Atlanta Brain and Spine Care

06/01/2026

A herniation occurs when the outer band of the disc breaks or cracks and the gel-like substance from the inside of the disc leaks out, placing pressure on the spinal canal or nerve roots. In addition, the nucleus releases chemicals that can irritate the surrounding nerves causing inflammation and pain. Learn more: https://atlantabrainandspine.com/lumbar-disc-herniation/

06/01/2026

Spinal tumors are abnormal growths of new tissue called neoplasms. They are relatively rare in the spine. In general, neoplasms are classified as benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Learn about other basic terms to help classify a tumor at https://atlantabrainandspine.com/spinal-tumors/

05/31/2026

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that is done to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Many patients will be able to go home the same day as their surgery. Visit our blog to learn about recovery. Click here: https://atlantabrainandspine.com/recovery-following-laminectomy-surgery/

05/31/2026

A common cause of neck pain, especially in older patients, is cervical spinal stenosis. Cervical stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck area or upper part of the spine. This narrowing places pressure on the spinal cord. While some patients are born with this narrowing, most cases of cervical stenosis occur to patients over the age of 50 and are the result of aging and “wear and tear” on the spine. Learn about symptoms at https://atlantabrainandspine.com/cervical-stenosis/

05/31/2026

A laminectomy is a common spinal surgery often performed to treat spinal stenosis. Laminectomy surgery relieves pressure on the spinal cord and the spinal nerves, thus giving relief from certain neurological symptoms including radiating pain, tingling, and numbness down an arm or leg. Learn about the benefits of laminectomy at https://atlantabrainandspine.com/benefits-of-a-laminectomy/

04/30/2026

Herniated Disc: The discs, or cushions between the vertebrae, dry out and degenerate as people age. Part of the disc’s inner core may leak out into the spinal canal, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause pain and inflammation.

Discover more at https://atlantabrainandspine.com/cervical-disc-herniation/

04/30/2026

Symptoms of lumbar stenosis include pain in the low back; pain in the buttocks that may radiate down the leg into the foot; numbness, tingling, weakness, heaviness, or cramping in the leg or foot; and pain that worsens when walking or standing for long periods. Symptoms may improve when sitting or bending forward.

Learn more at https://atlantabrainandspine.com/surgical-treatments/lumbar-stenosis/

04/30/2026

For cervical stenosis symptoms may occur anywhere below the point where nerves are compressed. Symptoms may include neck pain; weakness, tingling, or numbness in the shoulders, arm, hand, leg, or foot; decreased function in the hand; fine motor issues; difficulty walking; balance or coordination issues; bowel or bladder incontinence.

Learn more at https://atlantabrainandspine.com/cervical-stenosis/

04/30/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Michele M. Johnson for being named as one of Castle Connolly’s 2026 Exceptional Women in Medicine. The award is given annually to outstanding physicians based on accomplishments and dedication to their specialties. Dr. Johnson has been a Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2019 and has been named to the Exceptional Women in Medicine list since 2020.

Atlanta Brain and Spine Care neurosurgeon Dr. Michele M. Johnson named as one of Castle Connolly’s 2026 Exceptional Women in Medicine.

04/30/2026

Stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal is too narrow, creating pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Someone can be born with the condition, or stenosis can result from a spinal injury, tumor, or age-related changes to the spine. Learn more about treatment options at https://atlantabrainandspine.com/what-is-the-treatment-for-spinal-stenosis/