A New Way to Help People Stand Tall Again

Transforming Spine Care at Concordia Hospital

Not long ago, many people in Manitoba who needed spine surgery faced long waits and lengthy hospital stays. For many, severe back pain made everyday activities—like walking to the kitchen or stepping outside—feel impossible.

Today, spine care at Concordia Hospital is changing lives.

Using advanced 3D imaging technology during surgery, surgeons can see the spine with remarkable precision. This allows them to perform minimally invasive procedures using smaller incisions, leading to less pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays. Many patients are now able to return home the very same day.

Carol’s Story

For Carol, chronic back pain had taken away the active lifestyle she loved. Simple daily activities became difficult, and she often felt confined to her home.

After undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery at Concordia Hospital, her life changed dramatically.

Within months, Carol was walking comfortably again. She even travelled overseas and enjoyed hiking—something she never imagined would be possible before surgery.

“It felt like getting my life back,” she said.

Improving Care for More Manitobans

These innovative surgical techniques are helping more than individual patients.

By expanding advanced spine surgery at Concordia Hospital, more procedures can be performed, helping reduce wait times across Manitoba. At the same time, surgeons from around the world are coming to Winnipeg to learn these advanced techniques, establishing the city as a growing centre for excellence in spine care.

For many patients, the greatest gift is the ability to move freely again—whether it’s gardening, travelling, or simply walking to the store without pain.

Dr. Jay Toor’s Journey

Dr. Jay Toor did not always plan to become a spine surgeon.

While completing his orthopaedic surgery training in Toronto, his life changed after a tragic family accident. His grandfather, who remained strong and active into his 80s, suffered a devastating spinal cord injury after falling down a flight of stairs. Despite emergency surgery, he passed away.

That experience shaped Dr. Toor’s career.

He dedicated himself to spine surgery, believing that the ability to move your hands and legs is one of life’s greatest gifts.

After completing advanced specialty training and earning a business degree to better understand healthcare systems, Dr. Toor was invited to help improve spine care in Manitoba.

In 2023, he moved to Winnipeg, where many patients had been waiting years for surgery.

Recognizing the potential of minimally invasive technology, Dr. Toor worked closely with healthcare leaders to introduce new surgical techniques that improve patient outcomes while making better use of healthcare resources.

Today, he performs advanced spine surgeries at Concordia Hospital and Health Sciences Centre while also training surgeons from around the world.

Dr. Toor says the collaborative, patient-centred culture he found in Winnipeg continues to inspire his work.

His goal is simple: to help people return to the activities they love and regain the freedom to live without pain.