Pioneering the Future of Spinal Health
Advancing innovative treatments for radiculopathy and nerve pain through groundbreaking research.
At Spinal Horizons Research Foundation (SHRF), we are dedicated to redefining spinal healthcare. Our cutting-edge research and focus on innovative technologies are paving the way for breakthrough treatments designed to improve surgical outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from spinal stenosis and related nerve compression disorders.
Redefining What's Possible in Spinal Health
The Spinal Horizons Research Foundation (SHRF) was established to confront the significant challenges in treating complex spinal conditions. We believe in a future where interventions are precise, effective, and centered on each patient's unique needs. By funding pivotal research and fostering collaboration, we aim to bring innovative solutions from the lab to the clinic, transforming the landscape of spinal care.
Our Vision for Tomorrow
We envision a future where spinal disorders are managed with unparalleled precision and efficacy, making truly effective treatments accessible and dramatically improving patient outcomes worldwide. Our goal is to see a significant reduction in invasive procedures and a substantial improvement in the quality of life for those affected by spinal conditions.
The Urgent Need for Innovation
Behind every statistic is a person whose life has been disrupted by spinal pain and dysfunction. These disorders affect millions globally, creating profound challenges for patients and the surgeons who treat them.
Low back pain, often linked to degenerative spine conditions, affected approximately 619 million people1 globally in 2020, with projections expecting this to rise to 843 million by 20501.
Annually, an estimated 266 million individuals2 worldwide experience degenerative lumbar spine disease with associated low back pain, and within this group, approximately 103 million suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis2 (nerve compression due to spinal canal narrowing).
In the United States, lumbar spinal stenosis affects roughly 11% of older adults3, and it is estimated that over 2 million Americans4 currently require treatment for this condition.
Approximately 600,000 lumbar stenosis surgeries5 are performed annually in the U.S., underscoring the significant impact of this condition.
These staggering numbers highlight the critical need for innovative treatments and dedicated research to improve spinal health outcomes and alleviate the burden of these conditions.
References:
1. WHO Global Health Observatory - Low Back Pain Fact Sheet (2023). View Source
2. Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disease: Estimating Global Incidence and Worldwide Volume (2018). PubMed
3,5. Diagnosis and Management of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Review (2022). PubMed
4. Identifying predictors for postoperative clinical outcome in lumbar surgery (2017). BMC Journal
Our Approach: Fueling Discovery
We fund groundbreaking research that leverages innovative technologies to advance evidence-based therapies for spinal disorders and nerve dysfunction. Our commitment is to support studies that have the potential to directly mitigate the uncertainties faced by surgeons and improve the often-varied outcomes experienced by patients.
Our Focus
Our strategic initiatives focus on four key areas that promise to revolutionize spinal healthcare. SHRF is developing our research strategy with a focus on intraoperative nerve monitoring, minimally invasive techniques, and emerging predictive analytics. Our goal is to establish evidence-based protocols that can be implemented across diverse clinical settings.
Strategic Research Priorities
- • Near-term Priority (Late 2025): We aim to begin funding a 2-arm multi-center study on intraoperative neural monitoring for decompression diagnostics
- • Mid-term Initiative (Early 2026): Fellowship sponsorship program supporting research aligned with SHRF strategic vision
- • Science-Driven Discovery: Supporting breakthrough research that advances spinal healthcare science and helps patients return to enjoying life, with priorities guided by emerging scientific opportunities
Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring
Empowering surgeons with real-time insights for more precise procedures and better patient outcomes.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Advancing surgical approaches that minimize recovery time and help patients return to their lives sooner.
Predictive Analytics for Surgical Outcomes
Harnessing data and machine learning to develop personalized treatment approaches for each patient.
Optimized Surgical Planning
Developing technologies to enhance pre-operative planning, allowing surgeons to optimize techniques and improve patient outcomes.
Join Our Mission to Transform Spinal Health
Join a community of forward-thinking researchers, clinicians, and advocates committed to transforming spinal health. Whether you're interested in collaboration, funding opportunities, or staying informed about our progress, there's a place for you in the SHRF mission.
Researchers
Submit grant applications, join collaborative studies, access research networks
Clinicians
Participate in clinical trials, contribute to protocols, share outcome data
Supporters
Fund breakthrough research, sponsor studies, support patient advocacy