Lumbar disc disease and other lumbar conditions are treated by our doctors. Our approach to these conditions has been one of conservative medical treatment plans. Most lumbar disc patients do not need surgery and our patients are testimony to that. We believe strongly in maximizing medical treatment prior to any consideration of surgery. With the advent of the microscope for lumbar surgery, we can perform lumbar disc removal through incisions of 1 inch or less in most cases and 90% of our patients will feel ready to go home the next morning. We feel that looking directly at the problem area through a microscope during surgery with our small incisions allows both room to work as well as complete inspection of the areas. Some other procedures using endoscopes and lasers have so far failed to reduce hospitalization or recovery time enough to justify the risk of limited room to work. Most of our one level patients are walking freely in a few days and able to return to normal activity in 2-3 weeks.

We also treat more complicated lumbar conditions such as lumbar stenosis, spinal tumors and patients with previous lumbar surgery.

Lumbar disc patients are unique in that many of them rely completely on the health of their lower back for their work and hence their families well-being. We provide comprehensive care for these folks so they may have the best possible chance to eventually return to their livelihood. There unfortunately are occasional patients where that goal is unreachable and for them our pain management affiliates can allow these patients to live with as little pain as possible.

Our neurosurgeons have received specialized training in surgical procedures to relieve pain. For more information check our Chronic Pain page.