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Spinal Fusion Complications: Every Risk Patients Deserve to Know Before Surgery

Diagram of a spine with metal rods and screws, titled "Spinal Fusion Complications" with a focus on surgical risks.

Spinal fusion is a permanent, major surgery. It removes motion from one or more spinal segments, introduces hardware into the spine, and initiates a biological process that takes months to years to complete, with no guarantee it will succeed. Patients being evaluated for fusion deserve a complete picture of what can go wrong, not a […]

Laminectomy Risks, Failure Rates, and Why It Misses the Source of Back Pain

Image of a person with a highlighted spine holding their lower back, with text "Laminectomy Risks and Failure Rates.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of patients in the United States are recommended for laminectomy. The surgery is presented as a solution to back pain, leg pain, and the nerve compression that imaging reveals. For some patients, it delivers meaningful relief. For many others, the pain returns, compounds, or never fully resolves, and they find […]

The 15% Problem: Why Most Spine Surgery Recommendations Don’t Hold Up

Man in a blue shirt sitting at a desk with a laptop, looking thoughtful.

By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on May 21, 2026 Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified spine specialist about your specific condition and treatment options. Key Points ✓ Peer-reviewed research shows that 61.3% of second […]

Spine Surgery and Your Active Life: Will You Lift, Run, and Play Golf Again?

Golfer in mid-swing with a hat, surrounded by sunlight and trees in the background.

By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on May 19, 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 honest answer to “Can I return to […]

Lumbar Laminectomy: What It Does, What It Misses, and Why Back Pain Returns

Text "Lumbar Laminectomy: What It Does, What It Misses, and Why Back Pain Returns" next to a spine model.

If a surgeon has recommended lumbar laminectomy for your back pain, you are likely living with leg symptoms, heaviness with walking, or pain that has not responded to conservative care. The recommendation is common. Lumbar laminectomy is one of the most frequently performed spine operations in the United States, and for certain presentations, it provides […]

Alternatives to Spinal Fusion Surgery: What Patients Need to Know

Alternatives to spinal fusion surgery with Dr. Deuk.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified spine specialist before making any treatment decisions. If you have been recommended for spinal fusion, you have already done the hard part: you found a spine surgeon willing to take your pain seriously. What often happens next is where […]

Has Anyone Gotten Worse After Spine Surgery? What Is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?

Two surgeons in masks and scrubs perform surgery under operating room lights.

By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on May 13, 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 ✓ Yes, patients can absolutely get worse after spine […]

Singapore to Florida: Why Singaporeans Fly To Florida For Back Pain

Night view of Singapore's skyline with illuminated landmarks and "Singapore" text overlay.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on May 12, 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 ✓ Singapore is one of the world’s most […]

Why Patients from British Columbia and Alberta Are Flying to Florida for Spine Surgery

Two provincial flags alongside a central Canadian flag.

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on May 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. Key Points ✓ British Columbia and Alberta have the […]