Dr. Jeremy Smith

Time away with family is always time well spent. Dr. Smith recently traded the operating room for the crystal-clear waters of Bora Bora, making memories with the people who matter most. Whether it's exploring somewhere new or simply enjoying uninterrupted family time, these moments are a reminder of the importance of finding balance both in and out of the office.

Flatback syndrome occurs when the natural curve of the lower spine is lost, making it difficult to stand upright comfortably. Patients often experience fatigue, posture changes, and persistent back pain as the body works harder to stay balanced. Through advanced evaluation and personalized treatment planning, spinal alignment and quality of life can often be significantly improved.

Some of the best adventures don't happen in the operating room—they happen around a campfire. Dr. Smith recently spent time at Camp Pendleton for Pacific Princesses, a special tradition where dads and daughters unplug, explore the outdoors, and make memories that last a lifetime. It's one of his favorite ways to spend quality time together each year.

Minimally invasive spine surgery is changing the way many spinal conditions are treated. Using smaller incisions and specialized techniques, these procedures are designed to minimize disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues while helping patients recover more efficiently. For many people, that can mean less postoperative discomfort, shorter recovery times, and a faster return to everyday life.

As spinal discs gradually lose hydration and flexibility over time, everyday movements can become increasingly painful. Degenerative disc disease is a common source of chronic neck and back discomfort, but treatment options continue to evolve. From conservative therapies to motion-preserving procedures, care is focused on reducing pain while helping patients stay active and mobile.

Total disc replacement is designed to relieve pain while preserving motion in the spine. Instead of permanently fusing vertebrae together, the damaged disc is replaced with an artificial implant that helps maintain more natural movement. For the right candidate, this approach can reduce pain while supporting long-term spinal function and mobility.

Not every spine surgery heals or functions as intended. When pain persists or new symptoms develop after a previous procedure, revision spine surgery may help address issues such as failed fusion, instability, or alignment problems. Careful evaluation and precise surgical planning are key to restoring function and improving long-term outcomes.

For the right patient, treating spine pain doesn’t always mean limiting movement. Motion-preserving procedures, like artificial disc replacement, are designed to address damaged discs while maintaining more natural mobility in the spine. As technology and surgical techniques continue to evolve, these treatments are helping more patients stay active while reducing pain and preserving function long term.

Sometimes the earliest signs of cervical myelopathy are easy to dismiss—clumsy hands, balance changes, numbness, or difficulty with everyday tasks like buttoning a shirt or typing. But these subtle symptoms may point to spinal cord compression in the neck.

In this recent blog post, Dr. Jeremy Smith explains the early warning signs of cervical myelopathy, why prompt evaluation matters, and how advanced imaging and treatment can help protect long-term function and mobility.
Read more at the link in bio.