The spine is one of the most complex and critical structures in the body. From herniated discs to spinal stenosis, our guides explain spinal conditions in terms you can understand.
Despite its name, degenerative disc disease is not truly a disease â it's a natural aging process where intervertebral discs lose hydration and height, sometimes causing chronic back or neck pain.
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner gel of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in its outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve â from the lower back through the hip and buttock and down each leg. Most cases resolve with conservative treatment.
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It affects millions of Americans â most commonly adolescents â and ranges from mild cases managed with observation to severe curves requiring surgery.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, and difficulty walking â especially in older adults.
Cervical disc replacement (CDR) is a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion for herniated cervical discs. Learn who is a candidate, what happens on surgery day, and how recovery differs from anterior cervical fusion.
Microdiscectomy is the most common surgery for a herniated lumbar disc. Learn what the procedure involves, what happens on surgery day, anesthesia type, risks, and how to prepare.
Lumbar fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the lower back to eliminate painful motion. Learn what the procedure involves, types of fusion, risks, and how to prepare for surgery day.
After herniated disc surgery, most patients return to light activity within 2 weeks. This guide walks through your week-by-week recovery milestones, PT expectations, and when to return to work and sport.
Recovering from lumbar spinal fusion is a significant commitment â typically 3â12 months to full recovery. This guide covers pain management, activity restrictions, physical therapy milestones, and return-to-activity timelines.