Summary
A patient from New Jersey had been suffering from thoracic back pain since November 2024 over a year. With the pain most severely affecting his sleep, leaving him unable to find a comfortable position regardless of how many pillows or positions he tried. After mandatory physical therapy for insurance purposes failed, 28 sessions of chiropractic care provided only temporary comfort without resolving the issue. Researching his options, he discovered that most spine surgeons refuse to operate on the thoracic spine due to the complex anatomy of ribs and organs; but found Dr. Deukmedjian and Deuk Spine Institute on YouTube as the one physician capable of treating it. After a virtual MRI review confirming three thoracic disc herniations, he traveled to Florida and underwent the Deuk Laser Disc Repair® on all three levels. That night for the first time in over a year; he slept without pain.
Transcript
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: Good morning. It is January 9th, 2026. We have here our first thoracic disc herniation patient with the Deuk Laser Disc Repair®. Where we went in and repaired three discs in the thoracic spine using a laser and an endoscope, cleaning the annular tear, getting rid of the inflammatory tissue and the source of pain. How do you feel today?
Patient: Great. I didn’t have any pain last night for the first time in over a year. So very thankful for you and for the team and the procedure.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: Now you came from New Jersey. Why did you travel from New Jersey to Deuk Spine Institute?
Patient: I was doing research. The pain started in November 2024, and I was trying to figure out what kind of treatments are available for this. I searched around and discovered that most spine surgeons do not touch the thoracic spine because of the ribs and organs in the way. It’s just hard to access. And I stumbled upon Deuk Spine on YouTube, looked into you more, and it was like this is the guy that can do it.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: And you suffered with back pain. What kind of things did you try for that back pain?
Patient: I did PT. I had mandatory PT before I could even get an MRI for insurance purposes. PT didn’t help. After that, I did about 28 sessions, I think, of chiropractic care, which felt nice at times but didn’t solve the issue. And around then is when I discovered Deuk Spine. So I didn’t go down the injection path. I saved my time there and just decided I want the cure, not just the band-aid.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: Now, you did an MRI review with us at Deuk Spine Institute. How was that MRI review for you?
Patient: Good. Convenient. Obviously done virtually. Didn’t have to come down for it, which was nice. But it was great. You looked at the MRI images right there on screen with me and the results, and had me point to my pain locations and said, “Come on down, we can do it.” That’s what I wanted to hear.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: So what’s life going to be like for you now that we’ve fixed your thoracic pain?
Patient: For a little over a year, it mainly affected my sleep; that’s where I got most of the pain. Every position was uncomfortable. I tried all kinds of pillows and laying in different positions… nothing really worked. When your sleep goes, a lot of other things go too. So having better sleep. It’s a lifesaver. It’s definitely super. Quality of life will improve.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: Anything else you want to say to your family, friends, and followers?
Patient: Thank you for all the prayers. My church family back in Jersey have been praying for me. Thank you for them. Thank you to my folks for helping me out and letting me use their residential hotel while I’m here. And thank you to you and your team, of course. Really appreciate you all.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: It’s our pleasure. Thank you, sir.
Patient: Yes. Thank you. Have a great year.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian: Thank you.
Deuk Laser Disc Repair® At Deuk Spine Institute
This patient underwent the Deuk Laser Disc Repair® for three-level thoracic disc herniations at Deuk Spine Institute. A procedure pioneered exclusively by Dr. Deukmedjian and currently unavailable at any other spine center in the world. Using a laser and endoscope, Dr. Deukmedjian cleaned the annular tears, removed inflammatory tissue, and addressed the source of pain at all three thoracic levels in a single outpatient visit. With no hospitalization, no injections, and no narcotic pain medication required. Most spine surgeons refuse to treat the thoracic spine due to the proximity of ribs and internal organs, leaving thoracic disc patients with no surgical options elsewhere. The process began with a convenient virtual MRI review and consultation in which Dr. Deukmedjian reviewed the imaging, confirmed the diagnosis, and outlined the treatment plan. All before the patient traveled to Florida. Patients with thoracic back pain who have been told nothing can be done are strongly encouraged to submit their MRI for a complimentary MRI review with Dr. Deukmedjian at Deuk Spine Institute.