Dr. Larson’s 2026 Message

A Letter from Neurosurgeon Jeffrey J. Larson, MD | 2026

As we enter 2026, I want to speak directly to you—not about procedures, devices, or trends, but about judgment.

Modern spine care has never had more tools. Advanced imaging, powerful implants, biologics, and minimally invasive techniques are widely available. Yet outcomes still hinge on something far less marketed and far more rare: the ability to correlate information clearly and choose the right path for the individual in front of us.

Many patients arrive having seen multiple specialists, carrying reports that describe what can be done. My role is different. It is to determine what should be done – and just as importantly, what should not be done.

At CDA Spine, evaluation begins with careful listening, detailed examination, and correlation of symptoms with imaging and specialized diagnostic testing. From there, we have an honest discussion of all reasonable options. Surgery is never a default. When it is recommended, it is because it offers a durable solution aligned with long-term function – and, whenever possible, preservation of motion.

Motion preservation remains central to my practice. Artificial disc replacement and other motion preserving surgeries, when appropriate, allow many patients to maintain mobility and avoid the downstream effects of fusion. But motion preservation is not a slogan. It is a responsibility: selecting the right patient, the right level, and the right timing.

Equally important is advocacy. Navigating insurance systems, access barriers, and evolving coverage policies has become part of modern spine care – and part of my responsibility to patients. We accept commercial insurance plans that include out-of-network benefits, and my team actively helps patients understand their options and next steps so they can focus on their health—not administrative uncertainty.

If you are here, it is often because something does not add up—because symptoms, imaging, or recommendations have left unanswered questions. My commitment is to provide clarity, candor, and thoughtful guidance grounded in experience. Thank you for trusting me with something as personal and consequential as your spine.

Jeffrey J. Larson, MD
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
CDA Spine