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When chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease or injury fails to respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be recommended to restore function and relieve discomfort. Two surgical options for lumbar spine issues are lumbar artificial disc replacement and traditional spinal fusion. While both aim to reduce pain and improve quality of life, they differ in technique, recovery, and long-term outcomes.

If you’ve been experiencing persistent pain that starts in your neck and radiates into your arm, sometimes with numbness and tingling, you may be dealing with a condition known as spinal  foraminal stenosis in the cervical spine.  In such a condition, the foramen (Latin for hole) has narrowed and the nerve root passing through the foramen becomes compressed. For some patients, one of the most effective solutions is a procedure called a minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy.   

Sciatica goes beyond ordinary back pain. It can make everyday activities like sitting, walking, or even getting a good night’s sleep difficult. Some people find that their symptoms improve with rest and conservative treatment, but others continue to struggle with persistent pain that affects every part of their lives. If you have been living with sciatica and have not found lasting relief, you may begin to ask when surgery becomes the right choice and whether it could finally help you feel better.

Neurogenic claudication is a common and often debilitating symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis. It typically presents as leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that worsens with walking or standing and improves with sitting or leaning forward. This condition results from compression of the spinal nerves in the lower back.  That pressure that can be relieved through a procedure known as a minimally invasive lumbar laminectomy.

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is a minimally invasive spinal procedure designed to treat a range of degenerative spinal conditions. By accessing the spine through a lateral approach, LLIF allows Dr. Tumialán to avoid major back muscles and structures, often resulting in reduced recovery time, less postoperative pain, and minimal blood loss compared to traditional open surgeries.
 

Back pain with associated leg pain is a common issue affecting millions of people.  For some, conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, or injections may not provide lasting relief. In cases of persistent or severe spinal conditions, surgical intervention may be necessary. One such procedure is Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MIS TLIF)—a spinal fusion surgery designed to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain caused by degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or spinal stenosis.

If you're experiencing persistent neck or lower back pain in Scottsdale, Arizona, you might have heard about artificial disc replacement as a treatment option. But how do cervical and lumbar discs differ, and what does that mean for your spine health? Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.

If you're experiencing persistent neck or lower back pain in Scottsdale, Arizona, you might have heard about artificial disc replacement as a treatment option. But how do cervical and lumbar discs differ, and what does that mean for your spine health? Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.

Imagine a four-lane highway where all the cars are flowing smoothly along the road.  There are no disruptions, no barriers which allows all cars to travel the speed limit.  Now imagine the loss of one lane because of an accident and then the loss of another lane because construction.  The flow of traffic slows considerably.  No car can travel the speed limit.  Until the construction is complete and the accident cleared, there is a choke point.  The cars are tightly packed creeping along. The loss of two lanes of a four-lane highway explains the diagnosis of lumbar stenosis.

Living with chronic back pain caused by an unstable spine can significantly impact your daily life and well-being. Spinal fusion is a highly effective surgical procedure designed to decompress the nerves in the spine and stabilize an unstable segment. When facing a degenerative condition that requires surgery, understanding the procedure and recovery process eases concerns and helps you prepare for the journey ahead.