How Long Does It Take To Fully Recover From Neck Surgery?

Fully Recover From Neck Surgery

Neck surgery may be an option for you if your current treatment options have failed to provide the desired results. Many people make the choice to have neck surgery. But, it can be confusing. How long will it take? The neck is complex and delicate. Some patients may worry about the effects of medical conditions on it.

Below are some details to help you understand your procedure, the recovery timelines, and other factors that could affect your recovery. This will allow you to feel more confident about your health moving forward.

When should you have neck surgery?

It is not easy to determine if neck surgery is necessary. It depends on many different factors. It is possible that your discs are becoming brittle and cause them to grind together.

Maybe your neck nerves have become pinched. These are just some of the reasons neck surgery may prove necessary. If all other options have failed, then surgery may be recommended.

  1. Cervical radiculopathy means that the nerve root is pinched from a herniated disc. This causes bone growths that irritate and irritate the nerve.
  2. Spinalstenosis can be defined as a narrowing of the spine’s spaces. This will lead to spinal nerve compression which can result in numbness, and pain.
  3. Degenerative disc Disease is where the discs are pressed together, pinching and causing damage to the spinal nerves. These conditions can cause your discs to become fragile. This means that your discs can no longer stop the vertebrae from grinding together. This causes significant pain.

Common Neck Surgeries

Most neck surgery is intended to correct an issue with one or multiple spinal nerves. Every level of your spinal cord has nerves. If you have an abnormality, these nerves can become compressed or irritated.

Spinal abnormalities usually involve the discs. These are soft, jellylike structures that act between the bones in your spinal column. They can become displaced or degenerate which can cause nerve compression or irritation. The foramen is the passageway through which the nerve exits the spinal cord, and can cause it to become compressed. Whatever the reason, these issues can easily be resolved by one of these three techniques:

Anterior Cervical Discectomy

An anterior cervical Discectomy is a procedure that treats disc problems such as herniation or degeneration. Your surgeon will access the spine through your anterior (or front) and remove the affected disc. Finally, a bone graft will be used to stabilize the region. She or he may also remove bone growths that press against your spinal nerve.

Most patients can leave the hospital the same day as the operation. Your mobility, pain levels and the ability of you to eat are all factors that will determine your discharge criteria. The average time it takes to return to your full activity is three to six months after you leave the hospital. How long it takes for the bone graft to fuse is the most important factor in your postoperative stability. So if this happens faster, it will impact your recovery. Your doctor will be able to monitor the progress and give you advice about your activity.

Foraminotomy & Posterior Cervical Discectomy

A posterior cervical discectomy is very similar to an earlier cervical discectomy. It aims to remove the problematic disc tissue. There are two important differences. A posterior cervical discectomy is performed from the back. A posterior cervical discectomy is a procedure that removes a portion of the disc and does not require bone Fusion.

A posterior cervical femoral foraminotomy serves one purpose. It expands the space through, which your nerve exits the back. It does NOT address pain caused due to movement in a joint. The nerve will become less irritated by expanding the space and relieving pressure. The surgeon will open a small opening in your back and move the nerve around. This may include the removal of bone spurs or disc material that has been displaced, depending upon your condition.

Both procedures are completed within 1-2 hours. You will need to rest for between 4-6 weeks before you can return to work. However, it takes between 2 and 3 month for full recovery. For your recovery, your doctor may recommend physical therapy sessions.

Cervical Arthroplasty: Disc Replacement

Cervical surgery involves the replacement of damaged cervical discs by artificial discs. The artificial joint functions just like a normal joint and allows for normal ranges of motion. This procedure is similar with an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, in that all damaged discs are removed. The disc removal procedure differs in the type and placement of the implant.

The procedure involves the surgeon making a small, near-the-neck incision and gently pulling away any soft tissues. Once the damaged area has been exposed, the surgeon will remove the bone material and insert an artificial disc. The tissue will be pulled back into place, and then the incision will close.

There will be a variation in the length of stay at the hospital depending on each patient’s medical condition. However most people are discharged that day or the next. A lot of light work can be done within one to three weeks. You can return to normal activity after six weeks.

Factors which affect recovery time

There are many things that will impact the length of your recovery from neck surgery. What type of surgery you had and how severe your condition is are important factors that will impact the recovery time. Other factors to consider are:

  • Your age. If you are still young, your chances of recovering faster than if it is older. People younger than average often surpass the milestones. It is not common for younger patients to need neck surgery.
  • Your overall health. It’s more likely that your recovery will be slower if you have any medical conditions or are living a poor lifestyle. The shorter the recovery time, the healthier you will be at the end of the procedure. You can make your wounds take longer to heal if you smoke, drink excessively, are overweight, have chronic conditions, or are obese.
  • Your lifestyle. People who lead an active lifestyle, and engage in regular physical activity, tend to recover faster. However, those with physically demanding jobs tend not to recover as quickly. It may take longer to get back to your previous level of activity, especially if you’re very active.

How long does it take to fully recover from neck surgery? 

The physical demands of surgery are always high, but neck surgery is perhaps the most demanding. Because neck surgery affects your cervical spine, which is responsible for supporting your head and movement, It’s very different from an injured arm that needs a cast or rest.

The fact that you cannot take away all the pressure from your neck following surgery is one reason why recovery may be slower than other types. You can still reduce your healing time with these helpful neck surgery tips.

These tips should be considered as a guide. These tips won’t make you heal instantly. They are not intended to speed up your recovery. You should also follow your surgeon’s guidelines. This will allow you to create a program that suits your specific needs. 

  1. You need to keep the site of surgery and your spine safe from undue pressure. This is done through resting. It is tempting to go back to work or engage in exercise immediately after surgery, but this is not a good idea. You should take time to rest and recover. Your surgery might fail if you are over-exerting. Do not push yourself. When you return to your activities, it should be because the surgeon has approved.
  2. Physical therapy. You will likely have been referred to physical therapy after your surgery. Many people simply attend the sessions to get their instructions, but don’t follow these through. You must be consistent with your rehab program. That means you must attend all sessions and complete your homework. It will make a significant difference in the length of your recovery.
  3. Hydration and diet. You need to ensure that your blood has enough oxygen and contains essential vitamins. This will allow the blood to flow freely, and also deliver vital nutrients to your surgical site, which will aid in healing. This isn’t the right way to live. Instead, eat fruits and vegetables while drinking water is always available. This will help you stay hydrated and reduce inflammation. It will also encourage your body to heal.
  4. A clean surgical area. It may be more challenging if you had posterior surgery. If your procedure was anterior, you should be comfortable keeping your surgical site clean. The tips and instructions given to you by your doctor about how to care for the site should be followed.
  5. While it was true that you must take it easy, it is also important to keep your neck healthy by engaging in good exercises. It is crucial that you don’t get stiff or stiff neck muscles and that your neck has full range and mobility. It will take you much longer to recover if there is some light exercise like a walk around the neighborhood.
Surgical Anxiety

Anxiety both before and during the procedure can be detrimental for your recovery. Your body becomes overloaded with hormones when you are anxious. This can have a negative impact on your immune system, and decrease your body’s ability to defend itself. It’s perfectly normal to feel anxiety and nervousness. But it’s important to be calm. There are good tips to help manage anxiety so you can get into surgery with a calm head. 

These are some of the best tips:

  • Understanding what’s making you anxious and how to fix it.
  • Proper planning for your procedure is crucial.
  • You need to be aware of the things you can expect.
  • Talk with your surgical team about your fears.
Post-Operative Healthcare

Not least, you must take care of your own health after surgery. It is essential that you feel comfortable and safe while you recover. Most likely, your physician has given you painkillers. Also, instructions will be given on how to care for the wound. You will be told what you can and cannot do. Your surgeon will also tell you how long it will take to return to work.

Some other things to consider after your surgery include:

  • Restrictions on certain physical activities The lifting of more than 8 lbs, or bending down to pick up items is strictly prohibited. To help you through the recovery process, ensure you have a support group.
  • Driving is banned for at most two weeks to protect yourself and other road users.
  • Showering shouldn’t take place as foreign bodies can get into the wound. Give the sutures all the time necessary to close the wound. It is important that you have this information from your doctor.
Neck Surgery Benefit

As mentioned, surgery is not something that anyone wants and many people will avoid it. Neck surgery can offer many significant benefits you should be aware of. 

These include:

  • This will result in less pain and a better life. After you are completely healed, you will be able to resume your normal activities and not have to think about suffering from the crippling pain ever again. Surgery can treat neck pain, which can be life-limiting and debilitating.
  • Better health. Neck pain is typically a sign of underlying conditions that need to be treated. This problem can be prevented from getting worse by having surgery.

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Kevin Pauza, M.D.

SPECIALTY

  • Disc Biologics
  • Interventional Spine

EDUCATION & DEGREES

  • Fellowship: Interventional Spine, University of Pennsylvania
  • Residency: PM&R, University of Pennsylvania
  • Internship: Surgery & Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Medical Doctorate: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Arts: Biology, Lehigh University
  • Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, Lehigh University

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

  • Texas State Medical and Surgical License
  • New York State Medical and Surgical License
  • Florida State Medical and Surgical License

HONORS

  • Lehigh University Four-year Academic Scholarship
  • Magna Cum Laude, Lehigh University
  • Lehigh University President’s Award
  • Lehigh University Tower Society
  • Distinguished Alumnus, Penn State University (selected from 500,000 Penn State alumni)
  • North American Spine Society, Outstanding Paper of the Year, 2003
  • President-Elect, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Founding Partner, Texas Spine and Joint Hospital
  • Commencement Speaker: Penn State University College of Medicine
  • Advisory Board, AMA
    Keynote Speaker, Harvard Pain Center Commencement
  • Founding Chairman, Standards Committee, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Chairman, Spine Committee, Amercian Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Japanese Prime Minister
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Allied Royal Families

EXPERIENCE

  • Founding Partner & Principal, Texas Spine & Joint Hospital

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation & Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation & Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Matthias H. Wiederholz, M.D. - Performance Pain and Sports Medicine

Founding Partner, Triple Board Certified – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Sports Medicine; Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine

Dr. Matthias H. Wiederholz is cofounder of Performance Spine & Sports Medicine, LLC. He is a fellowship-trained interventional pain physician whose clinical interests include: Interventional Pain Management, Sports Medicine, Musculoskeletal Medicine, Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery, Non-Surgical Orthopedics, and Anti-Aging / Functional Medicine.

He received his specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he served as chief resident. He completed fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management in Marietta, Georgia. He is board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. He also received advanced fellowship training through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and is board-certified in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine.

Dr. Wiederholz performs a myriad of interventional pain procedures including, but not limited to the following: epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, sacroiliac joint injections, discography, percutaneous disc decompression, epidural lysis of adhesions spinal cord stimulator implants, and minimally-invasive discectomies. Endoscopic spine surgery is a very unique and valuable tool in his armamentarium and makes Dr. Wiederholz one of the most specialized physicians in the field of Pain Medicine.

Dr. Wiederholz uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries. He incorporates ultrasound for precise injection therapy including cortisone injections, prolotherapy, and PRP (platelet rich plasma). This technology is also utilized to perform the Tenex procedure, a percutaneous procedure for treating chronic tendon pain (tennis elbow, rotator cuff, plantar fasciitis, etc).

Dr. Wiederholz is the fellowship director for the sports and spine fellowship at Performance Spine & Sports Medicine. Dr. Wiederholz holds an affiliation with Capital Health System and JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.

Being advanced fellowship trained in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine means that Dr. Wiederholz has the most advanced training in Anti-Aging Medicine available. He is a leading expert in Bio-Identical Hormone Restoration and helps patients achieve wellness through nutrition, lifestyle, and hormone therapies.

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Yasuyuki Nonaka, M.D. - Nonaka Lumbago Clinic

Kevin Pauza, M.D. - Turtle Creek Surgery Center

Prior to attending Penn State University, Dr. Pauza earned his undergraduate degree from Lehigh University, and furthered his training with a Surgical and Medical Internship at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He continued his specialty training at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by an Interventional Spine Fellowship. In addition to his research, philanthropic, and clinical endeavors, Dr. Pauza remains a motivated educator. He established a Spine Fellowship program and continues training physicians from around the world. He heads international committees responsible for establishing standards and educating surgical and non-surgical physicians.

After helping hundreds of patients who failed to experience relief after spine surgery, it became evident to Dr. Pauza that current methods needed to change. This motivated him to seek better ways to help patients, by thinking outside the box.

Dr. Pauza is the first physician in history to pursue FDA approval for using biologics to treat the spine. Millions of patients will benefit from his development of minimally invasive treatments for degenerative disc disease and other more common and serious disorders of the spine.

SPECIALTY

  • Disc Biologics
  • Interventional Spine

EDUCATION & DEGREES

  • Fellowship: Interventional Spine, University of Pennsylvania
  • Residency: PM&R, University of Pennsylvania
  • Internship: Surgery & Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Medical Doctorate: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Arts: Biology, Lehigh University
  • Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, Lehigh University

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

  • Texas State Medical and Surgical License
  • New York State Medical and Surgical License
  • Florida State Medical and Surgical License

HONORS

  • Lehigh University Four-year Academic Scholarship
  • Magna Cum Laude, Lehigh University
  • Lehigh University President’s Award
  • Lehigh University Tower Society
  • Distinguished Alumnus, Penn State University (selected from 500,000 Penn State alumni)
  • North American Spine Society, Outstanding Paper of the Year, 2003
  • President-Elect, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Founding Partner, Texas Spine and Joint Hospital
  • Commencement Speaker: Penn State University College of Medicine
  • Advisory Board, AMA
    Keynote Speaker, Harvard Pain Center Commencement
  • Founding Chairman, Standards Committee, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Chairman, Spine Committee, Amercian Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Japanese Prime Minister
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Allied Royal Families

EXPERIENCE

  • Founding Partner & Principal, Texas Spine & Joint Hospital

Brandon Tolman, D.O. - Nashville Spine Institute

Boris Terebuh, M.D. - Regenerative Spine & Joint Center

Boris Terebuh, MD specializes in providing personalized nonsurgical solutions for spine problems that interfere with the function patients desire and the independence they deserve. Dr. Terebuh completed his Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residency training at The Ohio State University in 1997 and has been in solo practice in Ohio since 2001 because he is committed to providing accessible, individualized and attentive care to his patients. His regenerative approach to solving spine problems enhances the body’s natural ability to heal itself. His guiding principle is integrity – doing what is right for patients in a conscientious manner with the motivation of helping them become fully functional, independent and satisfied. Dr. Terebuh is a very unique Medical Doctor because he has earned seven Board Certifications in the field of musculoskeletal medicine and nonsurgical spine care. Boris Terebuh, MD is delighted to be a Discseel® provider because this revolutionary new technology aligns perfectly with his preferred regenerative treatment approach and patient care philosophy. Dr. Terebuh is also grateful to Discseel® developer, Kevin Pauza, MD, for all the years of diligent and meticulous research to create this innovative, paradigm-shifting intervention, which will certainly spare countless individuals the prospect of avoidable spine surgical procedures.

Thierry Bonnabesse, M.D. - Champlain Spine and Pain Management

Gregory Lutz, M.D. - Regenerative Sportscare Institute

Dr. Gregory Lutz is the Founder and Medical Director of the Regenerative SportsCare Institute (RSI). In addition, he currently serves as Physiatrist-In-Chief Emeritus at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and a Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Lutz is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of regenerative interventional orthopedic medicine, appearing annually on Castle Connolly’s and New York Magazine’s “Top Doctors” lists.

Janet Pearl, M.D. - The Boston Stem Cell Center

Dr. Janet Pearl has been in practice since 1999 and is the Medical Director of The Boston Stem Cell Center. She is also the Medical Director of  Complete Spine and Pain Care  an interventional integrated Pain Management practice, both located in Framingham, Massachusetts. Dr. Pearl is Triple Board Certified in Regenerative Medicine, Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and has over 20 years experience in doing these procedures.

Previously, Dr. Pearl was the Co-Director of the Pain Management Center at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, where she was also the Director of the Pain Management Fellowship program.

After graduating from Harvard College with an A.B. in Applied Mathematics with Economics, Dr. Pearl received a M.Sc. in Health Planning and Financing at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She then received her M.D. from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she represented the Medical School as a senator in the Columbia University Senate.

Watch Dr Pearl give an introduction to The Boston Stem Cell Center

Dr. Pearl completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New England Deaconess Hospital, her residency in Anesthesiology at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and her fellowship in Pain Management at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Pearl was the first resident ever to serve on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)’s Residency Review Committee for Anesthesiology. She is a Joseph Collins Scholar and a Rotary Scholar and was awarded the AMA/Glaxo Welcome and AMA/Burroughs Welcome Resident Leadership Awards.

From 2004 to 2010, Dr. Pearl served on the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees. While there she chaired the Committee on Science, Technology and Research, was a member of the Committee on Academic and Student Affairs and the Governance Committee and also served as Vice Chair of the Advancement Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Athletics.

Dr. Pearl is Board Certified in Regenerative Medicine, Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology with the American Board of Regenerative Medicine and the American Board of Anesthesiologists.

Memberships:

  • The American Pain Society;
  • The Massachusetts Medical Society;
  • The Massachusetts Society of Anesthesiologists;
  • The Massachusetts Society of Interventional Pain Physicians;
  • The American Society of Anesthesiologists;
  • The American Society of International Pain Physicians;
  • The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine; and,
  • The American Board of Regenerative Medicine.

PUBLIC SERVICE:

  • Member, Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, Health Care Services Board 
  • Member of the Association of Harvard College Class Secretaries and Treasurers
  • Past Member of the Board of Directors of the Harvard Alumni Association
  • Former Member of the Board of Trustees University of Massachusetts. (10/2010 – 10/2014) 

Travis Foxx, M.D. - Premier Anesthesiology & Pain

Mark Reecer, M.D. - Fort Wayne Physical Medicine

Dr. Mark Reecer is board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Management. He has over 20 years of work comp experience, and he routinely provides Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) for the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board. Dr. Reecer has lectured extensively and has authored multiple publications that promote his specialty and the use of treatment modalities to eliminate pain, improve function and avoid surgery.

Dmitry Buyanov, M.D. - IV Infusion Treatment Center

Dr. Buyanov is originally from Kiev, Ukraine. He received his training in Anesthesiology and his Interventional Pain Management Post-Doctoral at Penn State Medical Center, PA. Dr. Buyanov moved to San Antonio in 2003 at which time he was part of a multi-specialty group before he founded Premier Pain Consultants in 2004. His practice has over 5000 active patients in his practice. Dr. Buyanov treats his patients in a cost-effective manner although giving them the best care with interventional pain treatments/procedure to help each patient improve their quality of life. Dr. Buyanov strongly believes in an individualized and multidisciplinary approach to pain management, he believes in the Buddhist saying: “pain is inevitable but suffering is optional”. He works closely with the area internists, physical therapists, chiropractors, psychiatrists, neurologists, and spine surgeons to insure that each patient has the most optimal individualized treatment plan. Dr. Buyanov enjoys spending his spare time with his children.

Desmond Hussey, M.D. - NASA Neuroscience and Spine Associates. P.L

Dr. Hussey earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, and proceeded to earn his Medical Degree from The University of Miami School of Medicine. He then attended Northwestern University Internal Medicine Program, followed by a Neurology Residency Program at Emory University. Dr. Hussey continued his specialty training at John Hopkins University pain clinic. A member of The Spinal Injection Society and The American Academy of Neurology and Psychiatry.

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Maxim Moradian, M.D. - Interventional Spine Care & Orthopedic Regenerative Experts

Dr. Moradian is triple-board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Sports Medicine and Pain Management. Dr. Moradian’s clinical practice is devoted to the comprehensive care of spine, joint, muscle, tendon, ligament, and peripheral nerve disorders. He is proficient in performing advanced, minimally-invasive procedures under fluoroscopic and/or ultrasound guidance in the entire spine. Dr. Moradian performs electrodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCS) for the accurate diagnosis of muscle and/or nerve disorders. He has a special interest in regenerative medicine, sports concussions, neuromuscular ultrasound, medical education, and clinical research. His true passion is to treat his patients like his family and friends.

Wendi Lundquist, D.O. - Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center

Dr. Lundquist is the Medical Director and founder of Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center, Innovative Surgery Center, and Regena Spa. She is dual board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation along with Pain Management and a diplomat with the American Board of Pain Medicine. She completed her training at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois in July of 2005. During her time there, she served as Chief Resident and was involved in several research projects. Prior to, she completed medical school at Midwestern University at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine campus in Glendale, Arizona and internship at Doctors Hospital in Massillon, Ohio. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She has a special interest in sports medicine, pain and spine. With 17 years experience, she has great enthusiasm towards regenerative medicine.

Michael Wolff, M.D. - Southwest Spine & Sports