Spine Conditions & Symptoms
Revision Spinal Surgery: What It Means and When It’s Needed
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…
Read MoreAnterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF): Step-by-Step Explained
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…
Read More5 Common Myths About Spinal Stenosis Debunked
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…
Read MoreHow to Know When a Herniated Disc Requires Surgery
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,…
Read MoreLife After Spine Surgery: Tips for Returning to Work, Exercise, and Normal Life
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…
Read MoreRevision Spine Surgery: A Second Chance After Failed Back Surgery
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…
Read MoreWhat Happens After a Lumbar Fusion Surgery? Recovery, Limitations & Long-Term Outlook
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…
Read MoreWhat Causes Sciatica and When to See a Neurosurgeon in San Diego
“Sciatica” refers to leg pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, typically from your lower back through the buttocks and down one leg. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or weakness; often these start with a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine. Many people recover with time or conservative treatments; however, when pain…
Read MoreComparing ACDF vs Artificial Disc Replacement – Which Is Right for You?
Neck pain from conditions such as cervical disc herniation or degenerative disc disease can disrupt daily life, often leading patients to explore surgical options. Two common approaches in San Diego are Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) and Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR). Both aim to relieve nerve compression and restore stability, but they differ in…
Read More5 Signs You Should See a Spine Surgeon in San Diego Sooner Rather Than Later
Back pain is something most people experience at some point. For many, it fades with time, rest, or physical therapy. However, some symptoms suggest more than a muscle strain or temporary discomfort. Left untreated, they can lead to lasting nerve damage or even loss of function. As a neurosurgeon/spine surgeon in San Diego with over…
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