Is A Herniated Disc Able To Cause Permanent Nerve Damage?

Herniated Disc and Permanent Nerve Damage

It is important to understand the anatomy of the spine, and in particular the parts involved, in order to better understand the process of a herniated disc.

Anatomy and function of the Spine

Intervertebral discs are cushions that act as shock-absorbing pads between vertebrae in your spine. Each vertebra has one disc. The annulus is a strong outer ring made of fibers, while the nucleus pulposus is a jelly-like middle.

The outermost layer of the disc, the annulus, is the strongest part of the disc. Each vertebra is connected by the annulus, which is a strong ligament. The main shock absorber is the disc’s mushy nucleus. A herniated disc is when the outer fibers of the intervertebral disc (the annulus), are damaged and the soft nucleus pulposus material bursts out of its normal place. The nucleus pulposus material may push into the spinal channel if the annulus is damaged near the spinal canal.

There are many reasons lower back problems can happen. In the past few decades, the terms ruptured disc or slipped disc have been more frequently used. Many people assume that every person with back pain is suffering from a ruptured disc. True herniated nucleus pulposus, the official medical term for this condition, is rare. A herniated disc is not the cause of most pain in the back.

Herniated Disc Causes

Although rare, herniated discs may occur in children. A true herniated nucleus pilutosus is more common in middle-aged and young adults. Degenerative changes in the spine that happen with age make it less likely that an older person will develop a true herniated disc.

Too much pressure on a disc can cause it to burst. A fall from a ladder or landing in a seated position can cause severe damage to the spine. A strong enough force can cause a vertebra to fracture, break or rupture, depending on how strong the force is. The discs between the vertebrae are subject to a lot of pressure when you bend over. A disc can rupture if you bend to lift too much weight.

discs can also burst from a slight force. This is usually caused by weakening the annulus fibers from repeated injuries over time. You may lift or bend something that puts too much pressure on the disc as the annulus begins to weaken. A weakening disc can rupture while you’re doing something that would have been impossible five years ago. This is how the spine ages.

Two things can lead to a herniated disc: The first is that the material from the nucleus pulposus has the potential to cause pressure on the spinal canal nerves. Evidence suggests that nerve roots can be chemically irritated by the nucleus pulposus substance. 

The nerve root’s function can be affected by both the chemical irritation and pressure. Combining the two can lead to pain, weakness, or numbness in an area of your body where the nerve normally goes.

Herniated Disc Signs

True herniated disc symptoms may not cause back pain. A herniated disc is caused by pressure on the nerves and irritation. Many people experience back pain when their disc bursts. A herniated disc can cause symptoms such as:

  1. A leg or one of the legs feels pain.
  2. Tingling or numbness in one or both of the legs
  3. Muscle weakness in one or both legs
  4. Reflexes lost in one or both legs

The location of these symptoms depends on the affected nerve(s) in the lumbar spine. The location of your symptoms will help you determine the diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to determine if the disc is likely to have ruptured by knowing where the pain is felt.

Herniated Disc Diagnosis

A complete history and physical exam are necessary to diagnose a herniated nucleus pulposus. Your doctor will ask you the following questions:

  • Have you suffered an injury?
  • Where is the pain?
  • Is there any numbness in your hands? Where?
  • Are there any weaknesses in your personality? Where?
  • Do you remember having this problem?
  • Are you experiencing recent weight loss, fevers or other illnesses?

Your doctor may also be interested in determining if you experience problems with urination or bowel movements. It is crucial to check that the herniated disc is not pressing on nerves leading to the bladder and bowels. This could be a serious emergency that may require urgent surgery.

Your doctor might recommend X-rays to examine your lower back. While regular X-rays won’t show a herniated disc, they can give your doctor a better idea of the extent of wear and tear in your spine.

The MRI scan is the most commonly used test to diagnose a herniated disc. The MRI scan is painless and extremely accurate. It has no side effects, as far as we are aware. It is almost as good as X-rays, and has replaced the myelogram (and CAT scan) in the case of a suspected herniated disc.

Sometimes the MRI doesn’t tell all. Other tests might be recommended. A combination of a CAT scan and a myelogram may be required to provide as much information as possible. If the diagnosis of a herniated disc is not clear, further, more specific tests may be required. The EMG and SSP can be used to confirm that your leg pain is caused by a damaged nerve. These tests might be necessary before you decide to have surgery.

Herniated Disc Treatment

A herniated disc does not necessarily mean you need surgery. A herniated disc is unlikely to require surgery in the majority of cases. The symptoms of a herniated disc will determine the treatment. The severity of the symptoms will also determine whether they are getting worse or getting better. Your doctor might recommend surgery if the symptoms get worse. Your doctor may recommend waiting and watching to see if your symptoms improve. Many people who have initially experienced problems with a herniated disc find that their symptoms resolve within weeks or months.

Conservative Treatment

Observation

The doctor may recommend that you just watch to ensure the problem doesn’t worsen. Your doctor might recommend that you wait until the pain subsides and you are not experiencing any weakness or numbness.

Rest

You may have to stop working for a few days if the pain is severe. Also, your activity level might need to be reduced. You should feel more mobile after a few days. Start a gentle walking program, and increase your daily distance.

Pain Medications

Different approaches to pain relief can be used depending on how severe your pain is. You may be able to reduce your pain with over-the-counter pain relief medications such as Tylenol and Tylenol. Follow the instructions and don’t take more than prescribed. Your doctor may recommend stronger pain medication if these do not help with your pain. These strong pain medications can be addictive and very addictive. While non-narcotic pain medications are more addictive than narcotics, they are also less effective. Most doctors don’t like prescribing narcotics that last more than a few weeks or days.

Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI)

The ESI is reserved for severe pain caused by a herniated disc. Unless surgery is rapidly becoming an option, it is not recommended. In about half of the cases where it is used, the ESI can reduce the pain caused by a herniated disc.

Surgical Treatment

Laminotomy or Discectomy

A laminectomy or discectomy is the traditional method of treating a herniated disc. Laminotomy is a way to “make an opening in your lamina” and discectomy is a way to “remove the disc”.

The procedure involves making an incision at the back, extending across the herniated disc. After the incision has been made through the skin the muscles are moved to one side so the surgeon can view the back of the vertebrae. To ensure that the right vertebrae are chosen, X-rays may be necessary. The disc ruptured vertebrae are separated by a small opening. This allows the surgeon access to the spinal canal. Laminotomy, which means to make an opening in the spinal canal, refers to the fact that a small portion of the bone must be removed. This allows for more light to enter the spinal canal, and also gives you room to work.

After this, the surgeon will move the nerve roots out of the path to view the intervertebral disc. The surgeon will locate the disc material that has burst into the spinal canal and will remove it. The surgeon will remove any pressure or irritation that may have been placed on the nerves. He also uses small instruments that can be inserted into the disc to remove as much nucleus pulposus material as possible. This is to ensure that no disc material remains after the operation.

The back muscles are repositioned around the spine after the procedure is completed. Sutures or metal staples are used to close the incision.

Microdiscectomy

Recent improvements in the tools that a spinal surgeon has to perform a discectomy and laminotomy have resulted in some significant improvements. It is similar to traditional methods of removing a disc, but requires a smaller incision. This procedure is safer than the traditional one because it causes less damage to normal spine parts. It is possible to recover quicker.

An operating microscope is used by the surgeon to view through the small incision. An incision of as little as 2 inches is made in the back, just above the location where the disc has herniated. After the muscles have been removed and the vertebrae can be seen, the operation is completed with a microscope. The remainder of the procedure is exactly the same as the traditional one described above.

Endoscopic Discectomy

Special TV cameras have revolutionized many surgical procedures. It is the same procedure, except that a magnified TV camera with magnified lenses is inserted into the spinal canal. This allows the surgeon to see the disc material. The camera and other surgical instruments can be inserted through these tiny incisions. Instead of looking through a microscope, the surgeon watches the TV screen and directs the instruments that are specially designed to remove the disc material.

The arthroscope can now remove torn cartilages from the knee, while the laparoscope can remove gallbladders. This same approach is being used for spine surgery. Endoscopic discectomy may cause less damage due to a smaller incision. This surgical procedure is still in development and is not widely used. This procedure is more gentle on the spine than traditional surgery. This allows for a faster recovery time and less complications.

The consequences of delaying treatment

A herniated disc is a condition that causes severe pain. Most people seek treatment because they feel the pain is too much to bear and want relief. Some people will claim they are tolerant to pain and wait for it to go away. However, the pain does not necessarily mean that they have healed. Untreated herniated discs can cause more serious problems that may become chronic. To prevent the problem from getting worse, it is best to see an Atlanta chiropractor as soon as you suspect it.

Nerve impulses can be cut off if a bulging disc is severe. This could lead to permanent nerve damage. As the problem worsens, you might experience severe pains, incontinence or bowel movements irregularities, and even partial paralysis. A condition called saddle anesthesia is where the nerves become so compressed that the sensation is lost in the inner and back legs, legs, and area around the rectum.

A herniated disc can be treated using non-invasive techniques, but if left untreated, it may become a surgical condition.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage can result from herniated discs that are not treated. Cauda Equina Syndrome is a particularly severe example. The cauda-equina refers to a group of nerve roots located at the lower part of the spinal column. They are responsible for controlling the muscles below our waist. This includes walking and bladder control. Permanent paralysis can be caused by cauda equina Syndrome, a type of nerve damage. It can also impact your ability to control your bladder and respond to sexual stimuli.

Even if you don’t experience this condition, it is possible to sustain nerve damage for a long time. You could experience permanent numbness, tingling, or both depending on the location of your herniated disc and the nerve it presses on.

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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