by Dr. Larry Shannon | Oct 20, 2026 | Blog
There is no single lumbar fusion approach that is best for every patient. ALIF, TLIF, PLIF, and LLIF describe different routes to the disc space in the lower back. The right route depends on why fusion is being considered, where the problem is located, the spinal...
by Dr. Larry Shannon | Oct 12, 2026 | Blog
Quick Answer: Bulging Disc vs. Herniated Disc on MRI The main difference between a disc bulge and herniation on MRI is how the disc material extends beyond its normal boundary. A bulging disc on MRI typically shows a broad extension of disc tissue, while a herniated...
by Dr. Larry Shannon | Oct 7, 2026 | Blog
Not always. A spinal cyst found on MRI does not automatically need surgery. Treatment depends on the cyst type, whether it explains the symptoms, whether it affects a nerve or the spinal cord, and whether nerve function is worsening. The phrase “spinal cyst” does not...
by Dr. Larry Shannon | Sep 28, 2026 | Blog
No, you can have pain in your leg that may not be caused by a nerve. “Sciatica” describes a route of pain and related symptoms into the buttock or leg. It does not identify one cause. A lower-spine nerve root may be inflamed, irritated, or compressed. A problem...
by Dr. Larry Shannon | Sep 14, 2026 | Blog
Pain that appears or worsens when you look up or down is sometimes called neck flexion pain. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The movement alone cannot reveal whether the discomfort comes from sensitive muscles, a joint or disc, a nerve root, the spinal cord, or...
