If you have been diagnosed with a spine condition and are exploring your treatment options, this guide maps the five most common conditions our Miami surgeons address to the specific procedure that addresses each one — so you can move from diagnosis to a clear next step.
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its outer ring, often compressing a nearby nerve root. The result is back pain, radiating leg pain (sciatica), numbness, or weakness. Most herniated discs respond to conservative care first — physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and targeted injections. When symptoms persist beyond 6–12 weeks or progressive neurological deficits appear, minimally invasive microdiscectomy in Miami is the standard surgical solution, with most patients returning to light activity in 2–4 weeks. For the full range of options, see our spine surgery hub.
Degenerative disc disease is the gradual breakdown of the cushioning discs between the vertebrae, causing chronic low back pain, stiffness, and sometimes referred pain into the hips or thighs. When non-surgical treatment stops working, the two main surgical paths are artificial disc replacement — a motion-preserving approach where the damaged disc is removed and replaced with a prosthetic that keeps the segment moving — and spinal fusion, where the diseased disc is removed and the two vertebrae are joined for permanent stability. CuraVita matches each patient to the procedure that fits their age, activity level, and imaging findings.
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal or the openings where nerve roots exit, usually from age-related bone overgrowth, thickened ligaments, or a bulging disc. The classic symptom is leg pain, heaviness, or cramping that worsens with walking and improves when leaning forward. Surgical decompression — either microdiscectomy (when stenosis is centered on a foramen) or a laminectomy — relieves pressure on the affected nerves. When stenosis is combined with instability or deformity, spinal fusion is recommended to stabilize the segment after decompression.
Spondylolisthesis is the forward (or, less commonly, backward) slippage of one vertebra over the one below it. Low-grade slips are often managed with physical therapy, core strengthening, and activity modification. Higher-grade slips, slips causing progressive neurological symptoms, or slips that fail to improve with conservative care are typically treated with spinal fusion, which realigns and stabilizes the affected segment. CuraVita coordinates the full pre-op workup and post-op rehabilitation with Miami's top spine surgery programs.
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the buttocks and down one or both legs — caused by compression of a nerve root in the lumbar spine. The most common cause is a herniated disc; other causes include spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and bone spurs. Sciatica typically improves with conservative treatment within several weeks. Surgery — most commonly microdiscectomy — is considered when pain is severe and persistent, when leg weakness or numbness is progressing, or when bowel or bladder function is affected. CuraVita coordinates fast-track imaging review and surgeon matching for international patients whose sciatica is not improving.
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