Orthopaedic Spine Surgery: Ask Dr. Joseph Ferguson

Joseph Ferguson, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon who also holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy. He specializes in spine surgery, including cervical, thoracic and lumbar pathologies, minimally invasive techniques, and complex spinal reconstruction. Click “show more” below to see an interactive list of the most-asked questions Dr. Ferguson answers about orthopaedic spine surgery.

0:01 Meet Dr. Joseph Ferguson
2:05 What causes back pain?
2:40 How is the cause of back pain diagnosed?
3:04 What are the ways we address the various types of back pain?
3:49 What is minimally invasive surgery?
4:20 What are the advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery?
4:35 Is back pain preventable?
5:03 What is the role of exercise and weight management in back pain?
5:48 Why does my back hurt all the time?
6:15 What can I do to prevent injury recurrence?
6:49 Why does my back or neck pain cause arm or leg pain?
7:41 If I am in need of spine surgery, what can I expect?
8:45 When is surgery indicated?
9:14 How have advances in technology changed the way spine surgeries are performed?