Spine Surgery in Lexington, KY
Spine Surgery in Lexington, KY
Aptiva Health operates at 230 Fountain Court, Suite 180 Lexington, KY 40509 in Lexington — a dedicated multidisciplinary spine practice anchored by board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. David McConda, interventional pain management physician, Steven Ganzel, DO, orthopedic physician assistant Scott Christensen, PA-C, and a team of advanced practice providers who collectively evaluate, treat, and manage spine patients from initial visit through post-operative recovery. We treat the full spectrum of cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) conditions, prioritizing conservative care first — physical therapy, injections, and non-surgical pain management — and offering minimally invasive surgical options including ACDF, cervical disc replacement, lumbar decompression, MAS TLIF lumbar fusion, SI joint fusion, and laminectomy when surgery becomes the right answer. With on-site MRI, on-site physical therapy, and an in-house interventional pain management practice, the entire spine care pathway happens under one roof.
Medically reviewed by David McConda, MD. Last reviewed: July 2026.
Why Patients Choose Aptiva Health for Spine Care in Lexington
One Spine Team, One Care Pathway
Most spine patients in Lexington end up coordinating care across three or four practices: a primary care office for the referral, a separate imaging center for the MRI, a spine specialist booked months out, an injection appointment somewhere else, and a separate physical therapy practice for rehab. Each handoff is another week of delay, another insurance authorization, another appointment to drive to.
Aptiva Health Lexington is structured differently. From the initial evaluation through MRI, conservative care, injections, surgery, and post-operative rehab, the patient stays inside one organization. The surgeon, the pain management physician, the physical therapist, and the imaging center all share the same chart and the same plan.
Conservative Care First, Surgery When It's Right
Most spine problems do not require surgery. Our spine team starts every patient with the least-invasive treatment that's likely to work — physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, targeted epidural and facet injections, and activity modification. We measure progress, image when needed, and only recommend surgery when the patient's symptoms and imaging both indicate it's the right step.
When surgery is the right answer, we use minimally invasive techniques whenever the anatomy allows — smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to normal activity.
Same-Week Spine Evaluations
Aptiva Health Lexington offers same-day and same-week spine appointments. Patients do not wait three months for a first visit. New patients with imaging in hand can often be evaluated within 7 days of calling.
The Spine Center of Excellence on Newburg Road
Aptiva Health Indianapolis is located at 230 Fountain Court, Suite 180 Lexington, KY 40509 with on-site MRI imaging and Aptiva orthopedic, pain management, and physical therapy services. No separate trip to an outside imaging center, no week-long wait for the scan.
Schedule your appointment today!
Meet the Lexington Spine Team
Dr. David McConda — Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Dr. David McConda is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon at Aptiva Health, fellowship-trained at OrthoCarolina Spine Center in Charlotte through the AOSpine North America Spine Surgery Fellowship — the premier spine-surgery training program of AOSpine, the international foundation that sets clinical standards in spine care. A Kentucky native who earned his MD at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Dr. McConda specializes in minimally invasive cervical and lumbar surgery and SI joint fusion.
Steven Ganzel, DO — Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Interventional Pain Management
Dr. Ganzel is double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Interventional Pain Management. For the Aptiva Health Spine Team, he performs fluoroscopy-guided epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and other interventional pain procedures for patients — many of which provide lasting relief and prevent the need for surgical intervention.
Scott Christensen, PA-C — Physician Assistant - Aptiva Health
Scott Christensen, PA-C has been a physician assistant for nearly 25 years. Scott completed his physician assistant studies at the University of Kentucky in 1997. Scott works as Dr. Huhn’s physician assistant seeing patients in both Lexington and Louisville for urgent medical needs, general medical examinations, and walk-in medical appointments.
Spine Conditions We Treat in Lexington
Our Lexington spine team evaluates and treats the full range of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine conditions:
Herniated disc (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) — soft inner disc material pushing through the outer wall and pressing on a nerve root.
Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal that causes leg pain with walking (neurogenic claudication) or arm/hand symptoms in cervical stenosis.
Sciatica — radiating leg pain from a pinched lumbar nerve root.
SI joint dysfunction — pain originating from the sacroiliac joint that mimics low back pain.
Degenerative disc disease — age-related disc wear that produces chronic back or neck pain.
Spondylolisthesis — one vertebra slipping forward over the one below it, often at L4–L5.
Spondylosis — age-related arthritis of the spine.
Radiculopathy — nerve root irritation producing pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the arm or leg.
Myelopathy — spinal cord dysfunction, most commonly in the cervical spine, causing hand clumsiness, balance problems, and progressive weakness.
Neck pain — acute and chronic.
Back pain — acute and chronic.
Failed back surgery syndrome — patients with persistent symptoms after prior spine surgery elsewhere who need re-evaluation.
Work-related and auto-accident spine injuries — see our Indianapolis work injury and Indianapolis auto injury pages.
Spine Surgeries Performed in Lexington
When conservative care has not provided sufficient relief, our Indianapolis spine team performs the full range of minimally invasive and open spine surgeries. Most are performed on an outpatient or short-stay basis at the appropriate surgical center.
Cervical (neck) spine surgery
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) — removes a herniated or degenerated cervical disc and fuses the adjacent vertebrae. The most established surgery for cervical disc problems with neurological symptoms.
Cervical disc replacement (cervical disc arthroplasty) — a motion-preserving alternative to ACDF for select patients. Replaces the diseased disc with an artificial disc that preserves cervical motion at that level.
Cervical decompression / discectomy — removes the disc material causing nerve compression without fusion when anatomy allows.
Cervical laminectomy and laminoplasty — for cervical spinal stenosis or myelopathy. Laminoplasty preserves more of the spine's structure than traditional laminectomy.
Lumbar (lower back) spine surgery
Lumbar decompression / discectomy — removes the herniated disc material pressing on a lumbar nerve root. The most common lumbar spine surgery.
Lumbar laminectomy — removes part of the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. The most common surgery for symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis.
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion (MAS TLIF) — used when stenosis is combined with spinal instability or significant spondylolisthesis. The Minimal Access Surgery (MAS) TLIF approach splits the back muscles rather than cutting through them, which reduces blood loss, post-operative pain, scarring, and recovery time compared with traditional fusion.
Sacroiliac (SI) joint surgery
Minimally invasive SI joint fusion — for patients with confirmed SI joint dysfunction who have not responded to physical therapy, injections, and conservative care. Performed through a small incision with implants that stabilize the joint.
Pain management procedures (often non-surgical alternatives)
Performed by Dr. Steven Ganzel under live fluoroscopic guidance, these procedures let many spine patients avoid surgery entirely:
Radiofrequency ablation (rhizotomy) — for facet-joint pain; can provide six to twelve months of relief.
Permanent spinal cord stimulator placement — for chronic neuropathic pain that has not responded to other treatments.
The Aptiva Stepped Care Approach to Spine Conditions
Spine surgery is rarely a first-line treatment. Our Indianapolis spine team follows a stepped-care approach that gives every patient the best chance of resolving their symptoms without surgery.
Step 1 — Activity modification, medication, and self-care. NSAIDs, short courses of muscle relaxants, nerve-pain medications when appropriate, ice and heat therapy, and avoiding the postures or activities that aggravate symptoms.
Step 2 — Physical therapy and non-invasive treatments. Spine-specific protocols, manual therapy, dry needling, and aquatic therapy when indicated.
Step 3 — Interventional pain management injections under fluoroscopic guidance by Dr. Ganzel — epidural steroid injection, facet joint injection, medial branch block, radiofrequency ablation.
Step 4 — Minimally invasive procedures and surgery when conservative care has not provided sufficient relief or when the diagnosis clearly requires surgical decompression.
Many patients reach Step 2 or Step 3 and stop there — their symptoms resolve and they do not need surgery. For the patients who do need surgery, the stepped-care evaluation makes sure the surgery is targeting the right problem at the right level.
When Should You See an Aptiva Spine Surgeon in Lexington?
Most spine pain comes on gradually and resolves with conservative care. Certain patterns warrant prompt evaluation by a spine specialist:
Back or neck pain that has not improved after 4–6 weeks of rest, activity modification, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and basic stretching.
Pain radiating into the leg or arm that follows a specific nerve pattern.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in an arm or leg.
Pain that worsens at night or wakes you up.
Difficulty walking long distances because of leg pain that improves with sitting (a classic sign of lumbar spinal stenosis).
Neck pain combined with hand clumsiness or balance problems — can be a sign of cervical myelopathy.
A prior spine surgery that did not provide the relief expected.
Spine pain following a fall, accident, or work injury.
Get to an emergency room immediately if you experience: sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden severe weakness in both legs or both arms, saddle anesthesia (numbness in the area that would touch a saddle), or symptoms following a high-energy injury. These can indicate severe spinal cord or cauda equina compression, which is a surgical emergency.
For non-emergency spine evaluation, Aptiva Health Lexington offers same-day and same-week appointments — patients do not wait months for an evaluation.
Schedule a Consultation in Lexington — Schedule Now
Aptiva Health – Lexington: 230 Fountain Court, Suite 180 Lexington, KY 40509
Our office sits in the Hamburg area off Sir Barton Way, convenient to Man o' War Boulevard and I-75. We serve patients across Lexington and surrounding communities:
Downtown Lexington — approx. 10 minutes
Nicholasville — approx. 20 minutes
Georgetown — approx. 20 minutes
Winchester — approx. 20 minutes
Richmond — approx. 25 minutes
Versailles — approx. 25 minutes
Frankfort — approx. 35 minutes
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Walk-in injury care availability may vary; call ahead to confirm.
Insurance accepted: Most major medical insurance, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, most Indiana Medicaid plans, workers' compensation, auto injury coverage (PIP and MedPay), and cash-pay.
Patients Aptiva Health with their Spine Care
“Dr. Casnellie, Simon and Tori gave my life back to me after suffering from chronic SI pain for a year following a car accident. 12 months post op, my husband and I celebrated by going dog sledding in Alaska. None of this would’ve been possible without the team at Aptiva. ❤️ THANK YOU APTIVA!”
“Dr. Casnellie and staff, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help and continued help this year! I know I have a very hard road but with your help the road seems easier! Thank you so much!”
“After pushing through tremendous lower back pain for a few years, went to see Dr. McConda. After a thorough examination and an MRI he found the culprit- a herniated disc. We discussed various treatment options and landed on an epidural injection as our first defense. I was little nervous about the procedure, but the Doc walked me through it and it was a breeze. I felt instant relief and now three years later I’m still pretty much pain free. Life altering is how I would describe the experience as prior to my time with Dr. McConda I was in daily pain and limited in regards to movement and strength. My days were a constant struggle to lift/carrry/bend/twist, etc. Today I’m very active, I can work-out, practice yoga, golf, hold my kiddos, and even wrestle alligators if need be. I’m a new dude. If you are in the Louisville area and are experiencing any kind of back pain go see Dr. McConda STAT!”
“Dr. McConda is the best Orthopedic Spine Surgeon in Kentucky. While his medical knowledge of the spine and back are superior to others, I have never been around a doctor with such great bedside manner. He took time to explain what was happening to me, why it was happening, and the various options to correct it. I never felt rushed or pushed in a certain direction. I would highly recommend Dr. McConda (and his staff) for any back or spine issue.”
“So impressed with Dr. Ganzel. I was incredibly nervous to do the procedure without sedation, but he explained everything, and it was near next to painless! 100% recommend for any epidural/steroid injections.”
“Excellent MD very caring knowledgeable and helpful. I went into Dr Ganzel expecting the worst case scenario, as I have never had a good experience with a PMR doctor. This whole situation turned out far better than what I could have hoped for . I’m now not in pain and very grateful for this physician and the injections I was able to receive.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Spine Surgery in Lexington, KY
Who are the spine care providers at Aptiva Health Spine Surgery Lexington?
Aptiva Health Spine Surgery Lexington is led by Dr. David McConda, who provides evaluations and surgical care for patients with neck and back conditions.
Supporting patient care are Steven Ganzel, DO, and Scott Christensen, PA-C. Together, the team provides comprehensive evaluations, coordinates personalized treatment plans, supports patients before and after surgery, and helps create a more connected experience from consultation through recovery.
Where is Aptiva Health Spine Surgery Lexington located?
Aptiva Health Spine Surgery Lexington is located at:
230 Fountain Court, Suite 180
Lexington, KY 40509
To schedule an appointment or speak with our team, call 859-592-1008.
Do I need spine surgery?
Many neck and back conditions can be treated without surgery. When appropriate, the Aptiva Health team may begin with conservative options such as physical therapy, activity modification, medications, or image-guided treatments.
Surgery may be considered when nonsurgical treatments have not provided enough relief or when your symptoms, examination, and imaging indicate that a surgical approach may be appropriate. Dr. McConda and the care team will review your options with you and help you make an informed decision.
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses specialized techniques and smaller incisions to reach the affected area of the spine while limiting disruption to nearby muscles and tissues.
Depending on the procedure and the individual patient, this approach may offer benefits such as smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and a more streamlined recovery. Dr. McConda will determine whether a minimally invasive approach is appropriate based on your diagnosis, imaging, anatomy, and overall health.
What is the difference between ACDF and cervical disc replacement?
Both procedures may be used to address damaged discs in the neck that are affecting nearby nerves or the spinal cord.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, or ACDF, removes the damaged disc and stabilizes the area by joining the adjacent vertebrae.
Cervical disc replacement removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial disc designed to preserve motion at that level of the spine.
The most appropriate option depends on several individual factors. During your consultation, Dr. McConda will review your imaging, symptoms, and overall spinal health and explain the treatment options that may be suitable for you.
How long is recovery after spine surgery?
Recovery varies based on the procedure performed, your overall health, and your individual treatment plan. Some patients begin walking soon after surgery and gradually return to light activities, while more complex procedures may require a longer recovery period.
Your care plan may include follow-up appointments, activity guidelines, and physical therapy. Dr. McConda, Dr. Ganzel, and Scott Christensen, PA-C, will help monitor your progress and guide you through each stage of recovery.
Can I avoid spine surgery?
In many cases, nonsurgical care may help improve neck or back symptoms. Treatment options can include physical therapy, medications, injections, activity changes, and other conservative approaches.
The Aptiva Health team considers appropriate nonsurgical options before recommending surgery whenever it is safe and reasonable to do so. Some conditions may require more timely surgical evaluation, so it is important to discuss persistent, worsening, or concerning symptoms with a qualified medical provider.
When should I see a spine specialist?
Consider scheduling a spine evaluation when neck or back symptoms are persistent, interfere with daily activities, or have not improved with initial treatment.
Reasons to seek an evaluation may include:
Neck or back pain lasting several weeks
Pain that travels into an arm or leg
Numbness or tingling
Muscle weakness
Difficulty walking or completing normal activities
Symptoms that have not improved with conservative care
Neck or back pain following an injury
An evaluation can help identify possible causes of your symptoms and determine appropriate next steps. For urgent or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Does Aptiva Health Spine Surgery Lexington provide second opinions?
Yes. Patients may schedule an appointment with Aptiva Health Spine Surgery Lexington for a second opinion after receiving a surgical recommendation elsewhere.
When available, bring relevant MRI or CT images, X-rays, reports, and previous medical records. Dr. McConda will review the information, complete an evaluation, and discuss appropriate surgical and nonsurgical options so you can make a well-informed decision about your care.
How quickly can I be seen for a spine evaluation?
Appointment availability may vary, but the Aptiva Health team works to provide timely evaluations for patients experiencing neck or back concerns.
Patients who already have imaging are encouraged to let the scheduling team know when calling. To ask about current availability, call 859-592-1008.
What insurance does Aptiva Health Spine Surgery Lexington accept?
Insurance participation and coverage can vary by plan and service. Contact the office at 859-592-1008 to confirm whether your insurance is accepted and to ask about benefit verification, referral requirements, workers’ compensation, auto-related claims, or self-pay options.
Does Aptiva Health Spine Surgery Lexington treat work-related and auto accident injuries?
Aptiva Health Spine Surgery Lexington evaluates patients with neck and back injuries related to workplace incidents, motor vehicle accidents, and other traumatic events.
The team can help coordinate evaluations, treatment recommendations, documentation, and follow-up care with the appropriate parties involved in your case.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call 859-592-1008 to schedule an evaluation with the Aptiva Health Spine Surgery Lexington team.
Aptiva Health Spine Surgery Lexington
230 Fountain Court, Suite 180
Lexington, KY 40509