Back and neck pain are among the most common health problems worldwide, affecting nearly 80% of adults at some point in their lives. For many people, what often feels like a simple ache can actually be traced back to chronic spine conditions that, if left untreated, may limit mobility, disrupt sleep, and reduce overall quality of life. While many of these conditions share similar symptoms, each one has its own underlying cause and requires a personal approach to treatment for the best results.
Read on to explore 12 of the most common spine conditions and learn about today’s most effective treatment options from the best spine surgeon in Los Angeles.
Living with back or neck pain doesn’t mean you have to settle for limited mobility or discomfort. With today’s minimally invasive techniques and advanced surgical solutions, patients can find lasting relief and restore quality of life. If you’re struggling with one of these conditions, consulting with the best spine surgeon in Los Angeles can put you on the path to recovery:
Spinal tumors are abnormal growths that form in or around the spinal cord. Although they may be small, they can place pressure on nerves and nearby tissues that control movement and sensation, often leading to back pain, neurological symptoms, or nerve compression. A common concern patients have is whether a spinal tumor is always cancerous. The answer is not always; most spinal tumors are benign, or noncancerous, but it’s important to know that both benign and malignant tumors can lead to serious neurological problems if left untreated. The good news is that today’s best solutions give patients more options than ever before. Depending on the tumor, treatment may involve minimally invasive removal to relieve pressure, or radiation or radiosurgery to stop tumor growth while preserving healthy tissue.
A herniated disc happens when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer, often pressing on nearby nerves. This can lead to disc-related back pain, sharp pain in the back or neck, along with sciatica-like radiating pain that travels down the arms or legs. Some people also experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, which can make everyday activities like walking, lifting, or even sitting uncomfortable. While the symptoms can feel overwhelming, there are effective treatments that bring real relief.
Many patients improve with physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles and improve mobility, while epidural injections can help reduce inflammation and pain. For cases where these options don’t provide enough relief, a minimally invasive procedure called microdiscectomy can remove the damaged portion of the disc, relieving pressure on the nerves and often helping patients return to normal activities much faster than with traditional surgery.
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal becomes too narrow, often due to age-related changes like arthritis or thickened ligaments, which in turn puts pressure on the nerves. Many people notice that their symptoms, such as pain, tingling, or weakness in the legs, feel worse when they walk. Simple lifestyle changes, such as modifying activities, using supportive devices, or taking medication, can temporarily reduce discomfort. For patients whose symptoms continue to interfere with daily life, minimally invasive decompression surgery is often recommended to relieve nerve pressure and restore mobility.
Compression fractures are small cracks or breaks in the vertebrae, most often caused by osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones and makes them more fragile. These fractures can come on suddenly, sometimes after something as simple as bending or coughing. While the pain can feel overwhelming, there are several effective treatment options. For those with ongoing pain, minimally invasive procedures like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty can stabilize the fracture by injecting medical-grade cement into the weakened bone, often bringing rapid relief and helping patients return to normal activities more quickly.
Failed back syndrome describes the frustration patients feel when pain continues, or even returns, after spinal surgery. One of the most common questions we get at our Los Angeles clinic is, “Why does my back still hurt after surgery?” The truth is, several factors can be responsible:
In any case, living with this ongoing pain can take a toll on both physical and emotional well-being, but you don’t have to learn to live with this pain. With advanced imaging in Los Angeles, the best spinal surgeons can pinpoint the source of the problem and create a customized plan. Depending on the cause, options may include revision surgery, minimally invasive corrective procedures, or spinal cord stimulation, which uses gentle electrical signals to interrupt pain messages. These modern treatment options give many patients a renewed chance at relief and improved quality of life.
Bone spurs are bony growths that develop along the edges of the spine, most often as a result of arthritis or the natural aging process. While they may not always cause problems on their own, bone spurs can sometimes press on nearby nerves, leading to stiffness, tingling, or even numbness in the arms or legs. These symptoms can make simple daily activities uncomfortable and frustrating. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage the condition. For mild pain, anti-inflammatory medications can reduce swelling and pain, while physical therapy helps improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. In cases where bone spurs are causing severe nerve compression, minimally invasive surgical removal can restore comfort and mobility.
A pinched nerve happens when surrounding bone, disc material, or soft tissue presses too tightly on a nerve, interfering with the signals it sends to the body. A key sign of a pinched nerve is that the discomfort often follows a specific pathway and feels like a sharp, shooting pain that travels down the arm or leg, sometimes paired with numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in that same area. For stubborn cases that don’t improve, minimally invasive decompression procedures can relieve the pressure directly, helping patients regain comfort and function with a shorter recovery time.
A disc protrusion occurs when one of the spinal discs bulges outward beyond its normal boundaries but hasn’t completely ruptured. This bulge can irritate nearby nerves or simply cause mechanical pain in the back. Common symptoms include localized back discomfort that may stay in one spot or, if nerves are involved, radiate into the arms or legs. If symptoms worsen or fail to improve with conservative treatments, minimally invasive surgical options are available to relieve pressure and restore comfort, often with shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
Disc extrusion is a more advanced form of disc herniation where the soft inner material of the disc pushes far out of its normal position, often pressing heavily on nearby nerves. If the nerve compression is severe or symptoms don’t improve with physical therapy, surgery may be recommended. Minimally invasive procedures, such as microdiscectomy, are often highly effective in removing problematic disc material, relieving nerve pressure, and helping patients return to normal activities with a quicker recovery time.
Degenerative disc disease is a condition that develops as the spinal discs naturally wear down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, or even instability in the spine. Instead of acting like soft cushions between the vertebrae, aging or damaged discs lose flexibility and height, which can make movement uncomfortable. Common symptoms include chronic back or neck pain that flares up with activity, but often feels better with rest. While the name may sound alarming, many people find relief with non-surgical care. In advanced cases, surgical options like disc replacement or spinal fusion can restore stability and improve quality of life.
Osteoarthritis of the spine happens when the joints in the back gradually wear down, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and pain that can make everyday activities harder to manage. While living with spinal arthritis can feel discouraging, there are effective ways to keep symptoms under control. For severe cases where nerve compression limits mobility or daily comfort, minimally invasive surgical procedures may be recommended to relieve pressure and restore function.
Sciatica is a painful condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed, often by a herniated disc or bone spur in the lower spine. The pain usually travels along one side of the body, creating a burning or shooting sensation that runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. Many people also experience tingling, numbness, or weakness, which can make standing, walking, or even sitting for long periods difficult. Physical therapy is often the first step, helping to strengthen the core and improve posture to relieve pressure on the nerve. For more severe or persistent cases, minimally invasive surgical options can remove the source of compression, offering long-lasting relief and helping patients return to normal activities with greater comfort.
When you’re living with back or neck pain, choosing the right spine surgeon can make all the difference in how confident you feel about your care and recovery. At our state-of-the-art clinic, Dr. Parham Yashar combines advanced surgical expertise with a patient-first approach that puts your needs at the center of every decision.
We know that surgery can feel overwhelming, but with Dr. Yashar’s extensive experience in minimally invasive and robotic spine procedures, we’re able to offer solutions that not only relieve pain but also help you return to your daily life with less downtime. Our commitment is to provide the highest level of care in Los Angeles, where technical precision meets genuine compassion, so you feel supported from your first consultation through every step of recovery.
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