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

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?

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. […]
Degenerative Scoliosis Surgery: How a 3-Level Fusion Works

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on June 10, 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 had adult degenerative (de […]
Laser Spine Surgery in London: 5 Red Flags It’s a Bigger Operation Than You Think

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on June 9, 2026 Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Always consult a qualified spine specialist about your specific condition, imaging, and treatment options. Key Points ✓ In London and across England, a […]
Herniated Disc at C5-C6: Neck Pain, Arm Symptoms, and Surgical Options

If you have a herniated disc at C5-C6, you already know the pain has a way of taking over your life. The neck stiffness that greets you every morning. The shooting pain down your arm that flares when you turn your head the wrong way. The numbness in your thumb and index finger that makes […]
Laser Spine Surgery in New York City: What Manhattan and Brooklyn Patients Should Know

Your back pain has been going on for months. You’ve done the physical therapy, the epidural injections, maybe even a second opinion from a spine specialist on Fifth Avenue. And the answer you keep getting is the same one: spinal fusion, a long recovery, and no guarantee the pain actually goes away. If you’re a […]
Neurosurgeon vs. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon: What’s Actually the Difference?

By Dr. Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on June 4, 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 ✓ Both neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine […]
Will Spine Surgery Limit My Range of Motion Permanently?

By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on June 3, 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 ✓ The answer depends almost entirely on which […]
Herniated Disc, Bulging Disc, Slipped Disc: Are They the Same Condition?

If you have been told you have a herniated disc, a bulging disc, a disc protrusion, a slipped disc, or a degenerated disc, you may have wondered whether these are different conditions requiring different treatments, or whether your doctor and the internet are simply using different words for the same thing. The answer is mostly […]
Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Better, or Just Hype? What 5-Year Data Shows

By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Medically reviewed on May 28, 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 ✓ “Minimally invasive spine surgery” (MISS) is as […]