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Hearing that you might need another spine surgery after already going through one can feel discouraging. Many patients worry that a “second surgery” means the first one failed or that things will only get worse. In reality, revision spinal surgery is a specific, carefully planned operation that is considered when there is a clear structural…
Neck pain with shooting pain, numbness, or weakness down the arm can be scary. When medications, physical therapy, and injections are not enough, your spine specialist may bring up anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, or ACDF. ACDF is a well-established neck surgery that removes a damaged disc from the front of the neck and fuses…
Hearing the words “spinal stenosis” can feel overwhelming. Many people imagine an unavoidable future of constant pain, a wheelchair, or guaranteed surgery. In reality, spinal stenosis is a common condition that affects many adults as they age, and its course is often much more manageable than people fear. This article clears up five common myths…
A herniated disc can turn simple movements into sharp, shooting pain. For some people, it feels like lightning in their legs or arm. For others, it is a deep ache that never fully let’s go. The good news is that most herniated discs do not need surgery. Many people in San Diego improve with time,…
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses small incisions, tubular retractors, and imaging guidance to treat spinal problems with less muscle disruption than traditional open surgery. For many patients, this approach means shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, and faster early recovery. Still, the first week after surgery can feel uncertain. Patients often ask: How much pain…
Trigeminal neuralgia is often described as one of the most severe types of pain a person can experience. It causes sudden, electric shock-like attacks on one side of the face that can make eating, brushing teeth, or even a light breeze feel unbearable. Although it is a rare condition, it has a big impact on…
Spine surgery is a major step, but for most people, it is just the beginning of a longer journey. The real goal is not the operation itself; it is getting back to normal life, work, and the activities you enjoy. Patients in San Diego often ask: “How long before I can drive again? When can…
Choosing a neurosurgeon is one of the most important medical decisions many people will ever make. Neurosurgeons care for conditions that affect the brain, spine, and nerves, areas that control movement, sensation, and even personality. In a city like San Diego, patients have many options. That can be a good thing, but it can also…
Most people hope spine surgery will be a one-time solution. For many, it is. Pain improves, function returns, and life gradually feels normal again. However, some patients continue to have back or leg pain after surgery or feel better at first and then notice symptoms returning months or years later. This situation is sometimes called…
Lumbar fusion surgery can be life-changing for people with severe back or leg pain from conditions such as spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, or advanced disc degeneration. The goal is to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on irritated nerves. If you are scheduled for lumbar fusion surgery in San Diego, or you are recovering from a…