Outpatient Spine Surgery Center

Methods used at the OSSC in Santa Monica, CA

Patients with spinal disorders are assessed by one of our board certified skilled clinicians using the most advanced comprehensive diagnostic methods.

Treatment is then begun by using all available types of non-operative therapy, both conventional and alternative. This conservative initial approach is custom tailored to the patient’s individual needs considering personal, recreational and workplace factors.

In the beginning, choices such as medications, modification of activities, physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, aquatics, endurance training, acupuncture, dietary changes, pain management and psychological support are used when thought to be beneficial.

When a patient’s condition does not respond to the initial treatments we will consider them for comprehensive diagnostics that may include radiography, MRI, CT scans, myelography or provocative discography as indicated by the clinician. Also, diagnostic and therapeutic "localizing blocks" are used to help define and identify pain generators. These help us to educate the patient regarding potentially aggravating activities and further treatment options both non-operative and operative.

Frequent communications occur between patient and the patient's care team of specialist as well as among other specialists via what is known as "multidisciplinary specialty conferences." After careful analysis of risks and benefits, those patients who might benefit from surgery and who desire to proceed are scheduled for the most appropriate individualized surgical and post-surgical approach.
We use the most advanced laparoscopic surgical approaches, from minimally invasive microscopic to instrumented reconstructions which are individually designed based on comprehensive analysis of patient's diagnosis, age, medical condition, weight, activity level, work conditions, recreational demands, and more. After surgery, patients are helped through comprehensive restoration and rehabilitation programs, where needed, to maximize function and minimize pain.

Using the most advanced types of treatments, the Valley Spine Center uses the services of the occupational medicine physician, rehabilitation specialist, radiologist, chiropractor, physical therapist, acupuncture doctor, pain specialist, nutritionist, psychiatrist and, if needed, the orthopedic spine specialist or neurosurgeon to orchestrate optimal management.

Personal issues including medical and legal concerns, insurance coverage, state or worker's compensation disability issues, workplace assessment and modification as well as possible future medical needs are carefully explained and coordinated with the patient and accurately communicated to employers, adjusters and attorneys, if required.