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James M. Leipzig, MD, FACS Blog View all posts

Managing A Herniated Lumbar Disk
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery, disc arthroplasty,...
Jun 30th, 2020

Robotic Spine Surgery Case Study
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified Virginia spine surgeon serving Roanoke and Salem communities with over two decades of experience. He treats spinal stenosis, specializing in procedures like minimally invasive lumbar...
May 22nd, 2020

Recovery From Spine Surgery
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified Virginia spine surgeon serving Roanoke and Salem communities with over two decades of experience. He treats spinal stenosis, specializing in procedures like minimally invasive lumbar...
Jul 13th, 2019

Spinal Stenosis: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified Virginia spine surgeon serving Roanoke and Salem communities with over two decades of experience. He treats spinal stenosis, specializing in procedures like minimally invasive lumbar...
May 30th, 2019

Symptoms Of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified Virginia spine surgeon serving Roanoke and Salem communities with over two decades of experience. He treats spinal stenosis, specializing in procedures like minimally invasive lumbar...
Apr 30th, 2019

In The News: Diagnosing And Treating Back Pain
Virginia spine surgeon Dr. James Leipzig, was recently interviewed by local news station, WZBJ24, on the topic of diagnosing back pain and the ways to treat it. In the interview, which you can watch in full below,...
Mar 25th, 2019

In The News: Robotic Spine Surgery
The Mazor X Robotic Guidance Platform launched almost a month ago, and Dr. Leipzig was recently interviewed about this sophisticated, new advancement in minimally invasive spine surgery.
Oct 31st, 2018

Robotic Spine Surgery In Virginia: Mazor X
Thanks to technological advancements, minimally invasive spine surgery is continuously becoming more sophisticated. New techniques are leading to higher success rates and fewer complications.
Aug 14th, 2018

Disc Herniation: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
The discs in your spine act as shock absorbers between vertebrae – protecting and cushioning the spine from everyday strain, and help to minimize the impact of movement on the spinal column.
Oct 13th, 2017

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
Lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition where a compromised disc leads to lower back pain. Unlike other parts of the body, spinal discs don’t have a blood supply so, when injured,...
Jun 18th, 2017

What Is Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion?
The lumbar spine, or the lower back, comprises five vertebral bones divided by discs. As we age, the discs begin to wear down so the vertebrae rub against each other, causing degeneration, lower back pain, and leg pain, numbness, and weakness.
Apr 10th, 2017

Dr. Leipzig Participates In “experts On The Line”
On Monday, March 27, Virginia Spine Care’s Dr. James Leipzig participated in Own the Bone’s “Experts on the Line” group call and discussion. Attendees asked Dr. Leipzig and Lynette Judy from Jefferson Hospital questions about Own the Bone,...
Mar 28th, 2017

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
While surgery for any condition can seem daunting, spinal surgery may bring its own share of concerns for patients. However, thanks to technical and technological advancements, spinal surgery is continuously more sophisticated,...
Feb 27th, 2017

Preventing The First Fall | Dr. Leipzig On Wdbj7
Dr. Leipzig returned to WDBJ7 to speak with Caitlin Francis to discuss how to prevent the fall that could lead to a fracture. Dr. Leipzig, who appeared on WDBJ7 a few weeks ago to talk about the American Orthopedic Association’s...
Jan 18th, 2017

Mazor X: Revolutionizing Spine Surgery
Welcoming a robot into the operating room may sound like it should be reserved for science fiction, but Virginia Spine Care hopes to soon make us forget it was ever anything but fact.
Jan 15th, 2017

“own The Bone” | Dr. Leipzig On Wfir
Dr. James Leipzig, a Virginia spinal surgeon specializing in procedures including minimally-invasive spine surgery and disc arthroplasty, recently spoke with Gene Marrano at WFIR, Roanoke Valley’s local radio station.
Dec 30th, 2016

Fighting Future Fractures | Dr. Leipzig On Wdbj7
Dr. James Leipzig recently spoke with Caitlin Francis from WDBJ7 about the Own the Bone initiative, his inspiration in getting involved, and steps to better bone health you can do at home.
Dec 29th, 2016

Dr. Leipzig Wins Best Bedside Manner Award 2016
For the fourth year, Dr. James Leipzig has been awarded a first place Best Bedside Manner Award for spine surgery from OurHealth Virginia. The accolade celebrates physicians and surgeons across all areas of practice...
Dec 26th, 2016

What Is Own The Bone?
Back in 2009, the American Orthopedic Association (AOA) decided to take action against a growing epidemic in the United States. Though over 44 million Americans are impacted by osteoporosis or low bone density, seven years ago, few were getting adequate...
Nov 28th, 2016

Rest Your Back: Sleeping Position
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery, disc arthroplasty, ...
Oct 20th, 2016

Physician’s Champion | Oct. 6
As the “physician’s champion” for the American Orthopaedic Association’s “Own the Bone” program, Dr. James Leipzig will give a presentation about the health implications of fragility fractures on Thursday morning, October 6, 2016...
Sep 15th, 2016

Pregnancy Back Pain Relief
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery, disc arthroplasty,
Aug 12th, 2016

Dr. Leipzig Speaks | Oct. 6
Virginia Spine Care, in coalition with LewisGale Medical Center, is proud to announce that our own James Leipzig, MD, FACS is the featured speaker and “physician’s champion” for the American Orthopaedic Association’s “Own the Bone” program.
Jul 26th, 2016

Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (DLIF)
Lateral lumbar interbody fusion is often referred to as extreme lateral (XLIF) or direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF). The procedure qualifies as minimally invasive back surgery because it is accomplished with one or more small incisions ...
Jun 28th, 2016

Summer Back Tips
It’s summertime and the living is easy… unless you are suffering from back pain. People tend to be more active during the summer because of the nice weather. While exercise is beneficial, people with back issues ...
May 28th, 2016

Is It Time For Spinal Surgery?
At Virginia Spine Care, James Leipzig, MD and staff always exercise great care before recommending spine surgery as an option for back issues. After an initial consultation and evaluation, non-surgical treatments may be recommended to help alleviate...
Apr 15th, 2016

Minimally-invasive Spinal Fusion
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery, disc arthroplasty,...
Feb 28th, 2016

Cervical Disc Replacement
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery, disc arthroplasty,...
Jan 11th, 2016

Your Back For The Holidays
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Nov 25th, 2015

Overcoming Back Pain
Whether you’ve been recently injured or you’ve struggled with low back pain for years, it’s probably affecting the way you live your life. Don’t let lower back pain keep you from enjoying the activities that you love.
Oct 27th, 2015

Cool-weather Back Tips
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Oct 1st, 2015

Improved Surgical Technology
Studies show that lumbar fusion rates have risen more rapidly than other lumbar surgery in recent decades. The most rapid increases followed the approval of new surgical implants around 2000 and were much greater...
Aug 31st, 2015

Stretching & Exercise
Most adults experience back pain at one time or another during their lives. Common lifestyle practices, including regular exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight,...
Jul 28th, 2015

Summer Back Tips
It’s summertime and the living is easy… unless you are suffering from back pain. People tend to be more active during the summer because of the nice weather. While exercise is beneficial, people with back issues should be careful not to take on too much to
Jun 24th, 2015

Minimally-invasive Surgery
If you experience severe back pain or constant discomfort that leaves you unable to perform daily tasks, spine surgery may be a reasonable answer that could return you to a normal lifestyle.
May 26th, 2015

Video: Leipzig Explains Surgery
See and hear our own Dr. Leipzig describe the process of minimally invasive back surgery. This informative video, which is also found on our Services Page, features Diane, a grandmother and back surgery patient.
Apr 23rd, 2015

Don’t Ignore Back Pain
Consistent back pain should not be ignored. Common causes of serious back pain can vary from strains and sprains of muscles and ligaments to osteoarthritis or even spinal stenosis.
Mar 25th, 2015

Best Bedside Manner Award
Dr. Leipzig recently received first place for “The Best Bedside Manner Award” in Roanoke Valley for the third consecutive year! The award honors medical practitioners who were voted by the local community for their “empathy, kindness, and attentiveness.”
Feb 27th, 2015

Cold Weather Exercise Tips
The long, chilly winter months are no excuse for giving up physical activity. Getting outside and taking a brisk walk, playing hockey, going ice skating, or snow shoeing-are all fun,...
Jan 20th, 2015

Holiday Wish List For Bad Backs
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Dec 17th, 2014

Tips For Holiday Back Health
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Nov 19th, 2014

Halloween: Make No Bones About It
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Oct 4th, 2014

First Aid For Your Back
r. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Sep 30th, 2014

4 Tips To Prevent Neck Pain
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Aug 18th, 2014

Take A Seat
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Jul 29th, 2014

June Is Scoliosis Awareness Month
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Jun 24th, 2014

‘Spring’ Into Healthy Habits
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery,...
May 6th, 2014

Buying A New Mattress
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Mar 18th, 2014

Proper Shoveling, Snow Joke
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery,...
Feb 24th, 2014

Dr. Leipzig Gets “best Bedside Manner”
Dr. Leipzig recently received first place for “The Best Bedside Manner Award” in Roanoke Valley! The award honors medical practitioners who were voted by the local community for their “empathy, kindness, and attentiveness.”
Jan 9th, 2014

Dinner With The Docs
Dr. James Leipzig would like to ask you to mark your calendars. On December 10th, you are invited to “Dinner with the Docs.” The event will feature Dr. James Leipzig and Dr. Tony Dragovich, who will provide information about how to determine...
Nov 21st, 2013

Lewisgale Physicians Welcomes Dr. James Leipzig
LewisGale Physicians welcomes its newest member Dr. James Leipzig, Spine Surgeon. Dr. Leipzig treats patients who have not responded to nonsurgical treatments for cervical and lumbar spinal disorders.
Nov 19th, 2013

Dr. Leipzig Treats Spinal Stenosis
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery,...
Nov 5th, 2013

It’s World Spine Day!
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Oct 16th, 2013

High Heels And Back Pain
r. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery,...
Aug 8th, 2013

3 Daily Tasks To Improve Your Posture
Having good posture helps alleviate the stress on your spine. It can also boost your concentration, enhance your breathing, and help you avoid many types of spinal discomfort.
Apr 17th, 2013

Degenerative Spinal Disorders And Treatment
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery, disc arthroplasty,...
Jan 29th, 2013

14 Natural Pain Relievers For Chronic Back Pain
Here’s a list natural pain relievers by Stephanie Burke (Spine-Health) that may help chronic back pain. Each of these won’t be for everyone, but any number of these natural pain relievers might help you...
Jan 7th, 2013

Winterize Your Run
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Dec 3rd, 2012

World Spine Day
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Oct 16th, 2012

Degenerative Cervical Spine
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery, disc arthroplasty,...
Oct 9th, 2012

Football Player Stable After Spine Surgery
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery,...
Sep 11th, 2012

Virginia Spine Care Gets A Brand New Look & Feel
In case you haven’t noticed, Virginia Spine Care has a completely new website! The new site offers better navigation, appointment and contact forms, directions page with an interactive map, and much more.
Jul 30th, 2012

James Leipzig Talks About A Team Approach
James Leipzig talks about how a team approach allows him and his team of doctors to provide efficient and high quality care. Lewis Gale Regional Health System is the #1 Spine Surgery Program in Virginia. Watch this one minute commercial to hear...
Jul 20th, 2012

James M. Leipzig Discusses Spine Surgery
The Senior Breakfast Club with Donna Gail is a radio show that airs every Saturday morning at 7:30 am on Classic 3WZ 96.7 FM. James M. Leipzig joins Donna Gail to talk about things seniors can do to protect their backs.
Jun 27th, 2012

Get Educated About Spinal Procedures
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery, disc arthroplasty,...
Jun 7th, 2012

Dlif Animation
Animation showing the Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion.
Apr 4th, 2012