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Los Angeles Minimally Invasive Spine Institute Blog
It's Not Carpal Tunnel: Hand Numbness Starts in Your Neck
Published: Feb 24, 2026
If you have been feeling persistent numbness in your hands, you might have been informed that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. However, neuro-interventional surgeons encounter patients with wrist issues, which, in fact, originate in the cervical spine....
Spinal Fusion Surgery: Myths & Realities
Published: Jan 20, 2026
Spinal fusion surgery is recommended for patients experiencing severe neck or back pain. Doctors recommend surgery as a last resort, when other pain management treatments fail to produce the desired results. Spine fusion surgery is one of the most...
Laminectomy: Decompression through Destruction
Published: Jan 20, 2026
A laminectomy is a procedure that removes the lamina. The lamina forms the roof of the spinal canal. By removing it, surgeons can create more space for the spinal cord or nerves. The procedure reduces pressure on the spine and may alleviate pain,...
Neck Surgery c5-c6-c7: Recovery Time
Published: Dec 23, 2025
Neck surgery at the C5-C6-C7 levels is a surgical procedure done on the lower part of the cervical spine to fix problems like spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or nerve compression. Common surgeries include Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion,...
Life After ACDF Surgery: Your Recovery Journey
Published: Dec 23, 2025
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is an effective procedure used to relieve pain and neurological symptoms caused by spinal stenosis and herniated discs. It is also used to treat degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine. This...
The 4 Pillars of Treating Chronic Spinal Pain
George Rappard MD discusses the 4 key pillars of spine care. The 4 pillars are physical therapy and chiropractic care tailored to your condition, appropriate selection of medical therapy, pain injections targeting your specific pain source and, as a last result, minimally invasive motion and stability preserving spinal surgery performed as an outpatient procedure. Through effective use of the first 3 pillars only about 5% of our patients need to go on to have back surgery or neck surgery.
