If you’ve been diagnosed with lumbar instability and you’ve already tried physical therapy, injections, or other treatments without lasting relief, it can feel overwhelming when surgery enters the conversation.

In this episode, we break down the full treatment spectrum for lumbar instability — from stability-directed physical therapy to ReActiv8® restorative neurostimulation, basivertebral nerve ablation, injections, and minimally invasive fusion surgery. You’ll learn why treatment should follow the patient, not just the MRI, and why two people with similar imaging may need very different care plans.

We explain why standard core exercises may not fully address lumbar instability, especially when the deep stabilizing muscles like the multifidus and transversus abdominis are inhibited or underactive. We also discuss how ReActiv8® may help selected patients retrain the multifidus muscle, how BVNA targets vertebrogenic pain from Modic changes, and how injections can support the treatment plan without “fixing” instability itself.

When a structural problem is advanced — such as significant spondylolisthesis, nerve compression, or progressive weakness — minimally invasive stabilization may become the right conversation. This episode explains MIS-TLIF, how it differs from traditional open fusion, and how robotic guidance with the Mazor X™ system helps support precision in modern spine surgery.

At Vertrae® in Dayton, Ohio, Dr. Kamal Woods evaluates each patient personally, using a full-spectrum approach that considers symptoms, imaging, function, lifestyle, goals, and anatomy before recommending a path forward.

Visit Vertrae.com to request your MotionFirst™ evaluation.