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 […]

Annular Fissure Assessment and Treatment — Annular Disc Tear

An animated cross section of spine showing disc, spinal cord, annulus fibrosus etc.

A lack of one or more layers of the annulus fibrosus results in an annular fissure or tear. The majority of annular fissures have no symptoms, although some can hurt. Granulation tissue, in-growth of nerve endings close to the dorsal root ganglion, and/or disc herniation of the nucleus pulposus can all contribute to chronic pain […]

Foraminotomy Surgery Procedure, Necessity & Preparation

Doctor in scrubs examines a spinal model with a pencil in hand.

An operation called a foraminotomy is performed. It enlarges the region surrounding one of the spinal column’s bones. Compressed nerves are released from pressure following surgery. 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 MRI Review with Deuk […]

Hemangioma Spine Introduction — also known as Spinal Hemangioma

CT scans showcasing Hemangioma Spine

The most frequent primary tumor of the spine is a spinal hemangioma. These lesions are vascular in nature and frequently feature an overgrowth of healthy capillary and venous systems. These are typically unintended discoveries made during radiological imaging of the spine and body. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following […]

Intervertebral Disc Disease — Frequency, Causes & Function

3D model showing a glowing spine disc illustrating Intervertebral Disc Disease.

Intervertebral disc disease is a condition that causes pain in the back, neck, legs, and arms. Intervertebral discs cushion the spine and absorb pressure. 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 MRI Review with Deuk Spine Institute. […]