Lumbar degenerative disc disease is a common age-related condition that affects the discs in the lower back. While it can cause persistent back pain, stiffness, or nerve-related symptoms, many patients find relief with conservative treatments such as physical therapy and activity modification. Learn what causes lumbar DDD, how it is diagnosed, and when surgery may be considered for lasting symptom relief.
Exercise plays an important role in healing after lumbar fusion surgery, but timing and technique matter. Learn which exercises are safe during each stage of recovery, when to begin physical therapy, which movements to avoid, and how walking, gentle stretching, and strengthening exercises can help support a successful spinal fusion recovery.
A bulging disc in the lumbar spine is a common MRI finding that may or may not cause symptoms. When a bulging disc compresses nearby nerves, it can lead to lower back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. Learn what a lumbar bulging disc is, how it differs from a herniated disc, which treatments are most effective, and when it’s time to see a spine specialist.
After years of chronic neck and back pain, Ilisa faced multiple spine surgeries that ultimately changed her life. In this patient success story, she shares how Dr. Estin’s thoughtful approach to spinal fusion surgery helped her regain her independence, continue her nursing career, travel to see her granddaughter, and enjoy everyday life without the limitations of chronic pain. Watch Ilisa tell her story in her own words.
After nearly four years of chronic back pain and uncertainty, Russell found the confidence to undergo spinal fusion surgery with Dr. Gigante. In this patient success story, he shares how the procedure relieved his pain, restored his mobility, and helped him return to the activities he loves, including golf, hockey, working out, and spending quality time with his family. Watch Russell tell his story in his own words and learn how spinal fusion can help the right patients reclaim an active life.
Cervical spondylosis and cervical spinal stenosis are closely related but describe different conditions. Learn how these conditions differ, the symptoms they can cause, how doctors diagnose them, and the treatment options available to relieve pain, improve function, and protect long-term spinal health.
Lumbar spondylosis and lumbar spinal stenosis are related conditions, but they are not the same. Spondylosis refers to the age-related wear and tear that naturally develops in the spine, while stenosis occurs when those changes narrow the spinal canal and compress nearby nerves. Learn how these conditions differ, the symptoms they cause, how doctors diagnose them, and the treatment options available to help relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore quality of life.
Cervical radiculopathy, often caused by a pinched nerve in the neck, can lead to arm pain, numbness, and weakness, but many cases improve without surgery. This guide explains how long recovery typically takes, which conservative treatments are most effective, and the warning signs that may indicate you need evaluation by a spine specialist. Understanding what to expect can help you make informed decisions and know when it’s time to seek additional care.
If walking to the mailbox leaves your legs heavy, numb, or aching, pay attention to that. Especially if sitting down for a few minutes makes everything feel better. Getting a clear diagnosis changes that. It gives you something concrete to work with and a path forward that doesn’t involve simply doing less.
If pain starts in your lower back and travels down one leg, sometimes all the way to your foot, this is likely the condition your doctor is trying to rule in or out. It’s more common than most people realize, and more treatable than most people fear. Understanding what it is and why it happens is a reasonable first step toward feeling less uncertain about where to go from here.
