Dr. Thomas Stonecipher, MD - Lower Back/Lumbar Spine Surgery, Everett Clinic

This is an interview with Dr. Thomas Stonecipher, MD, who is an Orthopedic Surgeon at The Everett Clinic. For a full biography of Dr. Stonecipher, please visit: http://thomaskstonecipher.everettclinic.com/.

In lower back problems, lumbar spine problems, probably less than five percent, maybe even less than that, ultimately need a surgical remedy. That's part of my drive to help push the evolution of the spine center institute that we've talked about. Most people with spine problems are best treated with non-surgical care, but sometimes that doesn't work.

Sometimes there's so much pressure on the spinal nerve because of an arthritic condition, a tumor, a fracture, or a deformity, that pain and functional impairment become tremendous barriers to a quality level of life. In those cases, surgery can sometimes have a wonderful outcome.

For more information on The Everett Clinic Orthopedics Department, please visit: http://www.everettclinic.com/Specialties/Orthopaedics.ashx?p=904.