The Spine Pod

In this episode of The Spine Pod, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf travel to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to sit down with Dr. Jeff Larson, a neurosurgeon and motion preservation specialist at CDA Spine and Brain. With three decades of experience, over 60 publications, and a thriving social media presence dedicated to patient education, Dr. Larson has built a practice rooted in a simple but powerful philosophy: give patients their life back with the least surgical burden possible. Dr. Larson's journey into neurosurgery began with mentorship under Dr. John Tew in Cincinnati, where he learned that the art of surgery is about taking what's complex and making it simple. After training in cerebrovascular surgery, Dr. Larson made the deliberate choice to leave academics behind and focus on spine care in a place where he could balance professional excellence with the life he wanted to live. Throughout the episode, Dr. Larson discusses how spine surgery has become unnecessarily complex over the past 30 years, with fusion becoming the default answer to nearly every spinal problem. He challenges this paradigm by advocating for thoughtful, individualized care that prioritizes motion preservation whenever possible. In a previous publication on workers compensation patients, Dr. Larson displayed a 28-day return to work after cervical disc replacement versus 71 day average RTW after fusion, underscoring the real-world impact of his motion-preserving care. From cervical and lumbar disc arthroplasty to the emerging potential of devices in ongoing US clinical trials, like the Synergy Cervical Disc and MOTUS Lumbar Total Joint Replacement, Dr. Larson shares how these technologies, when used appropriately, can impact patient outcomes, preserve motion, and get people back to their lives they’re meant to live.  In this episode you'll learn: How spine surgery became too complex over the past 30 years, and why motion preservation offers a return to thoughtful, individualized care The striking difference in recovery times between cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) and cervical fusion ACDF), backed by Dr. Larson's own retrospective data on worker’s compensation patients How to navigate insurance barriers and fight for motion-preserving technologies in a system that often defaults to fusion How Dr. Larson integrates holistic wellness through his M3 clinic, including red light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and regenerative medicine What patients should look for when seeking out a motion preservation surgeon, and the questions they need to ask to avoid unnecessary fusion How patients can decide on different surgical treatments when dealing with acute or chronic leg and/or back pain From building trust through extended consults to staying rooted in first principles of medicine, Dr. Larson offers a candid perspective on why high-value spine care starts with understanding the person, not just the pathology. Whether treating patients with complex surgical needs or supporting those navigating years of chronic pain, his goal is simple: provide care that restores function, avoids unnecessary interventions, and empowers people to reclaim their lives.   Learn more about Dr. Larson: CDA Spine: https://cdaspine.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeffrey-larson-b216b810/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cdaspine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdaspine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cdaspine/     You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98fd41ad-75ee-4371-bb70-c5b274324a47/the-spine-pod?ref=dm_sh_kmfvSHB5iY109GDslhiJul22E iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-spine-pod-174320414?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social

In this episode of The Spine Pod, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. David Yam, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Prosser Memorial Health in Washington. Dr. Yam completed his medical education, internship, and neurosurgery residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, and with nearly two decades of experience, has since built a career rooted in clinical excellence and continually improving patient outcomes.   Throughout his career, Dr. Yam has trained with some of the most respected names in spine, participated in early artificial disc replacement trials, and continually sought new ways to elevate his clinical understanding and expertise. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes how progress in medicine often comes from leaning into discomfort, asking hard questions, and being willing to evolve. Dr. Yam goes on to share how motion-preserving technologies and devices have become an important part of his surgical toolbox. Having participated in early clinical trials, he discusses the responsibility that comes with adopting new technologies thoughtfully, balancing innovation with evidence, patient selection, and long-term outcomes.   Now mentoring the next generation of spine surgeons, Dr. Yam offers insight into what it means to practice with humility, curiosity, and accountability. From surgical decision-making to leadership in healthcare, this episode highlights how experience, honesty, and lifelong learning shape better surgeons and better care.   In this episode you’ll learn: How to navigate complex healthcare and insurance systems when pursuing newer, motion-preserving technologies What patients need to know to better advocate for themselves in a complex healthcare system How conservative care, not surgery, is often the first option for patients struggling with back and/or leg pain What makes a patient a good candidate for motion-preserving surgery, and when the right time is to seek out surgical intervention The importance of patient trust, shared decision-making, and education in achieving better patient outcomes Dr. Yam’s reflections on mentorship, lifelong learning, and keeping a curious mind in spine surgery   From sharing his philosophy on when patients should seek out surgical treatment, to providing a roadmap for patients to better understand their options, Dr. Yam offers clarity, perspective, and a human-first approach. Whether you’re a patient exploring your next step or a surgeon thinking about how to guide your own practice, this episode is full of insight.   Learn more about Dr. Yam: Prosser Memorial Health: https://www.prosserhealth.org/services/spine-care/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-yam-30060987/   You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98fd41ad-75ee-4371-bb70-c5b274324a47/the-spine-pod?ref=dm_sh_kmfvSHB5iY109GDslhiJul22E iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-spine-pod-174320414?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true     Follow The Spine Pod to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespinepod... TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thespinepod   The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In this special episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Andrew, a spine surgery patient and police officer from San Diego, California, who shares his powerful story of choosing motion-preserving artificial disc replacement (ADR) over fusion for his chronic back pain. In this first patient story ever on The Spine Pod, Andrew offers a powerful and personal perspective on his life before and after spine surgery. After years of chronic back pain, increasingly limited mobility,  and being told fusion was his only option, Andrew began looking for spine surgery treatment options. His search for spine care led him to Dr. Todd Lanman, a leading spine surgeon in Beverly Hills, who offered him a different path beyond the standard spinal fusion. Andrew ultimately decided to make an out-of-pocket investment in his future and opted for a multi-level artificial disc replacement, which gave him back his movement, confidence, and identity. Andrew opens up about his experience navigating the healthcare system, what it felt like to take control of his care, and how the decision to prioritize motion over fusion changed his life. From the pain of being sidelined from his career and identity as a police officer, to the hope and healing that followed surgery, Andrew’s journey through chronic back and leg pain is honest, emotional, and deeply inspiring.   In this episode, you’ll learn: What it’s like to navigate the healthcare system as a patient looking for alternatives to spinal fusion Why Andrew travelled and paid out of pocket for a motion-preserving spine surgery What recovery from spine surgery was really like and how it compared to Andrew’s expectations The emotional and mental toll of living with chronic pain, and the impact of reclaiming motion and activity Why patients are becoming more informed, more proactive, and more willing to seek innovative care options, even when insurance won’t cover it If you’ve been told spinal fusion is your only option, you’re not alone, and you’re not without alternatives. If you’re a patient exploring your options or wondering whether motion-preserving spine surgery might be right for you, Andrew’s story is a must-listen.   If you want to chat with Andrew about his experience, you can follow him at @androo__c on Instagram.    Learn more about Dr. Lanman: Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery: https://www.spine.md/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrLanman Dr. Lanman's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtoddlanman?igsh=MWt6bGdoejdvcHc4Yg==   You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98fd41ad-75ee-4371-bb70-c5b274324a47/the-spine-pod?ref=dm_sh_kmfvSHB5iY109GDslhiJul22E iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-spine-pod-174320414?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true   Follow The Spine Pod to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespinepod... TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thespinepod    Multi-level lumbar disc replacement is discussed throughout this podcast. 3-level lumbar disc replacement is considered an off-label procedure and device usage. Individual results vary. Consult with your spine surgeon for consultation, diagnosis, and treatment options for your specific pathology.  All radiographic images shared with patient’s explicit consent and approval. Images are not to be repurposed or redistributed. The images contained in this episode are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.  The information in this

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Kamal Woods, a double fellowship-trained surgeon in both orthopedics and neurosurgery, and founder of Vertrae® in Miamisburg, Ohio.   Dr. Woods received his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and complex spine surgery from Cedars‑Sinai Medical Center. He later earned his MBA from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, further deepening his understanding of the complex healthcare ecosystem and how to improve it. Since then, he has gone on to build a patient-centered practice rooted in the belief that one size does not fit all when it comes to spine care. Whether a patient needs a non‑surgical treatment, minimally invasive surgery, or motion‑preserving option, the goal remains the same: restore mobility, alleviate pain, and help patients return to what they love most.   Throughout the episode, Dr. Woods shares his philosophy of combining surgical precision with compassionate, personalized care. He also discusses the importance of having a full “toolbox” of treatments, from conservative care and robotic‑assisted techniques to artificial disc replacement, and why patient education and shared decision‑making are essential. He goes on to share how his background, far from conventional, has shaped his patient‑first mindset and his vision for modern spine care.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Why motion preservation is more than a trend, it’s about protecting function and long-term quality of life. How insurance and reimbursement barriers can impact patient care, and the changes needed to move the field forward. Why outpatient, motion-preserving spine care is gaining momentum and what it takes to build a successful model. How Dr. Woods prioritizes patients through individualized treatment plans for those dealing with chronic leg and back pain. Why enabling technologies such as navigation and robotics are expanding into more surgical facilities. How Vertrae® is driving local innovation through education, community events, and an empowering patient-centered care model.   Drawing on his childhood roots in Saint Vincent, his surgical training in California, and the practice he’s built in Ohio, Dr. Woods is shaping an innovative spine care model centered on motion preservation—designed to help patients return to the activities they love, all in one integrated setting. Whether you’re a surgeon focused on emerging technologies, an industry professional tracking care trends, or a patient seeking clarity in a crowded spine landscape, this episode delivers compelling insights on how treatment pathways are shifting and how modern practice models are evolving.   Learn more about Dr. Woods: Vertrae: https://vertrae.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamal-woods-md-mba-89172682/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vertrae.inc/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KamalWoodsMD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@vertrae360⁩   You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98fd41ad-75ee-4371-bb70-c5b274324a47/the-spine-pod?ref=dm_sh_kmfvSHB5iY109GDslhiJul22E iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-spine-pod-174320414?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true Follow The Spine Pod to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespinepod... TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thespinepod The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medica

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Christopher Yeung, the current President at the Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC) in Phoenix, Arizona, a nationally recognized leader in endoscopic spine surgery and a driving force behind the shift toward outpatient, function-preserving procedures.     Dr. Yeung’s approach to spine care blends innovation, mentorship, and generational legacy. As the son of Dr. Anthony Yeung, one of the earliest pioneers of endoscopic techniques in the U.S., Dr. Yeung was immersed in the world of minimally invasive spine surgery from an early age. His training under Dr. Robert Watkins IV, renowned for treating elite professional athletes, further shaped his philosophy of preserving function, reducing recovery time, and getting patients back to the activities they love.     Today, Dr. Yeung carries that mission forward as the spine surgeon for Arizona State University, the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and a host of additional professional sports teams. His work with high-performing athletes continues to influence his broader practice, reinforcing the value of outpatient surgical care, early mobility, and long-term performance.     In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Yeung shares how combining endoscopic tools with a spine-focused ASC model is transforming both outcomes and the patient experience. He discusses the evolving expectations of active patients, the accelerating shift towards outcome-driven decisions, and why outpatient spine care is no longer just for athletes, it’s for anyone who values function, mobility, and a faster recovery.     In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why outpatient spine surgery is gaining traction across patient populations and what it takes to do it safely   • How Dr. Yeung’s work with professional athletes shaped his thinking on recovery, function, and surgical decision-making   • How Dr. Yeung’s father, Anthony Yeung, MD, pioneered endoscopic spine surgery in the U.S. and how Dr. Yeung has built upon that foundation over the past 20+ years   • The importance of motion preservation, function, and expectation-setting when preparing for spine surgery   • The variety of modern treatment options for patients struggling with chronic neck, leg and/or back pain     This conversation captures the mindset and momentum of one of the field’s most forward-thinking MIS and endoscopic spine surgeons and offers a glimpse into the future of spine care.     Learn more about Dr. Yeung:   • DISC: https://www.sciatica.com/   • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-yeung-01a10347/   • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeungspine?igsh=OWVtM2xwMGhuZHVk   • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesertInstituteforSpineCare     You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including:   • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePod   • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA   • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311   • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98fd41ad-75ee-4371-bb70-c5b274324a47/the-spine-pod?ref=dm_sh_kmfvSHB5iY109GDslhiJul22E   • iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-spine-pod-174320414?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true     Follow The Spine Pod to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠   -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...   -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespinepod...   -TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thespinepod      The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.