Chronic lower back pain can wear down even the most patient person. When pain starts limiting work, sleep, walking, or simple day-to-day routines, it is natural to want clear answers about what may help. Dallas-area patients researching surgical options often want to understand the procedure itself before making any decisions, and lumbar microforaminotomy is one…
When back pain has already outlasted rest, medication, and physical therapy, it is easy to feel worn down and uncertain about what to do next. At Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery, we understand how disruptive that kind of pain can be. It can affect work, sleep, exercise, and even the simplest home routines. Many people come to…
Choosing a spine specialist can feel overwhelming, especially when pain is affecting sleep, work, or the simple routines that usually keep life moving. At Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery, we understand how much weight patients carry when they begin looking for the right spine surgeon in Dallas. Dr. Chris Michael is a board-certified Dallas neurosurgeon with a…
What Is a Standalone ALIF? Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a surgical procedure performed through the front of the body to fuse vertebrae in the lower spine. In select patients, a “standalone” ALIF — meaning no additional surgery from the back of the spine is needed — can be an excellent, less invasive option…
Chronic back pain can affect nearly every part of daily life, from getting out of bed in the morning to sitting through a workday or enjoying time with family. At Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery, we understand that long-lasting pain can feel exhausting, frustrating, and at times discouraging, especially when it seems like one treatment after another…
When back or neck symptoms begin to affect sleep, work, or simple day-to-day activities, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Many patients searching for Dallas neurosurgery are looking for a treatment plan that is careful, practical, and centered on the least invasive option that still addresses the problem. At Texas Neuro-Spine…
Lumbar microforaminotomy is a focused surgical procedure designed to relieve pressure on a nerve root in the lower back while limiting the amount of normal tissue disturbed during the procedure. For people who have leg pain, numbness, or weakness from a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine and who have not found lasting relief with…
Facing spine surgery raises practical questions and natural worries about recovery, work, and family responsibilities. Clear steps and realistic expectations can reduce anxiety and help recovery go more smoothly. The guidance below reflects common recommendations from Dallas spine doctors, and it explains how Dr. Chris Michael and the team at Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery support patients…
Cervical total disc replacement or disc arthroplasty is becoming an increasingly popular procedure. Now, the cervical disc replacements are even approved for doing 2 levels, as in this recent case that I performed. Is it right for you? Many things are possible in spine surgery but only a few things are most appropriate for you…
Here is a case that shows why spinal fusion is often needed along with laminectomy (decompression) surgery. It also illustrates the importance of having a thorough evaluation done by your doctor. What makes a thorough evaluation is having a complete history and proper X-rays. Image 1: This patient had spinal stenosis at L4-5 on MRI that…