Our Mission

The CSS is a collaborative organization of spine surgeons and health care professionals with a primary interest in advancing excellence in spine patient care, research and education.

Our Vision

To be home to world leaders in spine care, research, and education.

We will develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of evidence-based national guidelines for optimal spine care, and establish a formally recognized national program for clinical fellowship training in spine surgery.

This vision will be enabled by our collective ability to inspire, innovate, and engage.

We believe in:

1. Advocating for equitable access and excellence in spine care for Canadians.

The CSS believes that a significant opportunity for improvement in spine treatment exists at the level of triage. Most patients on spine surgery wait lists do not need to see a spine surgeon. Incorrect assessment further delays Canadians from beginning their appropriate non-operative treatment and unnecessarily prolongs the wait time for patients who do require spine surgery. Our goal is to promote equitable access through the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based national guidelines.

2. Supporting surgical training of the best spine specialists in the world to maintain Canada’s leadership in our field.

The recruitment of additional spine surgeons in Canada will help reduce surgical wait times. An increased number of spine specialists will foster improved research, better education for family physicians and improved patient care. We will continue to support the formal training and certification of highly qualified personnel.

3. Supporting a collaborative Canadian research network to promote the delivery of effective treatment for patients.

All research conducted by the CSS is free of bias favouring industry or special interest groups. We promote an evidence-based approach to surgery and medical procedures. The Canadian Spine Society is dedicated to ensuring that the recommendations Canadians receive are the best treatment solutions in accordance with the latest scientific evidence. We are committed to advancing the conversion of research from our research network into effective patient care.

4. Meaningful, knowledge-building collaboration among spine care professionals and stakeholder groups.

The CSS serves as the umbrella organization for the leading spine-related organizations in Canada. We work to maintain strong partnerships with groups such as the Rick Hansen Institute, Back Care Canada and major Canadian universities. These partnerships allow the CSS to build consensus among stakeholders through increased  collaboration, inter-organizational communication and programs encouraging continuous improvement for all spine care professionals.

5. Supporting patient literacy in health education.

The CSS recognizes the need to better counsel our patients about their spinal health, which will enable them to access and navigate our health care system. We support current health system reforms, including shared decision making, aimed at greater patient-centred care.