Here, you can be confident that you’ll receive care from experienced specialists who work together to help you feel better and recover safely. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the only Illinois hospital to be ranked No. 1 for 14 straight years, and it’s nationally ranked for orthopaedics, and neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report, 2025 – 2026.

Nearly 8 out of 10 Americans will be affected by diseases and disorders of the spine as adults. We diagnose and treat a wide range of spine conditions using advanced imaging, nonsurgical care and surgery when needed. Conditions we treat include:

• Spinal deformity, including scoliosis
• Spine tumors
• Degenerative disk disease
• Failed neck or back surgery
• Pinched nerves and nerve injuries
• Rheumatologic spine conditions
• Spinal fractures and traumatic injuries
• Work-related back and neck injuries
• Sports-related back and neck injuries

Our spine specialists also care for routine spine problems, focusing on long-term relief and healthy movement.

A Team-Based Approach to Spine Care

Our center brings together specialists from many areas, including:

• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Orthopaedic surgery
• Neurological surgery
• Neuroradiology
• Neuropsychology
• Musculoskeletal radiology

Having a team of specialists working together is important. Our approach helps reduce delays, streamline care and make sure you get the most appropriate treatment. We will work with your referring physician to ensure you have seamless transfer to our center and then back home for rehabilitation and recovery.

Many spine problems can be treated without surgery through physical therapy, medications or other nonsurgical options. When surgery is needed, our spine surgeons provide expert care using advanced techniques.

Treatment options may include:

• Medications or injections to reduce pain and inflammation
• Radiation therapy for spine tumors
• Braces or other supportive devices to help the spine heal
• Minimally invasive spine surgery
• Image-guided and computer-navigated spine surgery

Computer-guided surgery helps surgeons see the spine more clearly during procedures, which can improve accuracy and safety.

Nonsurgical Spine Care Comes First

We start with conservative (nonsurgical) care first. We take the time to fully explore nonsurgical options and never rush into spine surgery unless it’s an emergency.

Surgery is always available when it’s needed, but it’s not the answer for everyone. That’s why our team carefully reviews your symptoms, imaging and response to treatment before recommending spine surgery.

• Northwestern Memorial Hospital is a top choice in Illinois for the most complex spine cases, delivering advanced care when it matters most.*
• More experience brings more expertise. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is a leading provider of spine surgery in Illinois, offering state of the art equipment, leading edge techniques and a team you can trust.*
• Our care teams help patients recover faster and return to daily activities sooner after spine surgery, without compromising safety or quality.*
• By choosing Northwestern Memorial Hospital for spine surgery, you may return to your daily activities sooner.*
• When surveyed, 93% of patients said they would recommend their Northwestern Medicine orthopaedic surgeon or neurosurgeon.†
• Patients choose Northwestern Memorial Hospital for spinal fusion because our patients often spend less time in the hospital after surgery.*
• Northwestern Memorial Hospital is among the nation’s safest hospitals for spinal fusion, with outcomes that exceed expectations and reflect our commitment to excellence.*

If you’ve been told you may need spine surgery, getting a spine surgery second opinion can help you feel more confident about your next steps. A second opinion allows another spine specialist to review your diagnosis and explain your options in clear, simple terms.

Our surgeons review your imaging and prior recommendations. They’ll talk with you about whether you need surgery, whether a different type of surgery may be an option or whether nonsurgical care could still help.

To request a spine surgery second opinion, fill out our form .

Download the Spine Surgery Second Opinion Guide .