Neurosurgeon Carlos Bagley, MD, is part of the Duke Spine Center’s multidisciplinary team, which addresses the full range of patient needs for relieving pain and restoring mobility.

What do people come to you hoping for?

For the most part, relief from debilitating back pain! People from throughout North Carolina and around the world come to Duke for treatment of everything from injury to herniated discs to congenital spinal deformities.

I specialize in spine neurosurgery, reconstructive surgery, and treatment of cancer of the spine.

What’s new and exciting in your field . . . and at Duke?

Somewhat new -- and very exciting -- is minimally invasive surgery to treat a variety of conditions such as spinal stenosis, tumors, and scoliosis.

Minimally invasive techniques can mean a dramatic reduction in post-surgical problems, pain, and complications. Duke’s spine team offers the most sophisticated techniques and leading-edge research.

Our patients have dedicated resources, including pain management specialists and nurses specially trained to care for patients who have had spinal surgery. Over 1,000 spinal procedures are performed each year at Duke.

Is surgery the best treatment for back pain?

In fact, I often try other options in an attempt to avoid surgery for my patients. Physical therapy and injections can often help.

If not, surgery can be very effective, especially for conditions such as spinal stenosis, adult scoliosis, and disc degeneration.

Because our team includes both neurosurgeons like myself and orthopaedic surgeons, we can offer patients many, many options.

The Duke Spine Center brings together leading neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, physical therapists, and physiatrists, along with staff specializing in occupational medicine and rehabilitation, to treat back pain and an array of spine disorders.