Disc herniations are a common source of back and leg pain. They can also occur in the smaller discs in the neck. The intervertebral discs in our spine are composed of a thick outer ring of cartilage (annulus) and an inner gel-like material (nucleus). A disc begins to herniate or rupture when a part of […]

A spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the bones in your spine – called a vertebra – slips forward and out of place. It can occur anywhere along the spine but is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine). In some patients, this causes no symptoms at all while others may have back, leg, or […]

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a neck condition that arises when the spinal cord becomes compressed or squeezed, usually due to degenerative changes that occur in the neck over time. These degenerative changes like arthritis, bone spurs, and disc protrusions cause narrowing of the channel where the spinal cord passes and eventually compression. Because the […]

Cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a “pinched nerve”, occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. Usually this can cause neck pain that radiates into the shoulder and/or arm. It can also cause muscle weakness and numbness. Cervical radiculopathy is often caused by degenerative changes […]

When a spinal fusion is indicated after non-operative management has failed, it is used to correct problems with the bones in the spine called vertebrae. The most common reason for its use is as a treatment option when motion of the vertebrae is a source of pain, instability, or nerve compression. An interbody fusion involves […]

When a spinal fusion is indicated after non-operative management has failed, it is used to correct problems with the bones in the spine called vertebrae. The most common reason for its use is as a treatment option when motion of the vertebrae is a source of pain, instability, or nerve compression. An interbody fusion involves […]

Artificial disc replacement involves removing a degenerated or herniated disc and replacing it with prosthetic components, as is done in a hip or knee replacement. The  goal of surgery is usually to relieve pressure on pinched nerves or the spinal cord while allowing the spinal segment to keep some flexibility and maintain more normal motion. […]

An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion can be indicated for a variety of conditions after non-operative management has failed, most commonly for cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy. The primary goal of surgery is usually to relieve pressure on pinched nerves as they exit the neck to the arms, or the spinal cord itself. Other goals can […]

Minimally invasive decompression procedures are indicated when spinal stenosis or disc herniations are causing painful or debilitating symptoms in the low back or legs and extensive non-operative management has failed to provide relief. The procedures are typically called a lamino-foraminotomy or a microdiscectomy depending on your pathology. The techniques used will vary from patient to […]