No surgery-related major complications were noted, except in 3 patients who complained of transient paresthesia in the affected lumbar segment.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your recent column on shingles. I am 66 years old and in fairly good health. I had both Shingrix shots about five years ago. I take hydroxyurea for polycythemia vera (PV).

Those with a history of previous lumbar spine surgery or those who had received epidural steroid injections within the last 6 months were excluded. Patients were randomized to injections with ...

For instance, with direct lateral interbody fusion, your surgeon reaches your vertebrae from your side. With transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, your surgeon approaches your spine through your ...

And not everyone with a herniated disk needs a lumbar discectomy. Your healthcare provider might advise the surgery if you’ve tried other treatments but still have bad symptoms. Other treatments to ...