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. […]

Degenerative Scoliosis Surgery: How a 3-Level Fusion Works

X-ray of a spine with scoliosis next to the text "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

Illustration comparing minimally invasive and traditional spine treatments with London landmarks in the background.

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

Illustration of a herniated disc at C5-C6 with highlighted pain area.

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 […]

Neurosurgeon vs. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon: What’s Actually the Difference?

Two surgeons operate on a patient with an overlay of text about neurosurgeons versus orthopedic spine surgeons.

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?

Woman practicing yoga with a highlighted spine next to text about spine surgery and mobility.

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?

Illustration of herniated, bulging, and slipped discs in a spine with text questioning if they are 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

Surgeon performing minimally invasive spine surgery, text questions its effectiveness.

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 […]