From Robotics to Rehab: How Technology Is Closing the Gap Between Surgery and Full Recovery
Surgery Is Just One Step in the Journey As a spine surgeon, my job used to end in the operating room. The procedure would go smoothly, the patient would wake up, and after a few days in recovery, they were sent home to begin rehab. But things are changing. We are no longer looking at […]
The Spine as a System: Why Localized Pain Needs a Whole-Spine Perspective
Looking Beyond the Pain Point When a patient comes into my office complaining of neck pain or lower back discomfort, the natural reaction is to focus on the one area that hurts. That is understandable. After all, it is where the pain lives. But as a spine surgeon, I have learned to ask a deeper […]
Is Artificial Disk Replacement the Right Choice for Physically Active Patients?
Why Mobility Matters to Active People As a spine surgeon, one of the first things I ask my patients is how they live their lives. Are they active? Do they work a physically demanding job? Do they want to get back to the gym, the golf course, or their weekend hikes? For athletes, fitness enthusiasts, […]
Integrating Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Strategies for Multi-Level Spine Disease
Why Team-Based Spine Care Matters Multi-level spine disease is one of the most complex conditions I treat as a neurosurgeon. These are not simple, single-level herniations or isolated degenerative disks. These are patients with pain, instability, and nerve compression that affect multiple levels of the spine, often across both the cervical and lumbar regions. Trying […]
Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery in the Cervical Spine: Innovations in Endoscopy and Navigation
A New Way to Treat Neck Pain Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people come to see a spine surgeon. Whether caused by a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression, cervical spine problems can make daily life difficult. Pain, stiffness, numbness in the arms, and even weakness can take a toll […]
From the Locker Room to the OR: Applying Sports Medicine Techniques to Everyday Spine Injuries
What Pro Athletes Can Teach Us About Spine Health When people think about sports medicine, they often picture elite athletes on the sidelines, surrounded by doctors, trainers, and coaches. They imagine high-stakes injuries, cutting-edge treatments, and fast-track recoveries. What many people do not realize is that the same principles used to keep professional athletes on […]
Next-Generation Artificial Disks: Restoring Mobility Through Advanced Biomechanics
A New Chapter in Spine Care When I started my career as a neurosurgeon, the standard approach for treating severe degenerative disc disease was spinal fusion. At the time, it was our best option. By permanently joining two vertebrae together, we could stabilize the spine, relieve pain, and prevent further damage. The problem? Fusions limit […]
Breakthrough Therapies for Spinal Cord Injuries: From Stem Cells to Neuroregeneration
A New Era in Spinal Care Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working with patients facing one of the most challenging conditions in medicine — spinal cord injuries. As a neurosurgeon, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating these injuries can be, affecting not only the ability to move but also independence, confidence, […]