Degenerative disc disease, frequently referred to as DDD, is a term that describes changes in the spinal disc occurring with age. Let us look at those changes, whether they may be the source of pain, and what treatments are available.
Let us Take Away Your Pain
I appreciate you trusting us with the treatment of your back or neck issues. Our team takes pride in offering personalized care to all of our patients. We will work together with you to find the best solution to ease your pain using the least invasive techniques possible.
Not every back or neck problem can be solved completely, but we promise to try to reduce your discomfort as much as possible. Our goal is to help you enjoy a better quality of life for years to come.
Sergiy Nesterenko, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
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Innovative Solutions
Dr. Nesterenko specializes in the following areas:
Spine fractures
Sacroiliac joint pain
Adult scoliosis
Spondylolisthesis
Spinal Stenosis
Myelopathy
Disc herniation and radiculopathy
Neck and Back Pain
Take a step towards living a fuller life
Request an Appointment
Dr. Nesterenko’s philosophy
A better quality of life through a higher standard of health care
Our Team
Sergiy Nesterenko, M.D
Dr. Nesterenko is a fellowship-trained board certified orthopaedic spine surgeon.
Sixtus Atabong, PA-C
Sixtus Z. Atabong is the practice manager and physician assistant for Grace Clinic Spine Care Center.
Edwin Guerra, PA-C
Edwin provides initial evaluation and ongoing care for patients with spine-related problems in coordination with Dr. Nesterenko.
What our patients say
Patient Testimonials: Sharing Stories of Relief and Recovery
4.9
on Healthgrades
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FAQ
First appointment and interactions with the office
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Postoperative Instructions (ALIF)
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
Postoperative instructions
Most of your pain will last three to five days after surgery while inflammation subsides. Healing process takes two weeks for the wound and twelve weeks for bone. It may take up to a year for you to feel all benefits of surgery.
Here is the list of DOs and DON’Ts you should know for postoperative period:
DO
- Stay active, walk regularly to improve your muscle strength and balance and also to prevent blood clots and other complications of inactivity.
- It is okay to take shower on day 5 after surgery. Avoid the spray hitting the incision.
- While taking shower, cover incision with impermeable dressing and change it after the shower; keep incision open to air if no drainage.
- Watch for signs of infection including body temperature higher than 101, local redness or drainage. Call our office if develop any of those signs.
- Minimize use of narcotic medications (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone etc.) as soon as possible, since they lead to drowsiness, confusion, constipation and are addictive.
- It is okay to take Tylenol for pain – do not exceed 3 grams a day to avoid liver damage.
DON’T
- Remember: NO BLT!! for 3 months (no bending, no lifting anything heavier than 5 Lb, no twisting).
- Do not submerge incision in water until 2 days after removal of staples or 2 weeks after surgery if internal sutures were used.
- Absolutely NO tobacco products or nicotine-containing substitutes (chewing gums, patches etc.) for 3 months after surgery – it stops bone healing.
- Do not take NSAID’s (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin, Aleve etc.) for 3 months since they may slow down bone healing.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while on pain medications.
How to reach us:
During office hours (8am-5pm): 806-725-2740
After hours call 806-744-7223 and ask to connect you to Dr. Nesterenko’s team.
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Postoperative Instructions (Laminoplasty)
Cervical Laminoplasty
Postoperative instructions
Most of your pains will last three to five days after surgery while inflammation subsides. Healing process takes two weeks for the wound and twelve weeks for bone. It may take up to a year for you to feel all benefits of surgery.
Here is the list of DOs and DON’Ts you should know for postoperative period:
DO
- Stay active, walk regularly to improve your muscle strength and balance and also to prevent blood clots and other complications of inactivity.
- It is okay to take shower on day 5 after surgery. Avoid the spray directly hitting the incision.
- While taking shower, cover incision with impermeable dressing and change it after the shower; keep incision open to air if no drainage.
- Watch for signs of infection including body temperature higher than 101, local redness or drainage. Call our office if develop any of those signs.
- Minimize use of narcotic medications (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone etc.) as soon as possible, since they lead to drowsiness, confusion, constipation and are addictive.
- It is okay to take Tylenol for pain – do not exceed 3 grams a day to avoid liver damage.
- It’s okay to drive if your neck pain is well controlled and you do not take narcotics.
- Wear soft collar for comfort early days after surgery.
DON’T
- Avoid excessive range of motion in the neck.
- Do not submerge incision in water until 2 days after removal of staples or 2 weeks after surgery if internal sutures were used.
- Absolutely NO tobacco products or nicotine-containing substitutes (chewing gums, patches etc.) for 3 months after surgery – it stops bone healing.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while on pain medications.
How to reach us:
During office hours (8am-5pm): 806-725-2740
After hours call 806-744-7223 and ask to connect you to Dr. Nesterenko’s team.
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Postoperative Instructions (Microdiscrectomy)
Microdiscectomy
Postoperative instructions
Most of your pain will last three to five days after surgery while inflammation subsides. Wound healing takes two weeks. It may take up to a year for you to feel all benefits of surgery.
Here is the list of DOs and DON’Ts you should know for postoperative period:
DO
- Stay active, walk regularly to improve your muscle strength and balance and to prevent blood clots and other complications of inactivity.
- It is okay to take shower on day 3 after surgery if there is no drainage. Avoid water hitting the incision.
- While taking shower, cover incision with impermeable dressing and change it after the shower; keep incision open to air if no drainage.
- Watch for signs of infection including body temperature higher than 101, local redness or drainage. Call our office if develop any of those signs.
- Minimize use of narcotic medications (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone etc.) as soon as possible, since they lead to drowsiness, confusion, constipation and are addictive.
- It is okay to take Tylenol for pain – do not exceed 3 grams a day to avoid liver damage.
DON’T
- Remember: “NO BLT!!” for 6 weeks (no bending, no lifting anything heavier than 5 Lb, no twisting); excessive activity may lead to recurrence of disc herniation.
- Do not submerge incision in water until 2 days after removal of staples or 2 weeks after surgery if internal sutures were used.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while on pain medications.
How to reach us:
During office hours (8am-5pm): 806-725-2740
After hours call 806-744-7223 and ask to connect you to Dr. Nesterenko’s team.
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Postoperative Instructions (LLIF)
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)
Postoperative instructions
Most of your pain will last three to five days after surgery while inflammation subsides. Healing process takes two weeks for the wound and twelve weeks for bone. It may take up to a year for you to feel all benefits of surgery.
Here is the list of DOs and DON’Ts you should know for postoperative period:
DO
- Stay active, walk regularly to improve your muscle strength and balance and also to prevent blood clots and other complications of inactivity.
- It is okay to take shower on day 5 after surgery. Avoid the spray hitting the incision.
- While taking shower, cover incision with impermeable dressing and change it after the shower; keep incision open to air if no drainage.
- Watch for signs of infection including body temperature higher than 101, local redness or drainage. Call our office if develop any of those signs.
- Leave incision open to air if there is no drainage.
- It is okay to take Tylenol for pain – do not exceed 3 grams a day to avoid liver damage.
- Minimize use of narcotic medications (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone etc.) as soon as possible, since they lead to drowsiness, confusion, constipation and are addictive.
DON’T
- Remember: “NO BLT!!” for 3 months (no bending, no lifting anything heavier than 5 Lb, no twisting).
- Do not submerge incisions in water until 2 days after removal of staples or 2 weeks after surgery if internal sutures were used.
- Absolutely NO tobacco products or nicotine-containing substitutes (chewing gums, patches etc.) for 3 months after surgery – it stops bone healing.
- Do not take NSAID’s (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin, Aleve etc.) for 3 months since they may slow down bone healing.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while on pain medications.
How to reach us:
During office hours (8am-5pm): 806-725-2740
After hours call 806-744-7223 and ask to connect you to Dr. Nesterenko’s team.
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Postoperative instructions (TLIF)
Spinal fusion (including TLIF)
Postoperative instructions
Most of your pain will last three to five days after surgery while inflammation subsides. Healing process takes two weeks for the wound and twelve weeks for bone. It may take up to a year for you to feel all benefits of surgery.
Here is the list of DOs and DON’Ts you should know for postoperative period:
DO:
- Stay active, walk regularly to improve your muscle strength and balance and to prevent blood clots and other complications of inactivity.
- It is okay to take shower on day 5 after surgery. Avoid water hitting the incision.
- While taking shower, cover incision with impermeable dressing and change it after the shower; keep incision open to air if no drainage.
- Watch for signs of infection including body temperature higher than 101, local redness or drainage. Call our office if develop any of those signs.
- Minimize use of narcotic medications (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone etc.) as soon as possible, since they lead to drowsiness, confusion, constipation and are addictive.
- t is okay to take Tylenol for pain – do not exceed 3 grams a day to avoid liver damage.
DON’T
- Remember: NO BLT!! for 3 months (no Bending, no Lifting more than 5 Lb, no Twisting)
- Do not submerge incision in water until 2 days after removal of staples or 2 weeks after surgery if internal sutures were used.
- Absolutely NO tobacco products or nicotine-containing substitutes (chewing gums, patches etc.) for 3 months after surgery – it stops bone healing.
- Do not take NSAID’s (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin, Aleve etc.) for 3 months since they may slow down bone healing.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while on pain medications.
How to reach us:
During office hours (8am-5pm): 806-725-2740
After hours call 806-744-7223 and ask to connect you to Dr. Nesterenko’s team.
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Postoperative instructions (ACDF)
ACDF (Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion)
Postoperative instructions
Most of your pains will last three to five days after surgery while inflammation subsides. Sore throat lasts for about a week. Healing process takes two weeks for the wound and twelve weeks for bones. It may take up to a year for you to feel all benefits of surgery.
Here is the list of DOs and DON’Ts you should know for postoperative period:
DO:
- Stay active, walk regularly to improve your muscle strength and balance and to prevent blood clots and other complications of inactivity.
- It is okay to take shower on day 3 after surgery as long as there is no drainage. Avoid water directly hitting the incision.
- While taking shower, cover incision with impermeable dressing and change it after the shower; keep incision open to air if no drainage.
- Watch for signs of infection including body temperature higher than 101, local redness or drainage. Call our office if develop any of those signs.
- Minimize use of narcotic medications (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone etc.) as soon as possible, since they cause drowsiness, constipation and are addictive.
- It is okay to take Tylenol for pain – not more than 3 grams a day to avoid liver damage. Beware that Vicodin, Norco and Lortab contain Tylenol.
- It’s okay to drive if your pain is well controlled and you do not take narcotics.
- Wear soft collar for comfort early days after surgery.
DON’T:
- Avoid excessive range of motion in the neck.
- Do not submerge incision in water until 2 days after removal of staples or 2 weeks after surgery if internal sutures were used.
- Absolutely NO tobacco products or nicotine-containing substitutes (chewing gums, patches etc.) for 3 months after surgery – it stops bone healing.
- Do not take NSAID’s (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin, Aleve etc.) for 3 months since they may slow down bone healing.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while on pain medications.
How to reach us:
During office hours (8am-5pm): 806-725-2740
After hours line for surgical patients: 806-744-7223
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Postoperative instructions (Sacroiliac joint fusion)
Sacroiliac joint fusion
Postoperative instructions
Surgical site pain typically lasts three to five days. Healing takes two weeks for the wound and twelve weeks for bones. It may take up to a year for you to feel all benefits of surgery.
Here is the list of DOs and DON’Ts you should know after surgery:
DO:
- Follow the instructions from physical therapy on partial weight bearing and use of a walker.
- Stay active and walk regularly to maintain your muscle strength and decrease the risk of blood clots.
- It is okay to take shower on day 3 after surgery as long as there is no drainage from the incision site. Don’t let water to directly hit the incision.
- While taking shower, cover the incision with an impermeable dressing and change it after the shower; keep incision open to air if no drainage.
- Watch for signs of infection including body temperature higher than 101, local redness or drainage. Call our office if develop any of those signs.
- Minimize use of narcotic medications (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone etc.) as soon as possible, since they cause drowsiness, constipation and are addictive.
- It is okay to take Tylenol for pain – not more than 3 grams a day to avoid liver damage. Beware that Vicodin, Norco, and Lortab contain Tylenol.
- It’s okay to drive if your pain is well controlled and you do not take narcotics.
DON’T:
- Do not submerge incision under water until 2 weeks after surgery if internal sutures were used and 2 days after removal of staples.
- Absolutely NO tobacco products or nicotine-containing substitutes (chewing gums, patches etc.) for 3 months after surgery – it stops bone healing.
- Do not take NSAID’s (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin, Aleve etc.) for 3 months since they may slow down bone healing.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while on pain medications.
How to reach us:
During office hours (8am-5pm): 806-725-2740
After hours call 806-744-7223 and ask to connect you to Dr. Nesterenko’s team.
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Postoperative instructions (Spinal decompression)
Spinal decompression
Postoperative instructions
Most of your pain will last three to five days after surgery while inflammation subsides. Wound healing takes two weeks. It may take up to a year for you to feel all benefits of surgery.
Here is the list of DOs and DON’Ts you should know for postoperative period:
DO:
- Stay active, walk regularly to improve your muscle strength and balance and to prevent blood clots and other complications of inactivity.
- It is okay to take shower on day 3 after surgery if there is no drainage. Avoid water hitting the incision.
- While taking shower, cover incision with impermeable dressing and change it after the shower; keep incision open to air if no drainage.
- Watch for signs of infection including body temperature higher than 101, local redness or drainage. Call our office if develop any of those signs.
- Minimize use of narcotic medications (Hydrocodone, Oxycodone etc.) as soon as possible, since they lead to drowsiness, confusion, constipation and are addictive.
- It is okay to take Tylenol for pain – do not exceed 3 grams a day to avoid liver damage.
DON’T
- Do not submerge incision in water until 2 days after removal of staples or 2 weeks after surgery if internal sutures were used.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while on pain medications.
How to reach us:
During office hours (8am-5pm): 806-725-2740
After hours call 806-744-7223 and ask to connect you to Dr. Nesterenko’s team.
Spine Blog
Read more
Motion-sparing procedures is one of the current trends in spine surgery and likely will continue to prevail in the future. Among them, the cervical disc replacement is one of the best-developed and studied techniques. Let me give a quick overview of the surgery and who may benefit from it.
Laminectomy is an open surgical procedure that removes the lamina, a thin layer of bone that covers the spinal canal. It is done to relieve pressure from the nerves that causes pain, numbness or weakness.
Osteoporosisis a disease that decreases bone quality. It is a silent condition that often goes unrecognized unless it leads to fractures. Due to this risk, appropriate screening is needed. If a fracture has occurred, it may require surgical treatment.
Dr. Nesterenko, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon in Lubbock, TX
At Grace Spine Care Center, we are proud to present Dr. Nesterenko, MD, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with fellowship training. Our center is a comprehensive clinical hub, managing various pathologies of the spine and boasting a team of specialists in physical therapy, interventional pain management, general orthopedic surgery, and orthopedic spine surgery.
Comprehensive and Ethical Spine Care
We believe in a holistic approach to spine health. Dr. Nesterenko and his team are committed to providing comprehensive yet minimally invasive treatment options tailored to each patient's unique situation. Our philosophy is simple: while we are looking for patients that we can help with surgery, surgery is not always the only solution. By conducting a thorough review of your medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies, we aim to deeply understand and effectively treat the root cause of your pain.
Easy Access to Specialized Care
Recognizing the challenges in accessing spine specialists, we've made our services readily available. You do not need existing imaging studies or extended waiting periods to consult with us. Most new referrals are seen within a week, and referrals from other specialists or primary care physicians are generally not required. Contact us directly via our website or by phone for prompt appointments.
Patient-Centered Approach
Every patient at our practice receives personal attention from Dr. Nesterenko. While we recommend following our established process of initial evaluation by an advanced practice practitioner and starting with non-invasive treatments, the final decision on treatment always rests with Dr. Nesterenko. For those seeking a second opinion, you're welcome to schedule directly with the doctor. Bring any previous imaging for a more efficient consultation.
Feedback and Communication
Your feedback is invaluable in our mission to improve patient care continuously. Reach out to us through various channels, including our website contact form, phone, or for existing patients, MyChart. Our pledge is to find the optimal care approach for your spine ailment. While not every problem can be completely cured, we strive to find the best solutions for your back or neck pain.
Empowering Patients Through Education
In a world of overwhelming online information, we encourage our patients to stay informed. Bring your questions and concerns to your appointment; we are here to provide clear and comprehensive answers. Our treatment framework progresses through five steps of increasing complexity:
- self-management,
- physical therapy/chiropractic care,
- medications,
- Injections and other interventional pain procedures
- Surgery.
We utilize various imaging methods like X-rays, MRI, CT, and EMG/NCS to diagnose conditions like
- neck/back pain
- radiculopathy
- sciatica
- spinal stenosis
- myelopathy
- spondylolisthesis
- sacroiliac joint pain
- degenerative disc disease
- and more
We use a variety of surgical interventions ranging from minimally invasive surgeries to multilevel decompression and fusion procedures, from traditional open procedures to state-of-the-art techniques. Some of the more common surgeries we perform include:
- Laminectomy and posterior instrumented fusion in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine
- Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)
- Anterior and lumbar lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF and LLIF)
- Cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and disc replacement (CDA)
- Motion preservation procedures in the neck, such as cervical laminoplasty, foraminotomy, and disc replacement
- Minimally invasive cervical fusion (CORUS)
- Sacroiliac joint fusion
- Microscope and endoscope assisted discectomy
- Complex revision procedures
- We use innovative equipment, including spinal endoscopy, intraoperative computer-assisted navigation, and robotics
Call us or schedule an appointment through the online form. Let us help you get back to living a full, pain-free life.
Take a step towards living a fuller life
Request an Appointment
