Spine conditions and treatments

Low back and leg

• Herniated discWhat a lumbar disc herniation is, how it's treated, and when surgery makes sense.
• SciaticaLeg pain that starts in the back: the usual causes and what helps.
• Lumbar spinal stenosisLeg pain and heaviness with walking, and the options for decompression.
• Foraminal stenosisNarrowing where a single nerve leaves the spine.
• Far lateral disc herniationA herniation outside the spinal canal that often causes front-of-thigh pain.
• Central, paracentral, foraminal, and far lateral herniationsHow the location on your MRI decides which nerve is pinched.
• Recurrent disc herniationWhen a disc herniates again after surgery.
• Lumbar facet cystA fluid-filled cyst from the facet joint that can press on a nerve.
• SpondylolisthesisWhen one vertebra slips forward on the one below.
• Foraminal narrowing on your MRIWhat the words in your report mean and whether the finding matters.

Neck and arm

• Cervical radiculopathyA pinched nerve in the neck causing arm pain, numbness, or weakness.
• Surgery for cervical radiculopathyDisc replacement, ACDF, and endoscopic foraminotomy compared.
• Cervical disc replacementReplacing a worn neck disc while keeping motion at that level.

Mid back

• Thoracic disc herniationDisc herniations in the mid back, which are less common and handled differently.

Procedures and decisions

• Endoscopic spine surgerySurgery through a small incision with a camera, and where it fits.
• What endoscopic spine surgery looks likeYour day from check-in to going home.
• Disc replacementAn overview of cervical and lumbar disc replacement.
• Lumbar disc replacementDisc replacement in the low back and who it suits.
• Fusion or disc replacementHow the decision between the two usually gets made.
• Am I a candidate for disc replacement?The factors that make someone a good candidate, or not.
• VideosShort videos on endoscopic spine surgery.