Sports Injuries and Spine Health: Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Treatments

Understanding Sports-Related Spine Injuries and Their Causes When Tiger Woods made his dramatic return to professional golf following multiple lumbar spine surgeries, including treatment for disc herniation and spondylolisthesis, it became one of sport’s most remarkable comebacks. His story illustrates what countless athletes face: even the most elite competitors are vulnerable to spinal injuries caused […]
Canal Stenosis Treatments: From Physical Therapy to Minimally Invasive Surgery

Canal Stenosis If you have canal stenosis, you’re probably dealing with pain, numbness, or weakness that makes everyday activities difficult. Maybe walking to the mailbox leaves your legs aching, or your hands feel clumsy when you’re trying to button a shirt. Canal stenosis happens when the main tunnel in your spine (called the spinal canal) […]
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery—A New Standard for Patients

In the United States, nearly 65 million people report suffering from chronic back pain, with millions more experiencing chronic neck pain. Chronic neck and back pain are among the most prevalent conditions in the country, and also one of the most costly, ranking sixth overall, with an annual cost of more than $12 billion. Traditionally, […]
What Does a Pain Specialist Do Beyond Prescribing Pills?

Many people living with chronic back pain (or caring for loved ones who are) misunderstand what modern pain management really means. Maybe you’ve heard it is about opioids, pills, or quick fixes. But that is only part of the story. At the Deuk Spine Institute, under the care of Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, we believe in […]
The Alternative to Spinal Fusion: Why Deuk Laser Disc Repair® is the Safer Choice

For too long, patients suffering from chronic back orneck pain due to damaged discs have been guided toward a procedure that often sacrifices the natural movement of the spine:spinal fusion surgery. The sheer weight of the industry promoting this invasive, hardware-dependent approach can make finding an effective, preservation-focused treatment feel like an uphill battle. Yet, […]
Whiplash and Delayed Onset Pain: Why You Hurt Days After an Accident

Whiplash can feel confusing and even a little scary, especially when the pain shows up long after the accident. Many people walk away from a collision or sudden impact thinking they are fine, only to wake up days later with neck pain that seems to come out of nowhere. If this has happened to you, […]
Tech Neck: The Hidden Cost of Looking Down (And How to Reverse It)

A Modern Epidemic Hiding in Plain Sight You’re reading this right now, and chances are your head is tilted down toward a screen. Whether you’re hunched over your laptop, scrolling through your phone, or sitting at your desk, you’re likely adding 30 to 40 pounds of extra pressure on your cervical spine, without even realizing […]
The Night Shift: Best Sleeping Positions and Pillows for Neck Pain

By Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, MD | Board-Certified Spine SurgeonMedically Reviewed: December 02, 2024 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. Waking up with neck pain can quickly set the tone […]
It’s Not Carpal Tunnel: When Hand Numbness Starts in Your Neck

When Hand Symptoms Start in the Neck, Not the Wrist Symptoms like numbness and tingling going down your arms and into your hands are common signs of carpal tunnel. But what if I told you this is a common misdiagnosis? What if the symptoms were actually coming from your neck? Pinched nerves in the neck […]
Your Top Questions on Neck Pain, Cure vs. Management, and Arm Pain Answered

If you have received a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis, or “arthritis of the neck,” you understand the persistent stiffness, grinding sensation, and chronic discomfort that can drastically affect your quality of life. For many patients, the frustration is compounded by confusing information and a fear that their pain is irreversible. Cervical spondylosis is the medical […]