Specialized orthopedic spine care • Oregon
Spine care centered on diagnosis, function and movement
Evaluation and treatment for cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine conditions, including degenerative disorders, nerve compression and spinal trauma.
Care begins with the source of the symptoms
Back, neck and nerve symptoms are not all the same.
Spine symptoms may be related to discs, joints, nerves, degenerative changes or injury. A careful evaluation helps identify the problem before a treatment pathway is selected.
At OSM, spine care is designed around the diagnosis, the way symptoms affect function and the patient’s individual circumstances. Treatment may remain nonsurgical or may include surgery when it is appropriate.
Locate the problem
Consider the history, symptoms, examination and imaging when appropriate to understand where the problem may originate.
Consider the whole patient
Review how the condition affects movement, work, sleep, activity and the priorities that matter to the individual.
Choose the pathway
Discuss appropriate nonsurgical or surgical options, including recovery considerations and expected follow-up.
Conditions we evaluate and treat
Spine care from the neck through the lower back
Dr. Nguyen specializes in cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine conditions, including degenerative disorders, nerve compression and spinal trauma.
Cervical spine
Conditions affecting the neck
- Cervical disc disorders
- Herniated discs
- Cervical spinal stenosis
- Radiculopathy
- Degenerative cervical conditions
Thoracic & lumbar spine
Mid-back and lower-back conditions
- Thoracic spine conditions
- Lumbar disc disorders
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative lumbar conditions
Nerve compression
Symptoms involving spinal nerves
- Radiculopathy
- Nerve compression
- Pain extending into an arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness associated with nerve symptoms
Trauma & complex conditions
Care after injury or structural change
- Spinal trauma
- Spine fractures and injuries
- Conditions affecting spinal stability
- Complex cervical conditions
- Complex thoracic or lumbar conditions
Spine treatment pathways
Care matched to the diagnosis and the patient
A spine consultation does not predetermine surgery. Treatment is selected according to the diagnosis, symptoms, function, previous care and the patient’s individual circumstances.
Nonsurgical pathway
When nonsurgical care remains appropriate, the evaluation can help clarify the diagnosis and inform the next steps in treatment.
- Diagnostic evaluation
- Review of existing imaging
- Review of previous treatment
- Physical therapy planning
- Activity and function goals
- Follow-up based on the condition
Minimally invasive & motion-preserving care
When surgery is recommended, some conditions may be treated with minimally invasive or motion-preserving techniques.
- Minimally invasive spine surgery
- Motion-preserving techniques
- Non-fusion procedures
- Procedures addressing nerve compression
- Cervical spine procedures
- Lumbar spine procedures
Stabilization, fusion & trauma care
Other conditions may require stabilization, fusion or surgical care for spinal trauma, depending on the anatomy and diagnosis.
- Fusion techniques
- Spine stabilization
- Surgery for spinal trauma
- Fracture-related procedures
- Thoracic spine procedures
- Individualized recovery planning
The techniques listed above are not appropriate for every condition or patient. Dr. Nguyen will explain the relevant options, alternatives and recovery considerations for the individual situation.
Postoperative instructions for current patients
Use the instructions provided for your procedure and follow the specific directions from your care team.
OSM spine physician
Specialized orthopedic spine expertise
Dr. Emily Nguyen provides specialized care for cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine conditions with an emphasis on individualized treatment planning.
Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Emily C. Nguyen, MD
Head Orthopedic Team Physician for Rip City Remix
Spine Care Focus: Cervical • Thoracic • Lumbar
Dr. Nguyen completed orthopedic surgery residency and orthopedic spine surgery fellowship training at Mayo Clinic. She specializes in degenerative spinal disorders, minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal trauma and motion-preserving surgical techniques.
View Dr. Nguyen’s profileA consultation is a decision-making step.
Spine care should begin with understanding the problem, not assuming surgery.
Two patients with back or neck symptoms may have different diagnoses, functional limitations and priorities. OSM’s spine evaluation is designed to clarify the problem, consider appropriate options and support an informed treatment decision.
Common questions
About spine care at OSM
When should I see an orthopedic spine specialist?
Does a spine consultation mean I will need surgery?
Which areas of the spine does Dr. Nguyen treat?
What spine conditions are highlighted on this page?
Will I need new imaging?
How do I request an appointment?
Move better. Live better.
Start with a careful spine evaluation.
Request an appointment with OSM or call the office to discuss a spine consultation with Dr. Nguyen.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate emergency care. Information on this page is educational and does not replace an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.