Patient Education
Spine Health Blog
Clear, trustworthy answers to common questions about spine conditions, surgery, and recovery — written by Dr. Chavarria to help you make informed decisions about your care.
Cervical Myelopathy: Why Spinal Cord Compression Can't Wait
Cervical myelopathy is compression of the spinal cord in the neck. Its early signs are easy to miss, but acting early protects function. Here's what to watch for and how it's treated.
XLIF Surgery Explained: A Patient's Guide to Lateral Lumbar Fusion
XLIF (extreme lateral interbody fusion) lets surgeons fuse lumbar vertebrae without cutting through back muscles. Here's how it works and whether it might be right for you.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment in Reno
Lumbar spinal stenosis causes leg pain and weakness that worsens with walking. Reno spine surgeon Dr. Chavarria explains what's happening and when it's time to consider treatment.
Do I Need Surgery for a Herniated Disc?
The short answer: probably not. Most herniated discs improve without surgery — here's how to know when an operation is actually the right call.
How Long Is Recovery After ACDF?
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion has one of the smoothest recoveries in spine surgery. Here's what to expect, week by week.
Minimally Invasive vs. Open Spine Surgery: What's the Difference?
Smaller incisions, less muscle damage, faster recovery — but minimally invasive isn't always the answer. Here's how the two approaches really compare.
When Should You See a Spine Surgeon for Back Pain?
Seeing a spine surgeon doesn't mean you'll need surgery. Here are the signs it's time for a specialist's opinion — and the red flags that need prompt attention.