The Spine Pod

08/04/2025

When you’re in pain, it’s easy to panic after reading an MRI report that lists every little abnormality.

But here’s the truth: most MRIs will show something, especially as we age. That doesn’t mean you need surgery.

In this clip, Dr. Ahilan “Siva” Sivaganesan (Naples, FL) explains how he puts the full picture together: combining your symptoms, the imaging, and other clinical insights to tailor your treatment plan.

This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

08/01/2025

Before board exams, specialties, and match day, there was Johns Hopkins.

In this clip from The Spine Pod, we dive into the roots of modern medical education, where residents couldn’t marry, had no control over their specialty, and stayed in training until the professor said they were ready.

And the first co-ed med class? That took a $500,000 ultimatum from a trailblazing woman.

🎧 Catch the full conversation on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

08/01/2025

You’ve been through surgery, now what?

In this clip, Dr. Pierce Nunley out of Shreveport, LA explains why real recovery means more than just a clean scan. It’s about how you feel, move, and live afterwards.

Too often, patients don’t get the follow-up they deserve. Its important to track outcomes over time so surgeons can keep improving care, not just for today, but for every patient who comes next.

🎧 Hear the full conversation now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

07/30/2025

Some lessons in medicine can’t be taught in a textbook.

In this clip from The Spine Pod, Dr. Pierce Nunley shares a powerful story from his early training, watching a mentor turn a moment of rage and frustration into one of connection, care, and healing.

It’s a reminder that being a great surgeon isn’t just about what you do in the OR, it’s how you show up for patients, especially when they’re struggling.

🎧 Hear more insights from Dr. Nunley in his full episode, now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

07/28/2025

When you’re putting your life in someone’s hands, mindset matters.

Dr. Richard Chua, a neurosurgeon in Tucson, AZ, shares what sets great surgeons apart: reflection, preparation, and a deep sense of responsibility. For him, the OR isn’t a place of stress: it’s his Zen. And that calm comes from having a solid plan AND a backup.

The best outcomes start long before surgery.

🎧 Hear more from Dr. Chua on The Spine Pod, available now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

07/24/2025

07/23/2025

Endoscopic spine care didn’t just happen; it was built on legacy and purpose.

After witnessing his mother’s poor outcome from traditional spine surgery, Dr. Anthony Yeung set out to change the standard. He pioneered endoscopic techniques to reduce pain, preserve mobility, and improve recovery.

His son, Dr. Christopher Yeung, now carries that mission forward, offering minimally invasive care to patients across Phoenix and beyond at Desert Institute for Spine Care.

🎧 Hear the story behind the innovation on The Spine Pod. Full episode out now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

07/21/2025

It starts small.

You stop doing one thing because it hurts…Then another. And another.

Until one day you realize pain has quietly taken over and you’ve built a life around avoiding it.

In this clip from The Spine Pod, Dr. Todd Lanman describes what he calls “chipping away at the corners” the hidden toll chronic back pain takes on your freedom.

🎧 Listen to the full episode for a look at how motion-preserving spine surgery can help patients regain what they've lost. Now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

07/19/2025

⛳️ It all started with one woman who just wanted to play golf again.

In this episode of The Spine Pod, world-renowned spine surgeon Dr. Todd Lanman shares the story of how he began performing fusion reversals, restoring motion by replacing fused segments with artificial discs.

This wasn't just a procedure, it was a turning point in motion preservation.

🎧 Hear the full story and learn how it sparked a decade of innovation. Full episode now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

07/17/2025

Finding a qualified spine surgeon for disc replacement can feel overwhelming, so Dr. Todd Lanman - Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery built a solution.

In this clip from The Spine Pod, Dr. Lanman shares why he created ADRspine.com — a vetted directory of experienced artificial disc surgeons across the U.S.

Every surgeon listed has met rigorous criteria, including:✔️ Minimum 50 disc cases✔️ Pre- and post-op reviews✔️ Verified outcomes✔️ Board certification✔️ Industry confirmation
It’s not just a list, it’s peace of mind.

🎧 Catch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts to hear more from one of the world’s leading motion preservation experts.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

07/15/2025

Sometimes, your third choice is actually the perfect one.

In this clip from The Spine Pod, Dr. Pierce Nunley, a spine surgeon based in Shreveport, LA, shares the unexpected story of how an interview at LSU shaped his path in medicine. It wasn’t his top pick, but a powerful conversation with the program chair changed everything.

Hear how Dr. Nunley’s early decisions helped define the kind of surgeon and person he is today.

🎧 Watch the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

07/11/2025

You don’t walk through life lying down, so why should your imaging?

In this clip from The Spine Pod, Dr. Todd Lanman - Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery explains why standing, dynamic x-rays are crucial for diagnosing spine issues that don’t show up on traditional MRIs or CT scans.

MRIs are taken lying down, when your spine is under the least stress. But life loads your spine with pressure and that’s when your pain hits.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode of The Spine Pod on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.