Spine Mobility Services
Spine Mobility Services
Stay Mobile | Do What You Love
Leading Alaska in Spine Mobility Preservation
Some spine conditions may ultimately require surgery, either in the setting of failed conservative treatment or when there is a severe or progressive neurological deficit. Dr. Humphreys has made spinal motion preservation the focus of his surgical practice for over 30 years. Now he is offering a state-of-the-art option, allowing patients to retain maximum mobility not previously offered. Anywhere.
Meet Dr. Humphreys
A board certified orthopedic surgeon and is fellowship trained in orthopedic spine surgery. Dr. Humphreys moved to Alaska when he was very young. His family had a homestead on the Yetna River and they also purchased property on the Kenai River in the early 70’s.
After completing his training, Dr. Humphreys was part of a very active spine practice in Chattanooga, Tennessee. While living in the lower 48, he made frequent trips back to the family cabin several times a year and yearned to return home. He completed his wish in 2011 when he and his family moved to Soldotna and opened Kenai Spine.
Being the first spine surgeon locally allowed residents of the Kenai Peninsula to receive world class spine care without having to travel to the lower 48. Central Peninsula Hospital purchased the first O-Arm in Alaska which provided Dr. Humphreys with the most advanced surgical navigation technology available.
His philosophy for spine care is simple, explore and deplete all non-surgical options before considering spine surgery.
“I’ve spent 30 years innovating to bring the best care to our small community in Alaska. I am excited to now offer these live-changing services to the world!”
Our Spine Mobility Mission
Our mission is to help patients move with greater comfort, confidence, and freedom. Through advanced surgical techniques, innovative technology, and personalized care, we are committed to relieving pain, restoring mobility, and improving quality of life. We believe every patient deserves compassionate, individualized treatment that supports their goals and helps them return to the activities they love.
Innovative Services:
TOPS™ Procedure (Total Posterior Spine System)
The TOPS procedure is an innovative spine surgery that uses a specialized implant to stabilize the lower back while preserving natural spinal movement. Designed for certain patients with spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis, this procedure offers an alternative to traditional spinal fusion. By relieving pressure on spinal nerves while maintaining flexibility, the TOPS procedure can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
MOTUS (Lumbar Total Joint Replacement)
The MOTUS procedure is an innovative approach to spine surgery that replaces damaged discs and joints in the lower back with a specialized artificial implant. Designed to preserve natural spinal movement while providing stability, this procedure may offer an alternative to traditional spinal fusion for certain patients with degenerative spinal conditions. MOTUS aims to relieve pain, reduce pressure on spinal nerves, and improve mobility.
Who Can Benefit from Motion-Preserving Spine Surgery?
Procedures like TOPS and MOTUS may offer new possibilities for patients experiencing chronic lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, or difficulty walking due to certain degenerative spinal conditions. These treatments may be especially beneficial for individuals who have not found lasting relief through physical therapy, medications, or other nonsurgical treatments. By focusing on spinal stability while preserving natural movement, these innovative approaches aim to help eligible patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy. A consultation with a spine specialist can help determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
Other Spine Services:
Disc Replacement
Disc replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or worn spinal disc with an artificial disc designed to preserve movement and flexibility. This procedure can help relieve pain caused by disc degeneration while maintaining natural motion in the spine, allowing patients to return to their daily activities with greater comfort.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae to improve stability and reduce painful movement in the spine. This procedure can help relieve chronic back or neck pain caused by conditions such as spinal instability, degenerative disc disease, or spinal deformities, helping patients improve comfort and function.
Lumbar Discectomy
A lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure that removes damaged or herniated disc material in the lower back that is pressing on nearby nerves. This procedure can help relieve back and leg pain, numbness, and weakness caused by nerve compression, allowing patients to regain comfort and mobility.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of bone from the vertebrae to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves. This procedure can help relieve back or neck pain, numbness, and weakness caused by conditions such as spinal stenosis, reducing pressure on the nerves and improving comfort and mobility.
Cervical Discectomy
A cervical discectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a damaged or herniated disc in the neck that is putting pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. This procedure can help relieve neck and arm pain, numbness, and weakness caused by nerve compression, improving comfort and mobility.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses specialized instruments and smaller incisions to treat a variety of spinal conditions while minimizing disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues. Compared to traditional open surgery, these techniques may result in less postoperative pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery times, helping patients return to their daily activities sooner.
We want you to feel informed and confident throughout your care journey. Explore helpful resources to prepare for your appointments, understand your treatment options, and learn what to expect before and after your procedure.
Understanding your healthcare costs is an important part of planning your care. Find helpful information about accepted insurance plans, billing questions, payment options, and financial assistance to make navigating your healthcare expenses easier.
Have questions about our spine services or need help getting started? Our friendly team is here to help. Contact us to learn more about available treatments, scheduling appointments, or connecting with the right healthcare professional for your needs.