Questions worth asking before you book anything.

A minimally invasive technique that uses a small camera and specialized instruments passed through a single incision — typically under a centimeter — to treat conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis without cutting through as much muscle as open surgery requires.

Traditional open surgery and microdiscectomy still require cutting through muscle to see the spine directly or through a microscope. Endoscopic surgery reaches the same area through a narrow tube guided entirely by camera view, which generally means less damage to the surrounding muscle.

It depends on the procedure and your individual case. Some endoscopic procedures can be done under local anesthesia with light sedation; others require general anesthesia. This is determined individually and discussed in detail during your consultation.

It depends on your imaging and history, not symptoms alone. Good candidates typically have tried conservative care — physical therapy, medications, or injections — without lasting relief, or have new arm or leg weakness from a compressed nerve. Fill out our intake form and we'll follow up.

This is ambulatory surgery — same-day discharge, for both neck and low back surgeries, including more complex adjacent-level or stenosis cases. Most patients are up and walking the same day, with some nerve-related soreness that settles over 1–2 weeks.

Coverage varies by insurer and plan. Our team can help verify benefits once we have your insurance information — reach out through the contact form to get started.

Like any spine surgery, endoscopic surgery carries some risk, though published research generally shows rates comparable to or lower than open surgery. The most common issue is temporary nerve irritation or unusual sensation near the treated nerve, which typically improves with conservative treatment like anti-inflammatory medication or a follow-up injection. There's also a chance the disc can reherniate — published estimates range from about 3% to 15%, influenced by factors like smoking, body weight, and heavy physical work. Serious complications such as infection, significant bleeding, or nerve injury are rare. Your specific risk factors are part of what's discussed during consultation.

Recurrent or persistent symptoms after a prior surgery — including a fusion, or a procedure done elsewhere — are one of the more common reasons patients reach out. Depending on your anatomy, an endoscopic approach can sometimes still be an option, including at a level next to a prior fusion. Imaging review is the first step.

No referral is required for patients to reach out directly. If you're a physician referring a patient, see the For Physicians page for what to send.