Out-of-state? Free MRI review4.9 ★ · 619 Google reviewsBoard-certified spine surgeonSame-day spine surgeryCall (424) 217-7463
Out-of-state? Free MRI review + telehealth consult before you travel 4.9 ★ · 619 Google reviews Board-certified — American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Minimally invasive, same-day spine surgery in Beverly Hills Call (424) 217-7463

The Spine Health Journal

Clear, careful writing
on the spine.

Straight-talking guides on minimally invasive surgery, common conditions, and traveling in for care — written to help you make a good decision, not to sell you one.

Conditions

Desk-Friendly Stretches for Back Pain Relief

While modern desk jobs certainly have their perks, hours spent staring at a screen and sitting in the same position can also amount to stiffness, muscle strain, and, for some, chronic back pain. In fact, more than half of…

Conditions

Daily Stretching for Chronic Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief

If you’re living with sciatic nerve pain, you already know that the deep ache, burning sensation, or sharp shooting pain can be exhausting and may interfere with everything from sleep to walking.

Treatments

How To Support a Loved One Through Spinal Surgery

Spine surgery recovery is rarely one size fits all. Some people need weeks to months before they begin feeling independent again, while others are able to recover quickly. The “in-between” time is where a caregiver can make a big…

Treatments

Traditional vs. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries

When people think of “spine surgery,” a large incision and a surgeon working directly over the opened spine is most likely what they think of. This approach is essentially the traditional (open) spine surgery, where the surgeon uses a…

Spine Health

Preventing Re-Injury: Strength Training Guide 2025

Recovering from a spinal injury is a major milestone for athletes—but there’s always the lingering worry of re-injury.

Spine Health

Safe Exercises to Support Spine Health in Seniors

Lower back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting an estimated 619 million people globally, with projections reaching 843 million by 2050.

Spine Health

How Aging Affects Your Spine and What You Can Do About It

As we get older, our bodies change. This includes the spine — an impressive structure made up of bones (vertebrae), soft cushions (discs), and nerves that allow our body to twist, bend, sit, and stand…

Conditions

Things To Avoid With Degenerative Disc Disease

Learn the top things to avoid with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and how to protect your spine through smart movement, nutrition, and lifestyle habits. Discover expert advice from The Spine Pro’s Dr. Hooman Melamed in…

Treatments

Top 5 Non-Surgical Treatments for Chronic Back Pain

One of the top reasons people see a doctor is for chronic back pain. In fact, 8 out of 10 people will experience chronic back pain at some point in their lives. Experiencing chronic back…

Conditions

How to Prevent Bone Spurs

Bone spurs or osteophytes —smooth bony outgrowths along joint edges—often go unnoticed until they cause pain, stiffness, or mobility issues, impacting daily life for millions.

Recovery

Signs a Herniated Disc Is Healing: 2026 Timeline, Recovery Stages & Expert Insights from Dr. Melamed

Living with a herniated disc can feel overwhelming, turning everyday activities like walking, sitting, or even sleeping into painful challenges. But the good news? Healing is not only possible—it’s common.

Treatments

Bertolotti’s Syndrome and the World’s Only Endoscopic Treatment

For millions worldwide, chronic lower back pain is a daily struggle, often caused by an undiagnosed condition called Bertolotti’s syndrome.

Second opinions welcome

Not sure if surgery is the answer? Neither are we — until we've seen your MRI.

Send your imaging for a personal review with Dr. Melamed. Many patients learn a smaller, muscle-sparing option is on the table.