Question 1

How many locations do you have?

Accepted Answer

We have three locations and serve all of Southern California. We have offices in Marina Del Rey, Newport Beach, and Los Angeles.

Question 2

Why is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery more ideal for patients than open surgery?

Accepted Answer

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery has allowed us to achieve the same goals of open surgery but with smaller incisions and less disruption of surrounding tissue.  This allows for faster recovery times and better long-term outcomes.

Question 3

What’s the benefit of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Accepted Answer

This technique allows for less downtime, faster recovery, and less blood loss. These techniques also allow for surgery to be done outpatient in our surgical center with a zero MRSA infection rate.

Question 4

What’s Causing My Back Pain?

Accepted Answer

The most common cause of back pain tends to be from strained muscles. The pain tends to be most severe right after the injury but can gradually worsen over the first few hours. Strain in your back muscles is most often caused by asking too much of them (ie. Lifting a heavy item) or asking them to work for too long (ie. moving boxes all day long at work).

Question 5

If I’m experiencing back pain, when should I see my doctor?

Accepted Answer

Most of the time, injuries such as back strain will resolve within a few weeks with rest and anti-inflammatory medications.

Warning signs which should prompt a visit to the doctor include:

•	Pain which is getting worse not better
•	Pain so severe that you are unable to walk or go about your activities of daily living
•	Accompanying weakness, numbness, or tingling.
•	Pain that occurs after a fall or accident
•	Loss of bladder or bowel control
•	You have a history of osteoporosis or compression fracture. For more information on osteoporosis, visit this website to read, “5 Signs Your Osteoporosis May Be Worse Than You Thought. https://www.nextavenue.org/5-signs-your-osteoporosis-may-be-worse-than-you-thought/
•	Pain that has not improved after 4-6 weeks of conservative treatment.

Question 6

What are a few causes of neck pain?

Accepted Answer

•	Poor Posture
•	Excessive Cary of Purses and Back Packs
•	Smoking
•	Sleeping Positions

Read more from our top spine surgeon here, https://westsidetoday.com/2016/09/30/4-causes-of-neck-pain-within-your-power-to-change-right-now/

Question 7

When Should I See My Doctor for neck pain?

Accepted Answer

Most of the time, injuries such as neck strain will resolve within a few weeks with rest and anti-inflammatory medications.

Warning signs which should prompt a visit to the doctor include:
•	Pain which is getting worse, not better
•	Pain so severe that you are unable to walk or go about your activities of daily living
•	Accompanying arm or leg weakness, numbness, or tingling.
•	Pain that occurs after a fall or accident
•	Loss of bladder or bowel control
•	Pain that has not improved after 4-6 weeks of conservative treatment.
•	If you are experiencing these symptoms, call your doctor for an appointment so that you can be given a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Question 8

How is a herniated disc diagnosed and treated?

Accepted Answer

To make the diagnosis, your doctor will perform a history and physical exam to see if your symptoms are consistent with a ruptured disc. If appropriate, an MRI of your neck or back will show the exact location and size of the herniation.

The treatment goals are to relieve the discomfort and prevent any permanent injury to your nerves. Treatments range from medications and physical therapy to epidural steroid injections or surgery. Depending on the location and size of the disc, surgical intervention may consist of removing only the piece of the disc that has herniated or removing the entire disc.

Question 9

What Are My Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease?

Accepted Answer

After a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease has been made, we will go over your treatment options specific to your particular situation. In the absence of arm or leg weakness, treatment options will always begin with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and rest. Other options to discuss are when to add acupuncture or chiropractic treatments into your treatment regimen. Surgical treatments can be discussed if conservative treatment fails to provide relief or if you have associated nerve compression causing arm or leg weakness. Depending on the scenario, these can range from minimally invasive decompression surgery to artificial disk replacement or fusion.

Rojeh Melikian, MD - Spine Surgeon

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