Prof. Dr. med. Mazda Farshad, MPH
Head Physician Spine Surgery, Director Spine Center
University Spine Center Zurich
Do you suffer from low back pain or a painful neck? What investigations do you need and what are the possible ways of treating your problem? At the University Spine Center Zurich, we treat all conditions related to the spine and the spinal cord.
A better quality of life, thanks to highly specialized treatment
At the University Spine Center, 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.
The causes of back problems are as varied as the people themselves. Our specialists 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 Center specializes in the following diseases and injuries of the spine and the spinal cord:
- Results of wear and tear on the spinal column (degeneration, instability, etc.)
- Complex deformities of the spine (children and adults)
- Previous operations on the spine (revision surgery)
- Prolapsed vertebral discs in the lumbar region
- Prolapsed vertebral discs in the cervical and thoracic spine
- Injuries to the spine
- Rheumatological diseases
- Osteoporosis of the spine
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
- Tumours and inflammation of the spine
- Second opinions
Appointments
Balgrist University Hospital
Monday to Friday
8 am to 12 noon
1 pm to 5 pm
Männedorf Hospital
Monday: 8 am to 12 noon
Friday: 8 am to 4 pm
+41 44 922 26 50
Email
➥ Web page
Stadtspital Zürich Waid
Tuesday: 8 am to 12 noon
+41 44 386 16 00
Email
➥Web page (German only)
GZO Spital Wetzikon
Monday (every two weeks)
8 am to 12 noon
+41 44 934 22 16
Email
➥Web page (German only)
Wirbelsäulenchirurgie Kantonsspital Schaffhausen
Tuesday: 1 pm to 4 pm
Wednesday: 8 am to 1 pm
+41 44 934 22 16
Email
➥Web page (German only)
Our interdisciplinary specialist departments
![[Translate to Englisch:] Maximale Expertise in der Wirbelsäulenchirurgie](/fileadmin/user_upload/Fachbereiche/UWZH/Wirbelsaeulenchirurgie.jpg "The greatest expertise in spine surgery")
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 specialized experts cover the full range of conservative and surgical treatment.
Rheumatology
The department of physical medicine and rheumatology 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.
Chiropractic Medicine
Chiropractic Medicine is an alternative to or complements other medical or surgical procedures as well as physiotherapy. The department 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/Balgrist-Wirbelsaeule-3D.jpg "Imaging of the spine (in 3D)")
Radiology
Specializing 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 Center. Our radiologists also perform minimally invasive treatment for pain (e.g. injections of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs).
Spinal neurology
The only university center 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.
Anesthesia
Highly specialized anesthetists offer the full range of regional anesthetics, intensive care and pain therapy. Working together with the faculty of medicine at the University of Zurich, we also put great value on education and research.
Neuro-Urology
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.
Pediatric orthopedics
Working together with the Zurich University Children’s Hospital, Balgrist University Hospital runs a highly specialized pediatric orthopedic unit and offers care for all orthopedic 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")
Research spine
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.
Any questions?
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 Center in the FAQ section. Please contact us if you require any further information.
Explanatory videos on cutting-edge surgical techniques and treatments for the spine
Disc problems made simple
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.
Cutting-edge medicine thanks to university research units
Patient-centered care is also the guiding principle of our research. At the University Spine Center, 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.
Department Heads
Always striving to improve treatment for our patients.
Prof. Dr. med., FRCPC Armin Curt
Chief and Director Spinal Cord Injury Center, Co-Director Spine Center
Prof. Dr. med. Reto Sutter
Chief of Radiology
Prof. Dr. med. Florian Brunner, PhD
Head Physician Physical medicine and Rheumatology
Prof. Dr. med. Urs Eichenberger
Chief of Anaesthesiology
Prof. Dr. med. Thomas M. Kessler
Chief of Neuro-Urology
Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Dreher
Head Physician Pediatric Orthopedics