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How can you feel more prepared for spine surgery—and what can you do before and after your procedure to support recovery?

In this episode of Spine Talks, Dr. Rita Roy, CEO of the National Spine Health Foundation, is joined by Dr. Michael Yung-Shun Wang, Dr. Praveen Mummaneni, and Dennis McLoughlin for a conversation about making the spine surgery journey less intimidating through education, preparation, and personalized care.

The panel explores SpineREADY, an initiative focused on helping patients prepare for surgery and navigate recovery using evidence-based approaches. From physical fitness, nutrition, and bone health to pain management and movement after surgery, they discuss how care teams plan for each stage of the patient experience—and why recovery begins before surgery.

You’ll learn:
- What SpineREADY means for patients preparing for spine surgery
- How physical preparation, nutrition, and bone health fit into surgical planning
- How enhanced recovery approaches support pain management and aim to reduce reliance on opioids
- Why setting expectations and creating a personalized recovery plan matter
- The role of movement and rehabilitation after surgery
- Why consulting a spine surgeon can help you understand both surgical and non-surgical options

Preparing for spine surgery starts with understanding your options and working with your care team on a plan that fits your needs. Watch this conversation to learn how informed decisions and thoughtful preparation can help you approach treatment and recovery with greater confidence.

Take the next step toward understanding your spine health. Visit the National Spine Health Foundation for trusted patient education, helpful resources, and support:
https://spinehealth.org/

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What is interventional spine care—and could a less invasive treatment help you avoid or delay spine surgery?

In this episode of Spine Talks, Dr. Rita Roy, CEO of the National Spine Health Foundation, is joined by spine experts Dr. Robert Eastlack, Dr. Pearce Nunley, and Dr. Doug Beall for a conversation about the growing role of interventional spine care and how patients can navigate their treatment options.

The panel discusses why getting the right diagnosis is the critical first step in treating back and nerve pain, as well as the importance of collaboration between interventional specialists and spine surgeons. They explore treatment options ranging from injections and nerve ablation to spinal stimulation, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery—and explain why the best treatment pathway is different for every patient.

You’ll learn:
• What interventional spine care is and where it fits in the continuum of care
• Why an accurate diagnosis should come before treatment
• Minimally invasive and non-surgical options for back and nerve pain
• When spine surgery may—and may not—be necessary
• Why multidisciplinary spine care can give patients more treatment options
• The value of seeking a second opinion and becoming an informed participant in your care

The key message: Educate yourself, understand your options, and work with a care team you trust. Finding the right diagnosis and treatment pathway can help you make informed decisions and get back to the life you love.

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In this video, Dr. Rita Roy, CEO of the National Spine Health Foundation, and a panel of the leaders of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) discuss the benefits and advancements in minimally invasive spine surgery.

The experts highlight how....
Minimally invasive surgery reduces tissue damage, speeding up recovery and improving outcomes.
It uses advanced technologies like robotics and imaging for precise, effective surgery.
Patients benefit from smaller incisions, less pain, and quicker return to normal activities.
Choosing the right treatment involves shared decision-making between patient and surgeon.
It’s important to find a trusted surgeon and ask about their experience with minimally invasive techniques.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on this revolutionary approach to spine care, and the hope it brings to patients dealing with neck and back pain.

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Tune in to learn about the future of spinal health!