The Spine Program streamlines and coordinates care by providing the best and most cost-effective therapeutic approach. From the patient's initial visit, through diagnosis, testing, treatment, and follow-up care, a multidisciplinary team provides the coordinated care that best suits each patient's needs.  Our specialists provide expert diagnosis and treatment for the following conditions:

• Scoliosis
• Cervical or lumbar stenosis
• Kyphosis
• Fractures
• Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis
• Tumors
• Disk herniation in nerve or back
• Infections
• Failed back and neck

Non-surgical treatment: A conservative course of treatment may include controlled observation, exercise programs, or pain management. The Spine Program's specially trained nursing staff and physical therapists have developed classroom and home therapy programs. The staff works closely with each patient, providing personalized attention and carefully explaining and directing treatment. If a patient needs a special device, our skilled onsite orthotics personnel fabricate a variety of custom-made devices, including shoe lifts, corsets, cervical collars, and full-body braces. Follow-up care for non-surgical treatment includes evaluations to assure adequate resolution of the condition. If the patient's condition is not resolved by initial treatment, our experts will consider further non-operative protocols or injections. Onsite injections by either interventional physiatrists or pain management specialists are performed in minor-procedure rooms.

Surgical Treatment: If surgery is indicated, Spine Program specialists evaluate the patient and recommend the appropriate surgery. The recommendations of our experts are based on past procedures and protocols, which were developed through experience in treating thousands of patients. Prior to surgery, the surgeon holds a conference with the patient and family members to explain the procedure and answer any questions. Pre-operative classes are also available to help the patient know what to expect pre- and post-surgery.

The Spine Program's physical therapist leads the Bock Class, teaching body mechanics and helping patients gain flexibility strength, and general conditioning. After the class, individual sessions with the therapist ensure that the patient understands the concepts and has no complications from the exercises The Bock Class meets twice a week for three weeks, with the goal of leading the patient progressively to a normal exercise program and to perform activities safely. Pre- and post surgical patients may join the class, and physicians can refer patients to the UC Davis Physical Therapy deportment to determine if the class it is appropriate.

At the initial visit, a patient may see a rehabilitation physician, a physiatrist, or a pain management specialist. An individual who might require surgery (or who has a history of failed surgical treatments) is directed to a surgeon. Following the initial visit, the patient may be sent for additional diagnostic tests, or he or she may be started on a treatment plan immediately after discussion with the referring physician.

If a patient requires additional tests, they can be obtained in the Lawrence J. Ellison Ambulatory Care Center or the patient can use a laboratory close to his or her home or office. The following routine and specialized diagnostic tests are available at the Ellison building:

• Plain film x-ray
• Digital x-ray
• Diagnostic injections (nerve root blocks, facet blocks, epidural blocks, discography)
• Electromyogram (EMG)
• Nuclear medicine bone scan
• CT / MRI

Within one week of the patient's first visit, the referring physician and other appropriate health care practitioners indicated receive an initial evaluation of the patient's condition and the recommend treatment.  Ongoing progress updates are sent throughout the course of the treatment.

A patient can be referred to the Spine Program by his or her primary care physician, chiropractor, or other specialist. Following the referral, the authorization department at the UC Davis Health System assists in obtaining necessary insurance clearance and coverage verification for both outpatient visits and hospitalization.

After authorization is obtained, an appointment coordinator contacts the patient. Our appointment coordinators work as a clinical team with the Spine Program specialists to schedule the appropriate sequence of clinical appointments and diagnostic tests. The appointment coordinator reminds the patient to bring any previous test results to the first visit. Additionally, prior to the initial visit, the patient receives a symptom questionnaire to complete. Once authorization is complete and the patient has an appointment, the Spine Program calls the referring physician or appropriate practitioners to obtain previous diagnostic information and inform them of the patient's upcoming visit.

The Lawrence J. Ellison Musculoskeletal Research Center is a world-class research institute where physicians, surgeons, and basic scientists perform research into the prevention and care of crippling and painful musculoskeletal disorders. Spine Program physicians actively participate in research projects. Recent studies include examining spine fusion in animal models and investigating the biomechanics of the spine.

Health care professionals who wish to refer a patient to the UC Davis Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic should call (800) 4-UCDAVIS or (800) 482-3284. Patients who would like more information about the clinic should call (916) 734-7041.