Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is a major spinal fusion surgery performed through the patient’s abdominal cavity. The surgery is performed using large metal instruments with tremendous force in close proximity to major blood vessels, nerves, bladder and intestines. The surgeon must remove the diseased spinal disc and implant a metal cage into the spine […]

A patient recently came to me with shooting pain from his buttocks and down the legs. He said an orthopedic surgeon had told him he needed back surgery. The patient's MRI confirmed he had bulging discs in his lower back. Turned out, though, that his lumbar discs were not the problem. The pain came from […]

I Can't Feel My Fingers or Toes The signs come slowly, and then one day you realize you can't feel your fingers or toes. Unbeknownst to you; you may be suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Understanding peripheral neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy is the gradual onset of numbness and tingling in your toes and fingers. It commonly starts […]

Strengthening your core with exercise can prevent injuries that cause lower back pain from occurring. However, did you know that some of these exercises could also help heal and relieve your lower back pain? Having a strong core helps support the weight of your body and helps protect both your neck and back from having to […]

If you’re considering back or neck surgery and finding the best spine surgeons feels like a daunting task, you’re not alone. After all, you’re putting your health and wellbeing in the hands of the doctor you choose to perform your surgery - it’s natural to be anxious and want to feel secure in your decision. […]

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (otherwise known as MRI) is one of the most important inventions in modern medicine. With the aid of the MRI, surgeons can accurately evaluate and diagnose conditions that could otherwise be life-altering. MRIs are useful in many aspects of medicine, and especially so in investigating conditions of the spine.  MRI for a […]

Every day millions of people across the United States experience back pain. If you are one of these people, this article will help you decide if back surgery is right for you by walking you through the different types of surgery offered, the recovery times, and the risks and benefits of each.  Most people who […]

For many Americans suffering from chronic neck or back pain, especially in the rural Midwest states, or those far outside of the big cities where medical innovation happens, major medical centers are often the only choice when it comes to searching for treatment. For those people, the hospital may seem like the only option, and […]

We would like to congratulate a member of our team for the outstanding service they have provided for our patients and team. Congratulations Kelly, our April employee of the month. Kelly is always willing and able to jump in where she is needed and goes above and beyond while also being extremely detail oriented. Thank […]

What is Causing my Sciatica? I have a sharp shooting pain down my leg, now what? Is there any hope to recover on my own or will I need surgery to correct it? Strange new pains can be concerning, especially if they are frequent and debilitating. Sciatica is a common cause of leg pain, thigh […]

Can you return to riding motorcycles after spine surgery? The sunshine state is one of the most popular destinations for motorcyclists both young and old. Whether or not you’re looking forward to carving canyons in Clermont or leaning back on your big set of ape hangers to cruise along the beach, you’ll undoubtedly wonder if […]

Spinal stenosis usually occurs as we age. As the spinal canal narrows, pressure increases on the spinal cord and nerves within the spine. The result of this pressure can be tingling, numbness, cramping, loss of sensation, weakness, balance issues, and other symptoms that impact the arms, legs, and back. Treatment options for spinal stenosis range […]

As a child you may have developed fond memories associated with winter. Holiday break, seasonal sports, jinglebell rock, and the silence that falls over your neighborhood when the first snowfall of the season blankets your cul-de-sac in an abundance of thick white drifts. You may also remember hearing your father or grandfather complain about the […]

So your insurance has finally authorized your spine MRI after months of trying to prove that it is medically necessary. The big day finally arrives, and after it is finished you’re sent home with the radiologist’s report and told to follow up with your physician next week. It may be tempting to read the report […]

 The Deuk Spine Institute racing team, led by Arias Deukmedjian, the new champion of USPKS and SKUSA, has taken the number one spot in the EKN Driver Ranking. This past month, he muscled out the previous champion who has held the number one spot since 2017. Over the last five weeks, the Deuk Spine Racing […]