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Can You Treat Foraminal Stenosis Without Spinal Fusion? Yes, Here’s How

Man with highlighted spine and lower back pain next to text about foraminal stenosis treatment options.

By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, MDBoard Certified Neurosurgeon Reviewed on July 9, 2026 Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Key Points ✓ Foraminal stenosis is narrowing of the neural foramen. The bony tunnel where a spinal nerve root exits the spine; […]

Disc Replacement Surgery vs. Fusion: What Your Surgeon May Not Be Telling You

A surgeon in scrubs and mask examines a spinal model next to text about disc replacement surgery.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon Reviewed on July 8, 2026 Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Key Points ✓ Disc replacement surgery. Replaces a damaged spinal disc with an artificial implant that preserves motion, unlike a […]

High-Intensity Zone (HIZ) on Lumbar MRI: Causes, Meaning, and Treatment Options

Diagram of a high-intensity zone in lumbar MRI with a person holding their lower back.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon Reviewed on July 7, 2026 Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Key Points ✓ A High-Intensity Zone (HIZ) is a bright, well-defined signal in the posterior annulus fibrosus of a lumbar […]

10 Best Neck Surgeons For Patients with Neck Pain in 2026

Surgeon in scrubs with mask, overlaid text about top neck surgeons for neck pain in 2026, with Deuk Spine Institute logo.

By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon  Published on July 2, 2026 Disclaimer: The medical information in this article is intended for educational purposes only. Consult with a spine specialist about specific spine conditions based on your MRI. Key Points ✓ 1 in 3 people in the U.S. experiences chronic neck pain. And if […]

Degenerative Disc Disease at L4-L5 and L5-S1, Is Surgery the Only Option?

Medical illustration of degenerative disc disease at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 spinal levels showing disc degeneration and nerve compression in the lower back.

If an MRI report just told you that you have degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 or L5-S1, you probably left that appointment with more questions than answers. Does this mean your back pain will only get worse? Does it mean fusion surgery is inevitable? I’ve spent over 30 years as a board certified neurosurgeon treating […]

Herniated Disc at C4-C5, Shoulder Pain, Deltoid Weakness, and Treatment

Medical illustration of a C4-C5 herniated disc compressing a cervical nerve, highlighting common symptoms such as shoulder pain and deltoid muscle weakness.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated disc C4-C5, you’re probably dealing with shoulder pain and arm weakness that doesn’t quite match what most people picture when they think of a neck injury. There’s no numbness in your hand. Your grip is fine. What’s failing is your ability to lift your arm out to the […]

10 Best Endoscopic Spine Surgeons in the U.S. (2026)

Surgeon performs endoscopic spine procedure with a monitor displaying images, text highlights top surgeons in 2026 U.S.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon Reviewed on July 1, 2026 Disclaimer: The infromation contained within this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Key Points ✓ Endoscopic Spine Surgery uses a 4-7 mm working cannula and a high-definition endoscope to decompress nerves via […]

Can I Avoid Spine Surgery With Physical Therapy, Injections, or Chiropractic Care?

Woman with back pain and text about avoiding spine surgery through physical therapy, injections, or chiropractic care.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on June 30, 2026 Medical Disclaimer: The material contained within this article is for informational purposes only. Consult a qualified physician in all cases related to the subject material within this text. Key Points ✓ Most patients can avoid spine surgery. Conservative care is […]

Spinal Decompression Surgery Explained

Spinal decompression surgery infographic with a labeled spine and text descriptions.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on June 25th 2026 Medical Disclaimer: The material contained within this article should be regarded purely for informative objectives. Consult a doctor in all cases related to the subject material within this text.  Key Points ✓ Spinal decompression surgery takes pressure off the spinal […]