The Spine Health Journal
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 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 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 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 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…
Recovering from a spinal injury is a major milestone for athletes—but there’s always the lingering worry of re-injury.
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.
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 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…
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 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 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.
For millions worldwide, chronic lower back pain is a daily struggle, often caused by an undiagnosed condition called Bertolotti’s syndrome.
Second opinions welcome
Send your imaging for a personal review with Dr. Melamed. Many patients learn a smaller, muscle-sparing option is on the table.