Back Surgery

Vertrae®

Kamal R. Woods, MD, MBA, FAANS

Neurosurgeon located in Miamisburg, OH

Experts estimate that back pain affects around 20% of adults every year and up to 80% of people at some point in their lifetime. To find out if back surgery is right for your chronic or debilitating back pain, book an appointment at Vertrae® with renowned neurosurgeon Kamal Woods, MD, MBA, FAANS. Located in Dayton, Ohio, Dr. Woods and his team offer personalized care using the latest techniques and technologies. To speak with Dr. Woods about your condition, schedule your visit by phone or online today.

Back Surgery Q & A

When should I see a doctor about my back pain?

Back pain is a common problem that can disrupt your daily routine and lead to a lower quality of life. Although most cases of back pain are short-lived and improve with at-home care, many people suffer from severe back pain or symptoms that don’t seem to go away. 

You should seek medical attention for any back pain that lasts more than a few days. You should especially seek care if your back pain is severe or accompanied by symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness. 

At Vertrae®, Dr. Woods typically recommends back surgery for people with severe back problems or symptoms that haven’t responded to conservative care. Back surgery is appropriate for a number of conditions, including:

  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated disc
  • Osteoarthritis


During your appointment, Dr. Woods can determine if back surgery is the right option for you. 

How do I know if I need back surgery?

To determine if you need back surgery, Dr. Woods performs a thorough evaluation to figure out the severity and underlying cause of your back problem. Your evaluation begins with a physical exam and review of your medical history. 

You and Dr. Woods also discuss your symptoms and any steps you’ve taken to improve your condition. In most cases, he also performs imaging tests to get a good look at your spine and surrounding structures. Imaging tests may include diagnostics like an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. 

After your evaluation, Dr. Woods goes over his findings with you and recommends the most appropriate back surgery for your condition. He uses the most advanced treatment methods to improve the outcome for each of his patients. 

What are some types of back surgery?

Dr. Woods is a pioneer in the field of back surgery and shares his expertise with other surgeons around the world. Depending on your needs, and after exhausting all conservative options, he may recommend surgical procedures like:

  • Lumbar laminectomy
  • Lumbar microdiscectomy
  • Lumbar fusion
  • Lumbar disc replacement


In addition to traditional surgical techniques, Dr. Woods is an expert in minimally invasive back surgery and advanced procedures like oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and anterior to psoas (ATP) fusion.

With the right treatment, you can eliminate your pain and regain your quality of life. To receive the personalized care you need, book an appointment at the Vertrae® office nearest you by phone or online today.