Facet Syndrome Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment Options

Medical illustration of facet syndrome in the spine

What is Facet Syndrome? The spinal facet joint is a weight bearing structure that acts as a “hinge joint” between two adjacent bony spinal vertebrae. Normally, the facet joint facilitates painless movement between the adjacent spinal vertebrae. Only when the spinal facet joint is injured can it become painful. Pain originating from a damaged spinal […]

Understanding Collapsed Disc: What You Need to Know About Degeneration and Treatment

Illustration of a herniated disc showing spinal vertebrae with a protruding disc pressing on a nerve.

Collapsed Disc A collapsed disc is one of the conditions that can affect the intervertebral disc located in the spinal column. It is often treated as a synonymous syndrome to degenerative disc disease because both illnesses display similar external characteristics. What is collapsed disc? A collapsed disc may occur when intervertebral discs of the spine […]

Adjacent Segment Disease: The Fusion Risk Surgeons Rarely Mention

Diagram of a spine with highlighted stress points and text about adjacent segment disease risks.

By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon Reviewed on July 10, 2026 Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Key Points ✓ Adjacent Segment Disease (ASD) is accelerated degeneration of the disc, facet joints, or ligaments at the spinal level […]

Understanding Annular Tear: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights

An axial view of a spine cross section showcasing annular tear with the arrows.

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 basics of Annular Tear: causes, symptoms, and treatment Annular tears are medical conditions that often develop as a result of traumatic injury within […]

11 Best Spine Surgeons in 2026: For Patients with Back or Neck Pain

Surgical team performing an operation under a bright operating room light.

By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on May 20, 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 ✓  Choosing a spine surgeon is one of the […]

Herniated Disc in the Neck — Diagnosis of Cervical Disc Herniation

Man with hands on neck, highlighting a red spine illustration on his back.

Similar to the filling of a jelly doughnut bursting through a weak spot in the strong outer wall, a herniated disc happens when the gel-like center of a spinal disc does so. When the disc material hits or compresses a spinal nerve, neck, or arm pain, numbness, or tingling may follow. If you or a […]

Herniated Disc Surgery, When is it the Right Procedure?

A picture showcasing a comparison between a normal disc and a herniated disc.

A disc is located between each vertebra (bones in your spine) and the vertebrae. These discs are shock absorbers that cushion your bones. A herniated disk is one that pushes into your spinal canal beyond the capsule it contains. A herniated disc can occur anywhere on your spine, including your neck. However, it is most […]

Herniated Disc Symptoms: A Complete Guide by Location, Severity, and Warning Signs

Doctor holding a spinal disc model illustrating a herniated disc pressing on a nerve.

Herniated disc symptoms vary dramatically depending on where in your spine the herniation occurs – and whether it is pressing on a nerve. Some people walk around with a herniated disc on MRI and feel nothing. Others can barely get out of bed. The difference almost always comes down to nerve compression. At Deuk Spine […]

Workers Comp Average Settlement for Surgery

Person filling out a Workers' Compensation form with a calculator nearby.

Workers Compensation Finding settlement amounts in workers’ compensation claims that were resolved in the previous five years yielded an average workers’ compensation settlement amount of about $21,946.62. (between 2016 and 2021). Because there are more settlements for serious work injuries in the data than there are national averages in the United States, this number may […]

Pinched Nerve in the Back Diagnosis and Therapy Option

Man in a workshop leaning on table, holding his lower back in pain, depicted with red flare and spine graphic.

Pressure on the nerves close to the spine’s vertebrae causes a pinched nerve to develop in your lower back. Numerous symptoms, such as severe pain and numbness, may be present. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms outlined in this article, it’s time to get a FREE Consultation and […]