By Ara J. Deukmedjian, M.D., Board Certified Neuro-Spine Surgeon

A back strain is a common occurrence and can cause excruciating back pain. In fact, strains in the muscles of the back are often mistaken for worse conditions and have even led some to the emergency room. Herniated discs or other structural conditions in the spine as a result of trauma or injury are also common and in many cases require surgical intervention such as back surgery.

Almost 15,000 deaths occurred in the US in 2008 due to prescription painkiller overdose. Half a million ER visits in 2009 were a result of prescription painkiller misuse. Almost 12 million Americans admitted to non-medical use of painkillers in 2010.

When you hear the term “degenerative disc disease,” your mind may immediately dive into thoughts of a progressive, crippling condition. Does that mean limiting activity for the rest of your life?

It's not encrypted and it's not Top Secret, but it is code. CRIS: The code for success of Deuk Laser Disc Repair.

It creaks in the night. It stops you dead in your tracks. You don’t want to leave home if you think it may be out there. It can take you by surprise or you may know that it is waiting for your next strenuous move. Your fear of recurring back or neck pain has left you a recluse, shut away, unable to live your life.

By Ara J. Deukmedjian, MD, Board Certified Neuro-Spine Surgeon

If you are injured or develop pain in your back, neck or joints, your primary care physician, the ER physician at a hospital, or an urgent care doctor may recommend you have an MRI. About 30,000 MRI scans are performed every year, many of those of the back, neck and joints. At Deuk Spine Institute, we're able to perform MRI scans right here in our facility.