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Facet Joint Pain Explained: The Cause of Up to 45% of Chronic Back Pain

Person holding back with highlighted spine and facet joints, text reads "Facet Joint Pain Explained: The Cause of Up to 45% of Chronic Back Pain.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on June 24, 2026 Medical Disclaimer: The information provided within this article is for educational purposes only. Always consult a medical physician in regards to your own individual situation. Key Points ✓ Facets are the small, paired synovial joints that connect the back of […]

Pinched Nerves in the Lower Back: Common causes, symptoms & Treatments

Man on a sofa clutching his lower back in pain with text about pinched nerves.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on June 23, 2026 Medical Disclaimer: The information provided within this article is for educational purposes only. Always consult a medical physician in regards to your own individual situation. Key Points ✓ Lumbar radiculopathy is a pinched nerve in the low back, i.e., a […]

Why Out-of-State Patients Choose Deuk Spine Institute for Laser Spine Surgery

Promotional image for DEUK Spine Institute highlighting out-of-state patients choosing their laser spine surgery.

Every week, patients fly into Melbourne, Florida from New York, California, New Jersey, Texas, and dozens of other states. They aren’t here for the weather. They’re here because they’ve been told fusion is their only option, or that they simply have to learn to live with the pain. After months or years of failed injections, […]

Laser Spine Surgery in New Jersey: What NYC-Area Patients Need to Know

Illustration of laser spine surgery on a vertebral disc with New Jersey map and city skyline.

If you live in New Jersey and you’re still in pain after months of physical therapy, injections, and waiting room visits, I want to tell you something most spine practices won’t say out loud: the problem often isn’t your spine condition. It’s that the options available to you locally don’t actually treat the source of […]

What Questions Should I Ask My Spine Surgeon Before Saying Yes to Surgery?

Doctor explaining spine surgery to a patient using a spine model in a medical office.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MDBoard-Certified Neurosurgeon, CEO Medically reviewed on June 18, 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 ✓ Spine surgery is rarely an emergency. […]

L5-S1 Herniated Disc & Sciatica, Fixed Without a Fusion

Image of a man with back pain showing a highlighted spine, with text about fixing L5-S1 herniated disc and sciatica without fusion.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on June 17, 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 ✓ The patient was a young, athletic woman […]

Had a Neck Fusion? Why 1 in 4 Patients Need Another Surgery Within 10 Years

Man holding neck with spine illustration and text about neck fusion surgery risks.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on June 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 ✓ A three-level cervical fusion turning into […]

Laser Spine Surgery California: What LA and Bay Area Patients Should Know

Illustration of laser spine surgery with a highlighted herniated disc and text "Laser Spine Surgery California.

Your back pain has gotten to the point where you’re researching surgery. You live in Los Angeles or the Bay Area, you have access to world-class medical care, and you’ve started looking into laser spine surgery in California. What you’re finding is a mix of orthopedic groups, large hospital systems, and outpatient spine centers, all […]

Herniated Disc at L4-L5: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Illustration of herniated disc at L4-L5 with person holding lower back in pain.

Your lower back has been sending signals for months. Maybe it started as a dull ache that came and went, then became something you could not sleep through. You’ve been told you have a herniated disc at L4-L5, and now you’re trying to figure out what that actually means, what’s causing your symptoms, and whether […]

How Long Can You Wait for Spine Surgery Before Nerve Damage Becomes Permanent?

Man with highlighted spine holds back, text asks about delay in spine surgery and nerve damage.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on June 11, 2026   Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual cases vary. Always consult a qualified spine specialist about your specific imaging, symptoms, and treatment options before making any decision about surgery or delay. […]