It can strike while you’re exercising, doing household chores, or simply bending over or sitting down. Back pain affects 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lifetime, and for some, it is an ongoing problem that interferes with everyday life. In this video, San Diego Health host Susan Taylor talks with Robert Eastlack, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines and Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo, about minimally invasive back surgery. Learn more: https://www.scripps.org/7734yt

0:40 - Why is back pain so common?
1:02 - What causes back pain?
1:30 - Does back pain usually go away by itself?
1:49 - How would you treat back pain?
2:20 - What happens if it does not go away?
2:36 - What about weakness or numbness?
3:08 - What is spine shifting?
4:10 - Is back pain genetic?
4:41 - What are some advancements in surgery technology?
5:45 - What is a spinal fusion?
6:22 - What is the down time for the spinal fusion surgery?
6:45 - What is minimally invasive back surgery?
7:52 - How is this different from major back surgery?
9:17 - What is the difference in recovery time between minimally invasive and regular back surgery?
10:25 - How soon are you back to normal life after surgery?
11:35 - What is spinal stenosis?
12:22 - What advice would you give to people to help take care of their back?
13:33 - Are there any preventative steps you can take to preserve your back?