T7–T8 Herniated Disc Symptoms: What Mid-Back Pain Could Really Be Telling You
By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, MDBoard-Certified Neurosurgeon, Deuk Spine InstituteMedically reviewed and updated on January 16, 2026 Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment options. Key Points ✓ T7–T8 herniated discs are […]
C4-C5 Disc Bulge: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Finding the Right Treatment
By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, MDBoard-Certified Neurosurgeon, Deuk Spine InstituteMedically reviewed on January 15, 2026 Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment options. A C4-C5 disc bulge is a cervical spine condition […]
Why Laminectomy Often Fails to Solve Back Pain: What Research Really Shows
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment options. If you’ve been diagnosed with spinal stenosis or a herniated disc and your doctor has recommended a laminectomy, you need to understand something […]
Best Treatment for Chronic Neck Pain: From Conservative Care to Definitive Solutions
Your neck pain has persisted for months despite physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and pain medication. You’ve followed every recommendation from multiple specialists, yet the burning discomfort radiating into your shoulder blades and arms continues disrupting your sleep and limiting your daily activities. I know this pattern because cervical disc injuries account for 85% of chronic […]
Board-Certified Spine Surgeon: Why Fellowship Training Changes Everything
Your back pain has sent you to three different doctors. The orthopedic surgeon recommended fusion. The pain management doctor offered injections. Your primary care physician suggested physical therapy. Three board-certified physicians. Three completely different diagnoses. Same MRI. I know this frustration because after 20 years performing spine surgery exclusively, I’ve examined thousands of patients who […]
C5-C6-C7 Neck Surgery: Complete Guide to Recovery Time, Surgical Options & Treatment Outcomes
By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, MD | Board-Certified Spine SurgeonMedically Reviewed: January 8, 2026Last Updated: January 8, 2026Reading Time: 20 minutes Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment options. The C5-C6-C7 cervical […]
Understanding Pinched Nerves: Comprehensive Guide to Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, MDBoard-Certified Neurosurgeon, Deuk Spine InstituteMedically reviewed on January 7, 2026 Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment options. Pinched nerves (compressed nerve roots), medically termed radiculopathy, affect […]
C6-C7 Disc Herniation: Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment Options
Key Points ✓ C6-C7 is the most commonly herniated disc level in the cervical spine, responsible for 45–60% of all cervical disc herniations. ✓ A C6-C7 herniation compresses the C7 nerve root, causing burning pain down the back of the arm into the middle finger, triceps weakness, and reduced grip strength. ✓ 75–90% of patients […]
Neck Surgery: Types, Recovery Timeline, and Modern Treatment Options
By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, MD Board-Certified Neurosurgeon, Deuk Spine InstituteMedically reviewed on January 5, 2026 Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment options. Chronic neck pain affects millions of Americans every […]
Facet Hypertrophy: Common Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Facet hypertrophy, or facet joint hypertrophy, occurs when the small joints in your spine enlarge due to degenerative changes, typically from arthritis or wear and tear. These joints help stabilize your spine and guide movement, but when they become enlarged, they can cause back pain, stiffness, and in some cases, compress nearby spinal nerves, leading […]