In this episode of IBJI’s OrthoInform, host Cory Leman sits down with orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Mark Mikhael to demystify back pain and explore the rapidly evolving world of spine care. Dr. Mikhael pulls back the curtain on minimally invasive spine surgery, breaking down its four foundational pillars and explaining common degenerative conditions like disc herniations and spinal stenosis. Listeners will learn the structural anatomy behind why the lower back and neck bear the brunt of daily wear and tear, what a surgeon looks for when diagnosing spinal instability, and what actually happens during common procedures like microdiscectomies and fusions.