Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare provides comprehensive care for all adult spine tumors and spinal disorders at Methodist University Hospital. Our physicians specialize in treating the most complex spine problems, including spine tumors and fractures, and serves as a major referral center for the Mid-South Region.

The bones of the spine are cushioned by small discs, which are round and flat with a tough, outer shell (capsule) that surrounds a jelly-like material (nucleus). When discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine, keeping the spine flexible. When discs are damaged by injury, disease or normal wear and tear, they may bulge or rupture, becoming a herniated disc (sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc).

Disc disease may develop as part of the normal aging process. After age 30, the nucleus of a spinal disc begins to lose its fluid content, becoming less springy and more easily injured. Herniated discs can affect people of all ages, but they are most common in people between 35 and 45 years old who perform heavy manual labor or drive motor vehicles for long periods of time. Herniated discs can occur anywhere in the spine, but most occur in the lower back or in the neck region.

Established with the help of Kevin T. Foley, M.D., and Semmes-Murphey Neurologic & Spine Institute, the Spine Surgery Center provides leadership in clinical service, medical education and research/development for image-guided, minimally invasive spine surgery.

The Spine Surgery center can treat a full range of spinal disorders that cause pain and disability, including:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated and ruptured discs
• Lower back pain
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal cord tumors
• Spine Trauma

Our experts and services are all available in one convenient location. Physician office visits, state-of-the-art X-rays and MRI imaging, physical therapy, postoperative rehabilitation and surgery are all centralized at the center for patient convenience and ease of treatment. The center offers techniques for spinal fusion and disc removal, spinal implants, interbody fusion devices and artificial discs. Minimally invasive procedures are available on an inpatient and same day surgery basis.

To find a Methodist affiliated spine surgeon in Memphis, Tennessee, please use our physician locator or call 888.777.5959.