[00:00:00] Meet Dr. Abdul Arain
Lawrence LeBrocq introduces Dr. Abdul Arain, an orthopedic spine surgeon who brings a unique background in biotech, chemistry, and education to his practice at One Oak Medical.

[00:03:00] The “Workaholic” Surgeon
A look at Dr. Arain’s intense schedule—operating and seeing patients seven days a week across multiple New Jersey and New York locations.

[00:05:00] The Conservative Care Path
Dr. Arain explains his philosophy of starting with the least invasive options first, including chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and injections before ever considering the operating table.

[00:08:00] Acute vs. Degenerative: Proving the Injury
How surgeons use advanced imaging like MRIs and fluid signals to differentiate between a fresh, traumatic injury and the normal aging process (degenerative changes).

[00:11:30] The Risks of Spinal Fusion
A critical discussion on why fusions should be a last resort, focusing on “Adjacent Level Syndrome”—where the discs above and below a fusion deteriorate at an accelerated rate.

[00:13:45] Microdiscectomy: The “Dime-Sized” Incision
Dr. Arain describes modern, minimally invasive techniques using tubes and small incisions that allow patients to return to professional sports in as little as three months.

[00:18:00] Identifying Nerve Damage: Myelopathy vs. Radiculopathy
A breakdown of Dr. Arain’s published research on differentiating between simple nerve compression (radiculopathy) and the much more serious spinal cord compression (myelopathy).

[00:24:00] Emergent Situations
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome? Dr. Arain explains the “red flag” symptoms that require surgery within 24 hours to prevent permanent paralysis or loss of function.