Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF): Step-by-Step Explained

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

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…

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5 Common Myths About Spinal Stenosis Debunked

spinal stenosis

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…

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What to Expect in the First Week After Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

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…

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Revision Spine Surgery: A Second Chance After Failed Back Surgery

Revision Spine 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…

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What Causes Sciatica and When to See a Neurosurgeon in San Diego

Sciatica

“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…

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Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: What to Expect Before, During & After

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery has transformed how we treat conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. Unlike traditional open procedures, these techniques use small incisions, specialized tools, and imaging guidance to access the spine with less disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues. The result is significant: shorter hospital stays, less post-operative pain, and…

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