The Primary Difference: Bone vs. Soft Tissue Facet joint syndrome and a herniated disc can both cause back or neck pain, but they usually begin in different parts of the spine. Facet joint syndrome starts in the small paired joints at the back of each spinal level, which work like hinges to help the spine
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If your headaches always seem to start in your neck or at the base of your skull, the problem may not be “in your head” at all. Cervicogenic headaches are head pains that actually come from trouble in the upper part of the spine, and they are often mistaken for migraines or tension headaches. Understanding
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A herniated lumbar disc occurs when part of the spinal disc pushes out of its normal position and presses on nearby nerves. This pressure can lead to symptoms such as lower back pain, numbness, tingling, or radiating pain down the leg, commonly known as sciatica. When conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections no
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The CLARITY Trial is a research study for adults with disc-related low back pain who are already planning to have lumbar spine surgery with their doctor. The clinical study is designed to evaluate whether NOCISCAN® can help improve surgical outcomes for patients with discogenic low back pain. NOCISCAN® is the first, evidence-supported, SaaS platform to
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Becker’s Healthcare recently featured Dr. Todd Lanman in an in-depth discussion on how modern spine surgery is evolving to prioritize long-term function, mobility, and quality of life. The article explores advancements in motion preservation, patient-centered decision making, and what defines successful outcomes in today’s spine care. Read More
Read MoreDr. Todd Lanman has been featured by Becker’s Healthcare among 15 spine surgeons shaping the future of motion preservation. Recognized for his pioneering work in artificial disc replacement, clinical research, and innovation, Dr. Lanman continues to help redefine modern spine care by expanding treatment options that preserve motion and reduce the need for spinal fusion.
Read MoreA 32-year-old woman presented with a three-year history of severe low back pain and left-sided lumbar radiculopathy following a prior L5-S1 fusion. She rated her low back pain as 8/10 and her leg pain as 9/10. Her symptoms had become profoundly debilitating, limiting her ability to stand for prolonged periods and resulting in long-term dependence
Read MoreA 57-year-old man traveled to Germany in 2022 to undergo lumbar artificial disc replacement at L5-S1 using the ESP Disc, a viscoelastic-core implant not approved for use in the United States. Over the following three years, he developed progressively worsening mechanical low back pain. Nearly every movement became symptomatic, jarring activities produced severe pain, and
Read MoreAuthors Jason M. Cuellar, MD, PhD ∙ Todd Lanman, MD ∙ Nicole Mottole, BE ∙ Michael Wernke, RP, PhD ∙ Elizabeth Carruthers, ME ∙ Antonio Valdevit, PhD Background The purpose of this study was to examine facet contact forces above, below, and at surgical index levels induced by artificial disc implantation and compare the
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