- Arthritis
- Medical Weight LossAny weight loss plan should be discussed with your surgeon or a qualified dietician. Allow yourself ample time to plan weight loss before your scheduled surgery.
- Primary CareUltra MIS is an evolving philosophy of utilizing the least invasive yet most effective procedure to treat painful spine patients before ever considering minimally invasive surgery. Typically, patients suffering from spinal conditions will see pain management doctors after failing conservative treatment and pain medications prescribed by their primary care physician. Pain management physicians utilize diagnostic injections to pinpoint a painful spinal element. These injections can be therapeutic for a short period of time. Some patients who respond favorably to injections will be recommended for pain procedures like a radiofrequency facet ablation or RFA. This procedure targets the medial branch nerve which causes low back pain related to facet disease.
- Emergency Care
- Kidney Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Depression
- Mental HealthOne-third of those with arthritis over 45 report low mental health and depression due to increased disability and fatigue.
- Thyroid
- Thyroid Cancer
- MRIIf you are coming from out of state, Banner, Yuma Regional, Prescott Medical, or Open MRI Solutions, please follow OnePacs instructions to upload your CD or DVD. All other locations, we can pull up your MRI.
- X-Rays
- Computed TomographyFor spinal myelopathy, we require an MRI or CT scan to pinpoint the exact source of your pain. When we personally review your imaging and listen to your story, we can make an informed decision about the next steps. DISC specialists will always choose the most effective and least invasive methods to diagnose and treat your myelopathy.
- OrthopedicsDr. Abrams completed his orthopedic spine fellowship at Stanford University, one of the most prestigious medical centers of the world. He was recognized as the top spine surgeon in his class. Prior to his fellowship, he completed his orthopedic residency at Michigan State University, as well as his internship in orthopedics. He gained additional spine training at both University of California Davis in Sacramento, California and at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. He obtained his bachelor’s degree at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with Honors. While in Washington, Dr. Abrams worked at the Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle.
- SciaticaSciatica is a common yet often misunderstood type of back pain that impacts as many as 40% of people sometime in their life, with occurrences becoming more frequent with age.
- WhiplashWhiplash is a relatively common neck injury that occurs due to sudden back-and-forth motion, reminiscent of a cracking whip. The snapping motion causes injury to the bones, muscles, tendons and nerves around the spine.
- Pinched NerveAt Desert Institute for Spine Care, our orthopedic doctors offer advanced treatment options for pinched nerve in the spine. We are leaders in compassionate, minimally invasive care for cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, providing patients with relief from their painful symptoms.
- Minimally Invasive SurgeryThere have been two significant developments in spine surgery over the past 30 years – the transition from traditional open spine surgery to minimally invasive surgery and the advent of ultra-minimally invasive surgery.
- Orthopedic SurgeryDr. Mark Wang is a fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon. He joins the DISC team after practicing in Phoenix, Arizona, since 2012. His interest in medicine began while majoring in biology during his undergraduate studies at Stanford University. Dr. Wang furthered his medical interest graduating with honors with his senior thesis in orthopedic surgery. After receiving a medical degree from the UCLA School of Medicine, Dr. Wang finished his orthopedic surgery residency at the Stanford University Hospital and Clinics.
- NeurosurgeryTo combat these risks, especially for neurosurgery, tubular retractors were developed. Tubular retractors — a microscope or loupes to visualize the spine — were the first way to perform minimally invasive surgeries instead of completely exposing the spine. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) involves accessing the spine so the surgeon can see and perform specific procedures more effectively. These include decompressions, deformity corrections, stabilizations and tumor removals.
- Physical TherapyPatient candidates for artificial disc replacement must have experienced chronic neck or back pain not relieved by nonsurgical treatment for at least six months. They must have tried conservative treatment options such as physical therapy, over-the-counter or prescription analgesics, and steroid injections before being considered candidates for artificial disc replacement surgery.
- Slipped DiscOne of the most common causes of severe back pain is a spinal injury known as a herniated disc. This condition goes by many names — disc herniation, bulging disc, slipped disc, collapsed disc. Each term refers to intervertebral discs that have become weakened and are pressing on the spinal cord.
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Manual Therapy