Degenerative disc disease is a common disorder that causes chronic back pain. Currently, very few surgical procedures are available to relieve discomfort from severe back pain while preserving spinal motion.
Dr. Regan's private practice is one of a few selected surgeons who are participating in Food and Drug Administration clinical trials for Anatomic Facet Replacement System (AFRS™), a treatment that preserves normal motion and is an alternative to lumbar spinal fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis patients.
Anatomic Facet Replacement System
Degeneration of the facet joints often leads to spinal stenosis and as the degeneration continues, many patients require surgery to regain spinal stability and obtain relief from pain. A common surgical treatment is the removal of bone from the affected area followed by a spinal fusion, which limits normal motion.
The Anatomic Facet Replacement System (AFRS) is a treatment that preserves normal motion and is an alternative to lumbar spinal fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis patients. Learn more about this study.
Lateral Access Surgery
Lateral access is a safe and reproducible means of addressing certain spine disorders with an approach from the side of the patient, as opposed to an approach from the back (posterior) or the front (anterior). A lateral (side) approach is made safe with the use of nerve monitoring technology (NeuroVision® from NuVasive,® Inc.).
A New Avenue for Treatment
The XLIF® (eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) procedure provides relief to patients who cannot tolerate a larger, open back surgery because of the increased risks of longer anesthesia time, blood loss, hospitalization, and recovery. It is also a less invasive alternative for patients who have lived with back or leg pain through years of various failed treatments, including steroid injections, physical therapy, and pain medication.
The XLIF® procedure includes the use of NeuroVision®, a technologically advanced nerve monitoring system (EMG), allows the surgeon to have accurate, reproducible, real-time feedback about nerve health, location, and function, reducing the incidence of nerve injury during surgery. Click here to read more about the XLIF procedure.
Click here for narrated videos of spine surgeries, procedures and what causes various symptoms. Click here to see medical illustrations that help you understand back and neck problems. Click here to see an exercise library that has special stretches that can relieve pain symptoms.
John J. Regan, MD is the author of the First Chapter of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Clinical Examples of Anatomy, Indications, and Surgical Techniques.
Our spine Internet site acts as on-line spine encyclopedia. In addition, as a free community service, Spine Group Beverly Hills mails out Home Remedy Books on a limited basis to residents in Southern California. Click here to learn more.
We understand that traveling with a back problem can be difficult and unsettling. That’s why we enable you to set up a telephone consultation with Spine Group Beverly HIlls in advance, to determine if a trip would be worthwhile. Because this involves significant time for our practice to receive your information and diagnostics, and for Dr. Regan to review your case in advance of your call, there is a fee for this consultation. Click here to learn more.
The vast majority of back problems improve on their own or with nonsurgical treatment. There are a few warning signs, however, that may indicate serious spinal problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Click here to learn more.
Want to tackle back or neck pain? Dr. Regan has developed an educational journal to help patients get Back to Life. Click here to download our latest Back to Life Journal.
Welcome to Spine Group Beverly Hills Watch the video above to hear a message from Dr.
John Regan about finding freedom from back pain.
Recognize emergency symptoms
for back and neck pain Do you have weakness or numbness in a hand or foot?
Are you unable to raise your toe as you walk?
Do you have any loss of bowel or bladder control?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, click here.
