Undergoing a lumbar artificial disc replacement (ADR) is a major step toward reclaiming an active lifestyle. Unlike a spinal fusion, ADR is designed to preserve motion in your spine. However, because the procedure involves accessing the spine through the abdomen, the recovery process comes with a unique...

If you are exploring cervical or lumbar artificial disc replacement (ADR), one of the first surprises is how detailed the evaluation can be. Many patients walk in thinking, “I already have an MRI. Why do I need anything else?”

Artificial disc replacement (ADR) is one of the most exciting shifts in spine care because it is designed to treat painful disc problems while preserving motion, not eliminating it. For the right patient, that can mean returning to daily life with a spine that still moves more naturally at the treated...

If you have lived with neck or back pain for a while, it is very common to start searching for alternatives to spinal fusion. Many people come across artificial disc replacement (ADR) online or hear about it from a friend and immediately wonder, “Am I a candidate for disc replacement?”

Spine surgery can be a life-changing step toward reclaiming your mobility and quality of life. Yet, as hopeful as that outcome is, preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming. At Cuéllar Spine, we believe that knowledge builds confidence—which is why we’re deeply committed to patient education and support...

Lower back pain is one of the most common health concerns, affecting millions of people every year. While it can stem from many different causes, one universal truth is that movement plays a vital role in both recovery and long-term prevention. The right exercises—performed consistently and correctly—can...

Back surgery can be life-changing for patients struggling with chronic spinal pain — but unfortunately, not every outcome is as expected. For some, symptoms persist or even worsen after surgery. This condition is known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS).

Most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives—and for many, the pain can be managed with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. But sometimes, conservative care just isn’t enough. In these situations, surgery may become the most effective...

At Cuéllar Spine, we believe informed patients make the best decisions for their bodies and long-term wellness. Asking the right questions can ease anxiety, clarify expectations, and strengthen trust between you and your surgical team. Below are some of the most important topics to bring up during your...

Back or neck pain can be life-altering—limiting movement, disrupting sleep, and affecting everything from work performance to emotional health. For decades, traditional open spine surgery was the primary option for treating serious spinal conditions. But advancements in medical technology have led to...

Multilevel degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition where more than one spinal disc deteriorates, often due to aging, repetitive stress, or previous injury. When multiple levels of the spine are affected, it can lead to significant discomfort, stiffness, and even nerve-related symptoms that disrupt...

Back pain is one of the most common and disruptive health concerns—affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether it's due to muscle strain, herniated discs, arthritis, or poor posture, back pain can significantly limit mobility, interfere with your daily routine, and lower your quality of...

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is often thought of as a condition that primarily affects older adults, but young people can also experience its effects. Misconceptions about age and DDD often delay critical diagnosis and treatment. In reality, factors such as genetics, injuries, and lifestyle habits...

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition that affects the spinal discs, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility as the discs lose flexibility and height over time. While it is a natural part of aging, certain lifestyle choices and activities can accelerate the progression of symptoms,...

Living with a herniated or herniated disc can be challenging, with symptoms like back pain, tingling, and reduced mobility interfering with daily life. While treatment options vary, many patients wonder if low-impact exercises like Pilates can help manage their condition. Pilates, known for its focus...

Cervical radiculopathy, often called a "pinched nerve" in the neck, occurs when a nerve in the cervical spine is compressed or irritated. This condition can cause pain, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm, and hand, making it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping...

Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) surgery is a cutting-edge procedure that helps relieve chronic spine issues by replacing damaged discs with artificial ones, restoring mobility and reducing pain. This surgery offers patients an alternative to spinal fusion, with the added benefits of preserving natural...

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has emerged as a revolutionary approach in spinal surgery, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional open spine procedures. Unlike conventional surgeries, which often involve larger incisions and extensive muscle disruption, MISS employs small...

Pseudarthrosis, often referred to as "false joint" occurs when there is a failure of bone healing after spinal fusion surgery. This condition can lead to persistent pain and instability...

Arthritis, a prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide, significantly impairs daily life due to pain and joint inflammation. Dr. Cuéllar, a distinguished spinal surgeon with extensive expertise in regenerative medicine, offers cutting-edge treatments for arthritis, including Alpha 2 Macroglobulin...

Laminectomy without fusion is a straightforward procedure that relieves spinal cord or nerve pressure by removing part of the vertebra. This method is commonly used for conditions like spinal stenosis and herniated discs, allowing the spine to retain its natural movement.

Lumbar disc replacement surgery offers a promising alternative to traditional treatments for debilitating back pain and limited mobility by replacing damaged discs with artificial implants.

Revision spine surgery, also known as secondary spine surgery, plays a crucial role in addressing persistent or recurrent spinal conditions after previous surgical interventions. Its importance lies in correcting complications, restoring spinal stability, and improving patient outcomes. Recognizing signs...

Artificial disc replacement (ADR), also known as total disc replacement (TDR), has emerged as a revolutionary approach in the field of spinal surgery, offering a promising alternative to traditional spinal fusion for treating degenerative disc diseases. Unlike fusion, which immobilizes the affected segment...

It is easy to take the movement in our necks for granted - and yet, when we are in pain, our neck flexibility can become extremely limited. Although patients who suffer from chronic neck pain are not experiencing something uncommon, this pain can interfere with nearly all physical activity.

Cuéllar Spine offers patients the expertise and personalized care needed when considering artificial disc replacement surgery and/or a total disc arthroplasty. This highly specialized procedure requires the knowledge and experience that only a dedicated surgeon like Dr. Jason M. Cuéllar, M.D. can provide....

Do you have pain in the spine that radiates out to your limbs? Have you already explored more conservative treatment plans like steroid injections and physical therapy for your chronic back pain, but still have not found relief? If the answer is yes, and especially if you find that your symptoms are...

Sciatica is the term used to describe radiating pain that typically starts at or below the low back and travels down into the buttock, posterior thigh and calf. Pain may be accompanied by numbness and/or weakness. It is a common problem that may be caused by a herniated disc or bone spur that presses...

An artificial disc replacement is a surgical procedure where a damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc in the spine is replaced with an artificial one. This procedure is also referred to as a “total disc replacement” (TDR) or a “total disc arthroplasty” (TDA).

Cervical Radiculopathy is a pinched or irritated nerve in the neck that causes pain, numbness, or weakness that then radiates out into the shoulders, arms and/or hands.

Herniated discs can be a result of trauma, an accident, heavy lifting or just part of the disc degenerative aging process.