There are many types of spine injuries and conditions. Symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, stiffness or posture problems should be assessed by an expert spine physician to determine appropriate treatment. In most cases, to help make a diganosis, imaging tests (such as X-rays, low-dose radiation EOS images or MRIs) should also be conducted and reviewed by a radiologist with musculoskeletal expertise.

HSS takes a multidisciplinary approach to spine care. Depending on your type of condition, you may benefit from nonsurgical treatment by a physiatrist, rheumatologist, pain management doctor or physical therapist. Complex spine injuries and certain degenerative conditions may require an operation by an orthopedic or neurologic spine surgeon.

Explore the content below to learn more.

• Spine anatomy
• Spine animations library
• Back conditions and treatments
• Neck conditions and treatments

Spine anatomy

The bones that compose the spine (or backbone) are divided into four basic segments. From top to bottom, these are:

Spine animations libary

Watch videos that illustrate and explain various spinal conditions and injuries, including surgical treatments. (Each surgical animation provides only a general overview of a particular orthopedic procedure. HSS surgeons tailor each operation to the individual patient.)