Richard G. Fessler, MD, PhD's portrait
Richard G. Fessler, MD, PhD
Professor of Neurological Surgery
Northwestern University
Chicago, IL
Dr. Fessler is a member of the SpineUniverse Editorial Board.

Articles on SpineUniverse from Richard G. Fessler, MD, PhD

Low Back Pain (LBP): Diagnostic Steps

Pain felt in the low back is not always indicative of a spinal problem. Therefore, a careful physical and neurological examination is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Low Back Pain: What You Need to Know

Pain felt in the low back is not always indicative of a spinal problem. A thorough physical and neurologic assessment may reveal the cause of the low back pain.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a result of aging and everyday wear and tear on the spine. Though these changes happen to all of us, not everyone will experience the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Diagnostic Studies to Evaluate Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

X-rays do not always identify lumbar spinal stenosis. CT Scans have become more widely used for evaluating the spine. This test is non-invasive and provides a 3-dimensional view of the spine.

How Do You Get Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

What are the causes of spinal stenosis? Why are some people more likely than others to develop stenosis? Why is it more common among the elderly? This illustrated article explains the various causes.

Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis may mimic other disorders such as peripheral vascular disease, as this condition often occurs in older people with similar symptoms.

Low Back Pain (LBP): Treatment and Recovery

Seldom is spine surgery necessary to relieve low back pain. Medications and physical therapy are often included in a conservative non-surgical treament program.

Lumbar Discectomy: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Back pain and sciatica may result from a herniated disc. Learn what happens when a disc ruptures and what non-surgical and surgical treatments are available.

Lumbar Discectomy: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

This article gives a step-by-step overview of what happens during lumbar microdiscectomy surgery, which is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure used to treat herniated discs.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Lumbar Discectomy

Post operative care and what to expect at home following a Micro Endoscopic Discectomy (MED) procedure for treatment of a herniated disc.

Vertebroplasty: A Case Study

Compression fractures (osteoporosis) may be treated using a procedure called vertebroplasty. This article helps patients to know what to expect and includes a case study.

Options to Treat Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Medication, Physical Therapy, Surgery

Many patients with lumbar spinal stenosis respond favorably to non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and injections. If these measures do not provide adequate relief, the doctor may recommend back surgery.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Treated Using Minimally Invasive MicroSurgical Techniques

Micro-Endoscopic Laminotomy (MEL) is a new treatment option for surgical patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Surgical Recovery and Risks: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Decompression laminectomy is the most common and successful surgery done for the treatment of symptoms associated with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Video: Microendoscopic Spinal Surgery

Dr. Richard Fessler, a pioneer in minimally invasive spine surgery, explains the various techniques. He discusses microendoscopic spinal surgery in this video.
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