A better quality of life, thanks to highly specialised treatment in an interdisciplinary setting.
At the University Spine Centre in Zurich, our main concern focusses on the patient’s problem. Our goal is to provide optimal treatment and find the best possible therapeutic approach for you. An appointment with us will bring you into contact with one of our qualified specialists, who will look closely at your particular needs and advise you accordingly.
The causes of back problems are as varied as the people themselves. Our specialists at the University Spine Centre take a holistic approach to your back problems and will determine whether you need conservative treatment or an operation. Thanks to cooperation between the different departments and the expertise of our many specialists, we can offer you the best possible treatment for your particular condition in the most appropriate place.
Our University Spine Centre specialises in the following diseases and injuries of the spine and the spinal cord:
Appointments Balgrist University Hospital
Monday - Friday
8.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon
1.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Appointments for Location "Stadtspital Waid"
Tuesday
8.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon
![[Translate to Englisch:] Maximale Expertise in der Wirbelsäulenchirurgie](/fileadmin/user_upload/Fachbereiche/UWZH/Wirbelsaeulenchirurgie.jpg "The greatest expertise in spine surgery")
The department of spine surgery at Balgrist is one of the largest university units in Switzerland for treating diseases of the spine. Our highly specialised experts cover the full range of conservative and surgical treatment.
The department focusses on diseases of an inflammatory or degenerative nature, as well as soft-tissue rheumatological conditions. Conservative treatment is supplemented by physiotherapy tailored to the specific condition affecting the spine.
![[Translate to Englisch:] Diagnostik, konservative Behandlung und Prävention von Rückenbeschwerden](/fileadmin/user_upload/Fachbereiche/UWZH/Chiropraktik.JPG "Diagnostic investigation, conservative treatment and prevention of back problems:")
Chiropractic Medicine is an evidence-based treatment concept. It is an alternative to or complements other medical or surgical procedures as well as physiotherapy. The department of Chiropractic Medicine at Balgrist is the only official educational institution for medical students in the track Chiropractic Medicine in Switzerland.
![[Translate to Englisch:] Bild einer 3D-Wirbelsäule](/fileadmin/user_upload/Fachbereiche/UWZH/3D_Spine.jpg "Imaging of the spine (in 3D)")
Specialising in the musculoskeletal system, the Department of Radiology at Balgrist is unique in Switzerland. Diagnostic imaging of the spine is the main focus at the University Spine Centre. Our radiologists also perform minimally invasive treatment for pain (e.g. injections of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs).
The only university centre for spinal cord injury in Switzerland is an international leader in electrophysiology (measurement of nerve function in the spinal cord). Patients with paralysis receive comprehensive care from the acute state to long-term rehabilitation.
Highly specialised anaesthetists offer the full range of regional anaesthetics and intensive care. Working together with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Zurich, we also put great value on education and research.
Neuro-urology is concerned with conditions of the urinary tract and genital organs caused by problems with the spinal cord and nerves. Diagnostic investigation and treatment of neurogenic bladder disorders and sexual function are the main areas of neuro-urological research.
Working together with the Zurich University Children’s Hospital, Balgrist University Hospital runs a highly specialised paediatric orthopaedic unit and offers care for all orthopaedic problems and injuries of the musculoskeletal system during the formative years.
![[Translate to Englisch:] Dank interdisziplinärer Forschung die Behandlungsmethoden der Zukunft verbessern](/fileadmin/user_upload/Fachbereiche/UWZH/Finite_Element_Spine.jpg "The goal is to improve the treatment methods of the future, thanks to interdisciplinary research")
The spine, spinal cord, and nerves form a complex interactive system. There are many different causes of spinal disease. Only interdisciplinary research makes it possible to understand the spine in its entirety and improve diagnosis and treatment in the future.
It is very important to us that our patients are well informed. You will find answers to questions about appointments, treatment, and other concerns about the University Spine Centre in the FAQ section. Please contact us if you require any further information.
Have you seen our animated videos for patients? They illustrate the causes of disease and injury to the spine. Using models, we explain why poor alignment of the bones or overstraining can cause pain, and how we can correct the problems.
Our blog is a platform for people with paralysis. They and their relatives relate happenings in their everyday lives.
Once a year, Balgrist University Hospital hosts the interdisciplinary Complex Spine Symposium. Internationally renowned leaders in spine surgery present first-rate lectures and impart academic knowledge about this key element of the human body. The Complex Spine Symposium is intended for neurosurgeons, specialist spine surgeons, general orthopaedic surgeons, and primary care providers, and is held in English.
A strong and stable core is the basis of a healthy posture and essential for strength in daily physical activities and sports. Our physiotherapists have developed an efficient core strength training programme consisting of tried and tested exercises to strengthen and stabilise the different muscle groups. Training regularly for just 10 minutes a day will effectively increase your core strength. The ‘Rumpfzirkel’ app will transform your iPhone etc. into a motivational training partner.
Patient-centred care
Patient-centred care is also the guiding principle of our research. At the University Spine Centre, we address research questions related to our patients’ problems – always with the goal of determining the best therapeutic approach. We are able to do this because our research findings are closely linked to clinical activities. Many of our treating doctors are also researchers who deliver new findings in various fields of research. Their results flow seamlessly into the further development of new innovative treatment methods.
Always striving to improve treatment for our patients.
