Start with the clinical question
Back or neck pain can come from more than one structure. A careful history and examination help identify a likely cause before choosing a treatment. Imaging supports that assessment; it does not replace it.
Match the treatment to the problem
Decompression addresses pressure on a nerve or spinal cord. Fusion addresses stability. Fracture procedures and deformity reconstruction solve different problems. The diagnosis should explain why a specific technique is being considered.
Read outcomes with context
Research describes results in groups of patients. Your anatomy, health, prior treatment, and goals affect how those findings apply to you. Ask about expected benefits, meaningful limitations, and the possibility of additional treatment.
Consider alternatives and uncertainty
Depending on the diagnosis, options may include observation, rehabilitation, medicines managed by your clinician, or other nonsurgical care. Evidence and patient selection differ between procedures. No technique is the right answer for everyone.
Dr. Prybis’s research background
Explore his publications on spinal biomechanics, interbody fusion, and instrumentation, along with selected clinical research participation.
Research & publications →Education sources
These guides draw on the practice’s procedure descriptions and patient education from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). They are introductory summaries, not a systematic research review.
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Spinal Fusion
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Bone Grafts in Spine Surgery
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Surgical Treatment for Scoliosis
- AAOS OrthoInfo: About Your Back
- Spine and Orthopedic Specialists of Atlanta: listed cervical, lumbar, thoracic, and reconstructive procedures
Content prepared September 2026. Discuss current recommendations with your treating clinician.