Category: Spine Basics

A grateful patient delivered these amazing cookies to us! The detail work and artistry is amazing. And did I mention that they were delicious?

We are truly grateful for our wonderful patients.

We were recently featured in a local magazine! Read the article for yourself:

We recently received this letter from the hospital regarding the care of one of our patients:

September 4, 2025

Bret G. Ball, MD

Rose City Spine Surgery

10101 SE Main St Ste 2014

Portland, OR 97216

Re: Exemplary Care

Dear Bret Ball, MD:

The Medical Quality Management Council (MQMC) of Adventist Health Portland reviewed the following case in which you were the provider:

[Redacted]

This case in which you provided care was recently reviewed in the monthly peer review process, and the MQMC would like to recognize you for the exemplary care you provided to your patient.

We recognize that all providers work hard to provide excellent outcomes and service to their patients. We found that you went above and beyond in caring for this individual. Thank you for your exceptional contribution to the care of our patients. We are grateful to have you as part of our team.

Sincerely,

Jed Peterson, MD

MQMC Chair

Adventist Health Portland

Not every patient who has spine surgery is going to have an ideal outcome. Spine surgery is complex and cannot fix everything. But you can rest assured that at Rose City Spine Surgery we will do our utmost to ensure that you get the best care possible. 

We are proud to announce a new partnership with Portland Community College. Please read more about it here.

Go Panthers!

Rose City Spine Surgery has been recognized as one of the top medical offices in Portland by Business Rate for 2025!

We appreciate the recognition and commit to working every day to give the best care to our patients.

Spinal headaches, also known as post-dural puncture headaches (PDPH), can be an unexpected and painful outcome of certain medical procedures or after trauma. They have even been found to occur spontaneously in some cases. These headaches are often intense, making everyday activities difficult. Some patients deal with headaches for months or even years before they are accurately diagnosed and treated. So, what causes them, how they are diagnosed, and what are the available treatment options?

Continue reading “Spinal Headaches”

Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful changes a person can make for their health. While traditional approaches like nicotine replacement therapy and counseling are effective, many people would like some  alternative remedies for additional support during their quit adventure. Interestingly, there’s evidence that some things you might find already in your home such as lime and green tea that have gained attention for their natural properties that may aid in smoking cessation.

Continue reading “I’ll Trade You Some Lime and Green Tea for Your Cigarettes “

There are many ligaments which connect the bones of the spine together forming the core of the body: the spinal column. Among the many ligaments that contribute to this function, the ligamentum flavum stands out the most interesting. This elastic ligament plays a key role in maintaining spinal stability and mobility, yet it can also become a source of significant pathology when compromised.

What is the Ligamentum Flavum?

Continue reading “Understanding the Ligamentum Flavum. Hint, it’s not a tasty treat. “

I was invited to speak at the annual meeting of the Oregon chapter of the Association of Surgical Technologists yesterday.  It was a great opportunity to connect with these vital yet under appreciated healthcare providers. Hopefully my talk was interesting and informative. 

Most patients don’t even know about the role of a Surgical Technologist in ensuring the success of their surgery. So I thought I’d write a brief introduction. 

Continue reading “Thank you AST!”

Chronic muscle pain can be debilitating, limiting mobility and affecting daily life. For individuals dealing with persistent knots and tension, trigger point injections (TPIs) are a well established and effective treatment option. But what exactly are TPIs, and how can they help alleviate pain? 

What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are tight knots or bands of muscle fibers that form when muscles fail to relax fully. These points can be tender to the touch and may cause referred pain—a sensation that the pain is located or radiates to other areas of the body. Common conditions associated with trigger points include:

Continue reading “Trigger Point Injections: Targeted Relief for Persistent Muscle Pain and Tension”