Spine conditions and procedures for patients

This detailed spine anatomy education helps patients prepare for discussions about spinal disorders, diagnostic imaging, and treatment options with their orthopedic or spine specialist. Learn how the thirty-three vertebrae and their surrounding discs, ligaments, and joints form the body’s main support structure. This video walks through each section of the spine and shows how the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and facet joints work together to protect the spinal cord while still allowing flexibility and motion.

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck becomes irritated or compressed, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that can radiate from the cervical spine into the shoulder, arm, and hand. Learn how structural problems in the cervical spine—such as disc herniation or bone spurs—can compress nearby nerves and lead to sensory changes, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination in the upper limb.

Spinal compression fractures are fractures in which the front of a spinal bone collapses, most commonly in the thoracic and lumbar regions, leading to sharp or aching back pain that can worsen with standing or walking. These injuries are typically linked to osteoporosis, but may also be caused by trauma or cancer weakening the vertebrae. Early diagnosis and treatment, which can include rest, pain medications, bracing, physical therapy, fall-prevention strategies, and targeted spine procedures, can help reduce pain, maintain mobility, and lower the chance of future fractures.

Degenerative disc disease is a wear-and-tear condition in which spinal discs lose their normal structure and flexibility, leading to back or neck pain, stiffness, and episodes of sharp flare-ups. Symptoms may include localized pain, muscle spasms, and radiating discomfort along the path of affected nerves, sometimes making prolonged sitting, standing, or twisting difficult. Many people find relief with nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy, posture and activity modifications, anti-inflammatory medications, and interventional pain procedures, while select patients may benefit from surgeries such as decompression, fusion, or artificial disc replacement.

Facet joint syndrome, also called facet arthritis, is a common source of chronic neck and back pain caused by degeneration, overuse, or injury to the small paired joints that connect the vertebrae. As these joints become worn and inflamed, they can limit motion and trigger pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, and referred pain that may mimic disc problems or sciatica. A comprehensive treatment plan often includes physical therapy, core strengthening, ergonomic changes, anti-inflammatory or pain medications, and minimally invasive procedures designed to calm irritated facet nerves and restore function.

A herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc, happens when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a weakened outer wall and forms a bulge that can irritate or compress nearby nerves. This can lead to neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that may radiate into the arms or legs, depending on where the disc is located in the spine. Treatment often begins with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and activity modification, with injections or minimally invasive spine surgery considered if symptoms do not improve over time.

A cervical herniated disc in the neck happens when a damaged disc allows inner disc material to push outward and irritate or compress the spinal cord or exiting nerves. Symptoms can range from localized neck pain and muscle spasm to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, and hand, depending on which nerve is affected.

Lumbar radiculopathy, often called sciatica, arises when one or more nerve roots in the lower spine are compressed by factors such as a bulging disc, bone spur or narrowing of the spinal canal. This pressure on spinal nerves can lead to intense nerve pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, affecting daily activities like walking, sitting, or standing. Diagnosis typically involves a clinical exam and may include imaging to pinpoint the source of nerve irritation. Most patients benefit from a step-wise approach to treatment, beginning with conservative care like physical therapy, ergonomic adjustments and gentle stretching before considering more advanced interventions when necessary.

Myelopathy refers to dysfunction of the spinal cord caused by ongoing pressure or injury, often resulting from age-related spinal changes or structural abnormalities in the spine. Symptoms may develop gradually and include clumsiness in the hands, trouble with balance, muscle weakness, numbness, or difficulty with everyday activities such as walking or buttoning clothing. Because myelopathy affects the spinal cord itself, symptoms can worsen over time without proper care.

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and strength, making bones fragile and more likely to fracture. This condition develops gradually over time, often without symptoms until a fracture occurs, most commonly in the spine, hip, or wrist. Osteoporosis is frequently associated with aging, hormonal changes, inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and lack of weight-bearing exercise. Early screening, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate treatment can help slow bone loss, reduce fracture risk, and support long-term skeletal health.

Scoliosis is a spinal condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine that often develops during childhood or adolescence but can also occur in adults due to degenerative changes. The curve may take on an “S” or “C” shape and can vary in severity. Common signs include uneven shoulders or hips, a visible spinal curve, or one side of the rib cage appearing more prominent. While mild scoliosis may require only monitoring, more advanced cases may benefit from bracing, physical therapy, or surgical intervention to prevent progression and maintain spinal alignment.

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spaces within the spine gradually narrow, placing pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. This narrowing most commonly occurs in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine and is often related to age-related degeneration, arthritis, bone spurs, or disc changes. Symptoms may include back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, weakness in the arms or legs, and difficulty walking or standing for extended periods. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms, improve mobility, and maintain quality of life.

Cervical spinal stenosis is a progressive neck condition commonly caused by degenerative spine changes, including herniated discs, arthritic joint enlargement, and ligament thickening. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination and imaging studies to assess the degree of spinal canal narrowing and nerve compression. Treatment is based on symptom severity and may include conservative approaches such as exercise, medications, and activity modification, while more severe cases may require surgical treatment to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Early evaluation helps reduce the risk of permanent neurological damage.

Thoracic spinal stenosis occurs when the space within the mid-back region of the spine becomes overly narrow, creating pressure on the spinal cord and associated nerves, which can cause pain, muscle weakness, sensory changes, and difficulty walking. Although less common than stenosis in the neck or lower back, thoracic stenosis may develop due to degenerative changes such as bone spur formation, ligament thickening, or herniated discs, especially with aging. Symptoms often worsen with activity and can include tingling or cramping in the legs or torso, changes in gait, and impaired coordination, making early detection and tailored treatment strategies key to preventing long-term nerve damage. This condition highlights the importance of spinal health and structural balance throughout the entire vertebral column.

Spondylolisthesis refers to the forward or backward displacement of a spinal vertebra relative to the one beneath it, disrupting normal spine alignment and potentially placing pressure on spinal nerves. Common in the lower back but possible anywhere along the spine, this condition can develop from degenerative changes, sports-related stress injuries, congenital defects, or repetitive hyperextension activities. People with spondylolisthesis may experience low back pain, leg pain, muscle weakness, or altered gait patterns, and symptoms often become more noticeable with activity. Early recognition and diagnosis through clinical evaluation and imaging help guide effective treatment plans, which range from conservative care like core-strengthening exercises to surgical interventions in advanced cases.

Many cases of lower back pain begin in the lumbar spine, where spinal discs, facet joints, ligaments, and nerves are vulnerable to everyday stress and age-related changes. Problems such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, facet joint syndrome, or spinal stenosis can irritate lumbar nerve roots, causing localized back pain as well as shooting pain, numbness, or tingling into the legs. Patient care typically focuses on relieving pain and restoring movement through conservative options like exercise therapy, posture and activity modification, medications, and injections, with surgery reserved for more serious or persistent conditions.

Neck pain typically starts in the cervical spine, the portion of the backbone that supports the head and allows it to bend, turn, and rotate. Changes in the discs and facet joints, muscle strain, injuries such as whiplash, and age-related degeneration can irritate the spinal nerves and lead to aching, sharp, or burning pain. Symptoms may include stiffness, reduced range of motion, headaches, and pain that can radiate into the shoulders, shoulder blades, or arms, and treatment often combines posture correction, physical therapy, medications, and other non-surgical options tailored to the cause of the pain.

Whiplash occurs when the upper spine is forcefully snapped back and then forward, causing the neck to move beyond its normal limits and injuring the soft tissues that support the cervical vertebrae. It is most often linked to rear-end motor vehicle accidents but can also result from contact sports, rollercoaster rides, or any event that causes sudden acceleration–deceleration of the head and neck. People with whiplash commonly report neck pain, stiffness, headaches at the base of the skull, shoulder or arm discomfort, and sometimes tingling or fatigue, and recovery usually involves a combination of rest, medications, targeted exercises, and guided rehabilitation.

A cervical selective nerve root block is a minimally invasive pain-relief procedure that targets irritated or compressed cervical nerve roots to reduce inflammation and alleviate neck, shoulder, and arm pain. During the procedure, a precise injection of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication is delivered near the exiting nerve root under imaging guidance, helping to calm inflamed nerves and interrupt pain signals. This targeted approach not only provides diagnostic insight into the source of radicular symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness, but it can also offer significant relief for conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and cervical radiculopathy without the need for surgery. Many patients experience improvement within days, making this an effective outpatient option for managing chronic cervical nerve pain and improving quality of life.

A caudal steroid injection is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that delivers anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space at the base of the spine to help reduce swelling around irritated spinal nerves, which can improve lower back and leg pain caused by conditions such as sciatica, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis. During the treatment, a physician uses imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement of a steroid and anesthetic mixture through the sacral hiatus just above the tailbone, targeting the source of nerve irritation and helping interrupt pain signals with precision. Most patients experience relief within a few days and may notice improved mobility, making this a valuable option within a comprehensive pain management plan for chronic or nerve-related discomfort.

A cervical epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive pain-relief procedure used to reduce inflammation and irritation around nerves in the neck that are causing radiating pain, numbness, or weakness into the shoulders and arms. During the treatment, anti-inflammatory medication is precisely placed into the epidural space of the cervical spine under imaging guidance, helping to calm inflamed nerve roots and interrupt pain signals. This approach is often recommended for individuals with conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative changes, or spinal stenosis that compress cervical nerve roots, allowing many patients to experience significant relief and greater participation in physical therapy or daily activities without surgery.

Cervical radiofrequency neurotomy is a minimally invasive pain management procedure that uses controlled heat energy to disrupt specific nerves in the neck responsible for transmitting chronic pain signals from irritated facet joints. By applying radiofrequency energy to these medial branch nerves under precise imaging guidance, the procedure “turns off” the nerve’s ability to send pain messages to the brain, offering relief from persistent neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy. Most patients experience gradual pain reduction over several weeks and can enjoy months of relief, making this technique an effective non-surgical option for long-term neck pain management.

Cervical discography is a specialized diagnostic test designed to help pinpoint the source of persistent neck pain when other imaging like MRI or CT scans are inconclusive by injecting contrast dye into the discs of the cervical spine to reproduce symptoms and reveal which disc is causing discomfort. During the procedure, a physician uses live X-ray guidance to place a thin needle into the center of one or more neck discs and then injects a small amount of contrast material while monitoring pressure and asking the patient to describe any pain, helping to map the exact disc responsible for pain. By correlating the injected disc’s response with the patient’s typical pain pattern, this test can provide valuable insight that guides treatment decisions, including conservative care versus surgical planning.

A lumbar discography, also known as a discogram, is an outpatient diagnostic test that helps determine whether specific intervertebral discs in the lower spine are the source of persistent low back pain by injecting a contrast solution into the disc and observing both the imaging results and the patient’s pain response. Because lumbar discs can show signs of wear or tear on imaging without actually being the source of pain, this procedure can reproduce familiar symptoms during injection, providing valuable insight that helps clinicians differentiate painful discs from healthy ones and plan effective treatment, such as conservative care or surgical intervention.

Thoracic discography helps clinicians evaluate whether pain in the mid-back originates from a damaged or painful intervertebral disc by carefully injecting contrast dye into one or more thoracic discs while monitoring symptom response and imaging changes. Since the thoracic spine is less commonly the source of disc pain than other regions, this specialized test can offer critical insight when conservative treatments and routine imaging have not identified a clear cause of discomfort, enabling providers to differentiate painful discs from normal ones and tailor subsequent treatment decisions more effectively.

A facet joint injection targets the tiny synovial joints on the back of the spine that are responsible for guiding movement and stabilizing adjacent vertebrae, delivering medication directly into these joints to reduce swelling, calm irritated nerves, and alleviate pain. Used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, this outpatient procedure helps clinicians determine if pain is coming from facet joint dysfunction while offering relief that can last for weeks to months. Especially beneficial for patients with chronic spine pain, these injections can improve comfort during everyday activities and support more effective participation in rehabilitation without the need for surgery.

In the management of chronic low back pain, lumbar radiofrequency neurotomy offers a non-surgical option that uses heat energy to precisely disrupt overactive nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain from the lower spine’s facet joints. This outpatient procedure, performed under imaging guidance, can significantly reduce pain and increase function for many individuals whose symptoms have not responded to conservative care, often delivering relief that lasts longer than steroid injections. By targeting the medial branch nerves and “turning off” their signal transmission, patients may experience improved comfort, greater participation in physical therapy, and enhanced quality of life, with a relatively short recovery period and a low risk of complications.

For individuals struggling with persistent low back pain and discomfort that travels down the legs, a lumbar epidural steroid injection offers a targeted approach to pain control by bathing the affected nerve roots with a blend of corticosteroid and anesthetic medication in the epidural space, helping to reduce inflammation and pressure on the nerves. Administered under imaging guidance in a clinical setting, this procedure can help calm nerve-related pain caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or radiculopathy, often resulting in relief that supports increased participation in physical therapy and daily activities without the need for major surgery. While relief varies among individuals, many patients find improved comfort and functional gains that enhance quality of life.

For individuals experiencing persistent low back pain and radiating leg symptoms, a lumbar transforaminal epidural injection provides a targeted way to address nerve-related inflammation by delivering anti-inflammatory and anesthetic medication directly into the nerve root’s epidural space. Using live imaging to guide the needle through the spinal foramen adjacent to the compressed or irritated nerve, this approach helps “bathe” the nerve in medication that reduces swelling and interrupts pain signals, offering relief that can last weeks to months. This procedure is commonly part of a comprehensive spine care plan when conservative measures alone have not sufficiently eased symptoms, and it can also help clinicians assess which nerve roots are contributing most to a patient’s pain.

A medial branch block uses precise, image-guided injections to temporarily numb the medial branch nerves that innervate the facet joints of the spine, offering important insights into whether those joints are the cause of persistent back or neck pain. This procedure can provide short-term pain relief that helps confirm a diagnosis, as a significant reduction in symptoms indicates the facet joints are likely contributing to discomfort, and it can be an important step in developing a personalized treatment strategy that may include longer-acting interventions for sustained relief.

Sacroiliac joint steroid injections provide a targeted approach to easing pain and inflammation in the SI joint—the connection point between the sacrum and pelvic bones—by delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly into the joint space under imaging guidance. This therapeutic injection can both pinpoint the source of lower back or buttock pain and offer lasting relief that supports improved function and reduced reliance on oral pain medications. Often performed when conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications have not sufficiently eased symptoms, this procedure can help many people return to more active lifestyles with less discomfort and better spine-pelvis biomechanics.

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a surgical option for lower back pain that targets the source of spinal discomfort by removing a degenerated disc and placing a bone graft and supportive hardware between the lumbar vertebrae to create a solid bone fusion, often stabilized with a metal plate and screws. This technique restores disc height, relieves nerve impingement, and helps reestablish proper spinal mechanics, which can markedly decrease pain and improve mobility over time. Because ALIF is performed through the front of the body, it preserves the muscles along the back, potentially reducing postoperative muscle pain and promoting earlier engagement in rehabilitation and daily activities as the fusion progresses.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) provides a surgical solution for individuals with chronic neck pain, radiating arm symptoms, or nerve-related weakness that have not responded to non-surgical treatments, by directly addressing the structural cause of nerve compression in the cervical spine. This procedure removes the damaged disc through a small incision in the front of the neck, relieves pressure on neural structures, and stabilizes the spine by placing a bone graft and often a supportive plate with screws between the vertebrae, promoting long-term fusion and alignment. Because the approach avoids disruption of the back muscles and targets the problem from the front, many patients experience improvement in pain and function, allowing for gradual return to daily activities as the fusion heals and reduces abnormal motion at the affected level.

Anterior cervical corpectomy offers a targeted solution for patients with complex neck problems by removing the portion of the vertebrae and disc that are compressing the spinal cord and nerve roots, then rebuilding spinal stability with a bone graft or implant that promotes natural fusion over time. Performed through the front of the neck using careful tissue retraction and imaging guidance, this surgery can alleviate symptoms of severe cervical stenosis, such as persistent neck pain, arm weakness, or numbness, while restoring normal spinal alignment. By addressing multiple levels of spinal compression when needed, anterior cervical corpectomy not only decompresses neural elements but also supports structural integrity during healing, often with a period of immobilization and physical therapy to strengthen the neck as recovery continues.

Artificial cervical disc replacement offers a motion-preserving surgical option for individuals with degenerative disc conditions in the neck by removing the painful disc and placing a prosthetic device that replicates the disc’s natural spacing and flexibility. Because the implant allows the vertebrae to move more like a healthy spine compared to spinal fusion, many patients experience reduced pain, restored neck mobility, and a potentially quicker return to normal activities. In addition to relieving nerve compression symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the shoulders or arms, this approach helps maintain spinal biomechanics, which may protect adjacent discs from accelerated degeneration over time.

Axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF) provides a targeted surgical solution for patients with persistent lower back pain by fusing diseased lumbar vertebrae from a unique presacral pathway, allowing surgeons to remove painful disc material and promote bone fusion without extensive disruption of surrounding muscles and ligaments. By inserting a bone graft-filled implant between vertebrae and stabilizing the segment, this procedure can alleviate nerve compression, restore spinal alignment, and reduce painful motion that occurs with degenerative disc disease and related disorders. With its minimally invasive nature, patients often experience less tissue trauma, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker return to normal activities compared with traditional open fusion surgery, making AxiaLIF a well-considered option in contemporary spinal care.

For patients struggling with persistent pain from vertebral compression fractures, kyphoplasty provides a minimally invasive treatment that stabilizes the fracture, helps restore vertebral body height, and can quickly reduce both pain and disability. By inserting and inflating a tiny balloon in the damaged vertebra to make room for bone-cement injection, this procedure reinforces weakened bone, promotes structural support, and often leads to a noticeable reduction in symptoms within days of treatment. As a targeted spinal intervention, kyphoplasty allows many individuals with osteoporotic or traumatic fractures to return to normal activities sooner and with less reliance on long-term pain medications.

For individuals with symptomatic spinal compression, a laminectomy offers a surgical way to ease nerve root or spinal cord pressure by removing the lamina and creating additional space in the spinal canal. This decompression surgery can relieve common symptoms of nerve impingement—such as radiating arm or leg pain, tingling, or muscle weakness—especially in cases of spinal stenosis or advanced degenerative changes. While the procedure involves a small incision and careful removal of bone and soft tissue, many patients notice a reduction in pain and an improved ability to participate in physical therapy and regular activities as healing progresses.

For patients experiencing chronic neck and upper extremity symptoms caused by nerve compression in the cervical spine, a cervical laminectomy offers a surgical solution that relieves pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves by removing part of the posterior vertebral bone. This decompression surgery addresses the root causes of symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness, or muscle weakness by creating additional space within the spinal canal, reducing nerve irritation and potentially restoring mobility. Typically considered after conservative care has been tried without adequate improvement, cervical laminectomy can help many individuals return to normal activities with reduced neurologic discomfort.

Cervical laminectomy with fusion is a specialized neck surgery that not only decompresses the spinal cord and nerve roots by removing part of the vertebral bone that constricts the spinal canal, but also reinforces the spine through fusion using bone grafts and fixation devices like rods and screws. By relieving pressure on compressed nerves and strengthening the spinal segment, this procedure can help reduce debilitating chronic neck pain, numbness, and muscle weakness, while preventing future instability that might arise after decompression alone. Because the fusion encourages the vertebrae to heal together into a single solid bone, many patients experience improved posture, reduced neurologic symptoms, and a more stable cervical spine during recovery.

In a lumbar corpectomy, surgeons carefully remove the damaged vertebral bone and disc material that are compressing spinal nerves and contributing to chronic lower back symptoms, then reconstruct the spinal column with a bone graft or implant that helps maintain proper height and alignment of the vertebrae. This decompression and fusion surgery can relieve pressure on affected nerve roots, stabilize the spine, and prevent further neurologic decline, which may result in reduced pain and improved function for patients with spinal fractures, deformity, or other complex pathology. Although recovery from lumbar corpectomy and fusion typically involves a longer rehabilitation period than less invasive surgeries, many patients experience significant relief and increased ability to participate in daily activities as healing progresses.

Lumbar disc microsurgery is a minimally invasive spinal procedure designed to relieve lower back and leg pain caused by a herniated or ruptured disc by removing the portion of the disc that is pressing on nearby nerves and the spinal cord. Using specialized surgical microscopes and precise instruments through a small incision in the lower back, the surgeon gently decompresses affected nerve roots while preserving healthy disc tissue to reduce irritation and inflammation. Because this targeted approach limits disruption to surrounding muscles and soft tissues, many patients experience significant pain relief, reduced sciatica symptoms, and faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery, helping them return to daily activities with improved function.

Micro endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to relieve lower back pain and leg symptoms caused by a herniated lumbar disc that compresses spinal nerves, using a tiny endoscope and specialized instruments to remove the portion of disc pressing on nerve roots while preserving healthy tissue. This advanced form of disc surgery involves a small incision and real-time visualization to allow precise removal of herniated disc material, reducing irritation and inflammation that contribute to radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs. Because the technique minimizes muscle and soft-tissue disruption compared with traditional open surgery, many patients experience less postoperative pain, smaller scars, faster recovery, and quicker return to activity while still achieving effective decompression of the affected nerve.

Minimally-invasive lumbar microdecompression is a surgical technique used to treat symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis—such as persistent lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness—by gently removing overgrown bone and soft tissue that compress nerve roots in the lower spine. Using small incisions and specialized instruments under imaging guidance, the surgeon creates a pathway to the affected area that minimizes muscle and soft-tissue disruption while freeing trapped nerves and expanding space within the spinal canal. This focused decompression can significantly reduce pressure on irritated nerves, leading to improved mobility and pain relief with less postoperative discomfort, smaller scars, and a faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery.

Minimally-invasive TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion) is a surgical procedure designed to relieve chronic lower back and leg pain by removing a damaged spinal disc and stabilizing the affected vertebrae through fusion using a bone graft and implants placed via small incisions in the lower back. This targeted technique accesses the disc space through the foramen, reducing muscle and tissue disruption while creating space for the spinal nerves and restoring proper disc height, which helps eliminate nerve compression and radiating symptoms. Because the approach is less invasive than traditional open surgery, many patients experience reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, quicker return to everyday activities, and improved spinal stability for conditions like degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis when conservative care has not provided sufficient relief.

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure designed to stabilize the spine and reduce pain by permanently joining two or more vertebrae so they heal into a single, solid bone, which can help eliminate painful motion between segments affected by degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or traumatic injury. During the operation, damaged discs may be removed and replaced with a bone graft or implant, and metal hardware like screws, rods, or plates are often used to hold the vertebrae together as they fuse over time, promoting long-term spinal stability and reduced nerve irritation. This procedure is commonly used when conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief, and it can lead to improved function, decreased chronic pain, and better quality of life for many patients experiencing persistent back or neck issues.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) is a specialized spinal fusion surgery that treats chronic lower back pain and nerve-related symptoms by removing the damaged lumbar disc and inserting a bone graft-filled spacer between the vertebrae to restore disc height, relieve pressure on spinal nerves, and promote long-term stability. The surgeon accesses the spine through a posterior transforaminal route, which allows precise removal of the diseased disc and placement of bone graft material with minimal disruption to muscles and soft tissues, helping to reduce postoperative pain and accelerate recovery. Instrumentation such as screws and rods are often used to secure the vertebrae while the bone graft heals and fuses the levels together, improving spinal alignment and function for conditions like degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and spinal instability when conservative treatments have failed.

Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) offers a targeted surgical option for patients with persistent low back pain and nerve symptoms by approaching the spinal column from the side to remove the damaged disc and insert a supportive implant that promotes vertebral fusion. This lateral approach helps preserve back muscles and ligaments, reduce blood loss and scarring, and shorten overall recovery time, making it a suitable choice for individuals whose pain has not improved with conservative treatments. Many patients experience early relief of radicular pain and improved stability as the grafted bone fuses the spine over time, with potential benefits including a quicker return to normal activities and a lower risk of some complications associated with traditional fusion surgeries.