No. Many doctors get away with saying they do minimally invasive surgery because of the incision size. However, they use equipment that expands once inserted into your spine, which causes as much muscle tearing and pain as traditional open back surgery. At Minimally Invasive SpineCARE we do not use expandable retractors. Our equipment allows us to go right between the muscle instead of tearing them.

The primary advantage is that it is highly effective and very low risk since there is no interference with the muscles, bones, or joints or manipulation of the nerves in your neck and back area. Since only small probes are inserted through the muscle at the incision, there is very little if any scarring in or around the nerves. Because many of Minimally Invasive SpineCARE’s procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, you may be allowed to return home the day of the procedure. Many patients worldwide fly in for the procedure and fly out the next day.

All the doctors here are fellowship-trained spine surgeons who specialize in endoscopic laser and minimally invasive spine procedures. Their certifications are considered the highest level in medical specialty training in the spine field. Many other doctors performing these procedures elsewhere do not have this highest level of training in the spine and are neurosurgeons not trained to specifically work on the spine. Minimally Invasive SpineCARE doctors dedicate 100% of their time to the spine, making them some of the best in the world.

Minimally Invasive SpineCARE doctors are fellowship-trained spine surgeons who specialize in endoscopic laser and minimally invasive spine procedures. These certifications are considered the highest level in medical specialty training in the spine field. Many other doctors performing these procedures elsewhere do not have this highest level of training in the spine.

The back and neck are intricately designed with many joints and moving parts that, when damaged, can cause painful nerve root irritation, disc herniations, bone spurs, scar formation or a combination of these injuries. The damage can be caused by weakened muscles and the wrong movement or pressure.

Take control of your spinal condition. It is encouraged that appropriate eating habits, exercise and proper body mechanics are followed to strengthen your spine. The very best treatment for spinal pain is prevention, not pills, shots or surgery. Your body is getting older every day, and it is important to avoid activities that aggravate existing conditions. The body is designed to wear out. Use proper body mechanics in all of your activities of daily living. Pay attention to your body and make it strong. Most patients are their own best doctors.

Being overweight does nothing good for your back and it is a factor that you can control. Excess weight strongly contributes to lower back pain and to almost all spinal conditions. Get motivated, lose weight, and feel healthy and better about yourself.

It is important to remember to rest a few days after an injury. However, one should not sit around and wait for the pain to become completely subside, unless directed by your physician. Doing nothing may actually increase the pain because muscles and ligaments will become unconditioned. Brisk walking one or two miles per day is low impact manner in which to achieve cardiovascular and strength training.

Yes. Quit smoking now! Spine patients who smoke have been clearly identified to have a lower pain threshold than patients who do not smoke. Typically, smokers have a less predictable surgery outcome because smoking increases healing time. Smokers also have higher complications including an increase risk of infection when surgery is indicated.

The type of treatment depends on the problem, issue and damage to the neck or spine. Non-surgical treatment, such as physical therapy, decompression, acupuncture and injections has been a very effective treatment option for back pain. While Dr.Won is an accomplished back surgeon, he is an advocate of non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments.

Yes, physical therapy helps decrease muscle and ligament pain in the short term. According to many physical therapists, physical therapy helps to:

• Promote alignment of the spinal segments to optimize nerve function and minimize degenerative changes over time
• Strengthen the deep para-spinal musculature that effectively stabilize the spinal segment
• Promote good posture and minimizes muscle imbalances that put stress and strain on structures in the spine
• Improve flexibility of the hips to decrease stress and strain on the spine with heavy exertion
• Facilitate healing and management of symptoms through modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat, ice and massage.

Physical therapy is usually offered in four to six-week sessions. Patients are encouraged to continue with exercise after their therapy sessions end.

Exercise is important for your spine as well as your general health. Make exercise a habit. Do not over do it at first. If you are unsure of how or where to begin, ask a physical trainer or physical therapist for a gradual exercise program. Some exercise is better than no exercise. Strength and flexibility are necessary for a healthy neck and back. Exercise at least three times per week. Make exercise fun and encourage your friends to join you. Do something for yourself and invest some time and effort in improving your body.

Each person has different needs. Our Physical therapist, will work with patients to individually design the cardiovascular and strength-training exercises that fit their individual needs.

-Cardiovascular – Treadmill, water aerobics, or recumbent bicycle for at least 20-30 minutes per session. You need to sweat and get the blood flowing.
-Weight Lifting – Use light weights only (2, 5, 8, 10 pounds), with repetitions. 3 sets of 12 repetitions are recommended. Avoid use of heavy weights and do not strain yourself.

We do offer short term pain relief (services/ medication) as needed, including anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers and pain killers. If longer term relief is needed, then we will refer you to a pain management center.

Often, injections are performed around the small joints in the spine (facet joints), nerve root, and the spinal canal itself (epidural injections). The amount of relief depends on what type of spinal condition is present. The injections consist of a combination of steroids, short and long-term anesthetics, and are utilized in an attempt to decrease pain in the hope of trying to avoid an operation. We have specialists trained specifically to help patient deal with chronic pain. They provide a comprehensive treatment plan including the prescribing of medications, injections, psychological evaluations and occasional implantation of spinal cord stimulation.

Acupuncture is known to be a very effective form of treatment for temporary back pain relief. The acupuncturist assesses the flow and distribution of this energy by stimulating certain areas or “accupoints” with needles, herbs, electricity, magnets and lasers. The goal is to adjust the vital energy so that the proper amount reaches the proper place at the right time.

Reflexology is a treatment that focuses on certain “reflex” areas on the hands and feet that correspond with specific organs, glands and other parts of the body. For example, the lower back and intestines correspond with the heel of the foot. When the right areas of the feet or of the hands are treated with the right amount of pressure, nerve and blood flow is improved, which promotes healing.

Chiropractic care is recommended for short-term ease of pain before a patient begins physical therapy. Spinal adjustment or manipulation are used to treat back pain and improve movement. During an adjustment, chiropractors use their hands to apply a controlled, force to a joint to push the range of motion. Chiropractic care also incorporates massage and stretching, as well as other muscle stimulation.

Bio-magnet therapy is based on the principle of positive and negative influences to stimulate circulation. Circulation is enhanced since bio-magnets are attracted to the iron in blood. This increases blood flow, which helps with healing.

Yoga is based on the principle of the balance between strength and flexibility. In the case of back pain, a person might experience tightness in the neck, shoulders and even hip that can aggravate this pain. Yoga releases tension of the muscles and also strengthens the muscles, which provides future support. While there are many types of yoga, for back pain sufferers, the hatha style—which focuses on alignment-is a good place to start.

Traditionally, spinal traction uses manual and mechanical ways to create forces to stretch and mobilize the spine in order to relieve back pain and spasms. Spinal decompression is a more advanced, sophisticated and much gentler way to approach back pain. This treatment is also focused on stretching the spine to relieve nerve pressure and is a great option for those suffering herniated discs or degenerative disc disease.

Massage therapy improves circulation by bringing oxygen and other nutrients to body tissues. It also reduces muscle pain and stiffness by helping to clear lactic acid and other wasted due to increased circulation.

Pain mapping is a groundbreaking process in which we pinpoint and isolate the exact source and location of the pain, thus allowing us to treat only the specific area in the least invasive way possible. Often MRIs or CT scans are not adequate enough to find the exact nerve pain source. We use real-time X-ray injections filled with medication to find the specific nerve causing the pain.

While we can’t improve your swing’s effectiveness in getting distance on the ball, we can improve the way your swing affects your back muscles. You’ll avoid injuries that come with this repetitive movement.

Disks are cushioned cartilage located between the vertebrae of your spine. A bulging disk extends beyond its normal space, or bulges out. Bulging of the disks typically happens as a normal aging process. A herniated disk happens when the softer inner layer of the disk protrudes out.

Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal or nerve root canals become narrowed by overgrowth of bone and ligament. This causes compression of the nerves and results in pain, weakness or even numbness. We provide the newest, most technologically advanced non-surgical option – spinal decompression-for patients with spinal stenosis.