, and pharmacologic care around spine surgery.
Nutrition
Protein, micronutrients, and dietary patterns that support tissue and bone healing.
Next Steps
Build a plan together.
A consultation is the fastest way to map your symptoms to the right diagnosis, imaging, and treatment plan.