Spine Care

Relieve Pain. Restore Function.
Get Back to What You Love.

Spine conditions can affect much more than the neck or back. Conditions that degrade the spine may cause pain anywhere in the body, as well as numbness, weakness, loss of coordination, or imbalance.

Kevin Yao, MD provides evaluation and treatment for conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, including degenerative conditions, disc disorders, spinal cord and nerve compression, and spinal tumors. His approach is centered on identifying the source of a patient’s symptoms and determining the least invasive treatment most appropriate for the individual, with the goal of maximizing quality of life through restoring and preserving neurological function.

TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH KEVIN YAO, MD

"My goal is to help patients restore and preserve neurological function so they can get back to living the lives they enjoy."

KEVIN YAO, MD

Conditions Treated

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease occurs as the discs that cushion the vertebrae gradually lose hydration, flexibility, and function. These changes can contribute to neck or lower back pain, stiffness, and, when nearby nerves are affected, pain, numbness, or weakness extending into the arms or legs.

Treatment depends on the location and severity of the condition and may range from conservative care to surgical treatment when symptoms persist or neurological problems develop.

Cervical Disc Herniation

A cervical disc herniation occurs when disc material in the neck extends beyond its normal position and can place pressure on a nearby nerve root or the spinal cord. Symptoms may include neck pain, pain extending into the shoulder or arm, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Many cervical disc herniations can initially be treated without surgery. Surgical treatment may be considered when symptoms persist despite conservative care or when significant or progressive neurological symptoms are present.

Lumbar Disc Herniation

A lumbar disc herniation occurs when disc material in the lower back extends into the spinal canal and irritates or compresses nearby nerves. It can cause lower back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or weakness extending into the buttock or leg.

Many patients improve without surgery. When symptoms remain severe, interfere with daily activities, or are accompanied by progressive neurological problems, surgical evaluation may be appropriate.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal or other spaces through which the spinal cord and nerves travel. Depending on its location and severity, stenosis can cause neck or back pain, numbness, weakness, difficulty walking, or pain extending into the arms or legs.

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the symptoms’ impact on a patient’s quality of life, and the severity of stenosis.

Cervical Myelopathy

Cervical myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord in the neck is dysfunctional, often due to spinal cord compression . Symptoms may include problems with balance or walking, weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, and difficulty with hand coordination or fine motor tasks.

Because cervical myelopathy involves the spinal cord and neurological symptoms can progress, timely evaluation is important in determining the appropriate course of treatment.

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, typically from the lower back or buttock into the leg. It can result from irritation or compression of nerve roots in the lower spine and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Because sciatica is a symptom rather than a specific diagnosis, identifying the underlying cause is an important part of determining appropriate treatment.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra is shifted forward or backward in relation to the vertebra above or below it. This condition occurs more commonly in the lower back than the neck .Depending on its severity, the condition can contribute to lower back pain, spinal instability, nerve compression, or pain and neurological symptoms extending into the legs.

Treatment is based on the degree of slippage, the presence of instability or nerve compression, and how significantly symptoms affect the patient’s quality of life.

Spinal Tumors

Spinal tumors can develop in or around the spinal cord, spinal nerves, or vertebrae and may be benign or malignant. Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location and may include persistent pain, numbness, weakness, difficulty walking, or other neurological changes.

Dr. Yao completed fellowship training in complex brain and spine tumor surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and previously served as Director of Spinal Oncology at Tufts Medical Center. Evaluation and treatment are individualized based on the type and location of the tumor, its effect on surrounding neurological structures, and the patient’s overall health.

Surgical Treatment Options

Not every spine condition requires surgery. When symptoms persist despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment, or when spinal cord compression predicts impending neurological compromise, spine surgery may be considered. The appropriate procedure depends on the patient’s diagnosis, anatomy and symptoms.

Disc Replacement

Artificial disc replacement involves removing a damaged or diseased spinal disc and replacing it with an artificial disc designed to preserve motion at the treated level. Disc replacement may be an alternative to fusion for appropriately selected patients with certain cervical or lumbar disc conditions.

Not every patient is a candidate for disc replacement. The location of the affected disc, spinal stability, bone health, history of prior surgery, and other clinical factors are considered when determining whether the procedure is appropriate.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae to create stability in an affected area of the spine. It may be used in the treatment of certain conditions involving spinal instability, degeneration, deformity, nerve or spinal cord compression, and other disorders.

The specific surgical approach and whether fusion is necessary depend on the condition being treated, the location of the problem, and the individual patient’s needs.

Request an Appointment

If neck, back, or nerve-related symptoms are affecting your daily life, an evaluation can help identify the cause and determine appropriate treatment options.