Experience our state-of-the-art facility in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and find lasting relief from chronic lower back pain. Our expert team is dedicated to restoring your function and improving your quality of life through personalized, effective care.
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Dr. Max has the experience to help you regain your quality of life.
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Dr. Max was born to a Canadian father and an American mother, making him a true embodiment of Medical Travel as he embraces and feels at home in all three cultures. His extensive experience as a liaison to both the US and Canadian consular agencies has solidified his reputation as the #1 expat provider. Today, 95% of his practice is dedicated to supporting local expats and international medical travelers.
A fraction of the US and Canadian Cost.
Our average employee tenure is 15+ years.
We use the latest technology and surgical techniques.
We treat you like a member of our family.
Persistent lower back pain that significantly impacts daily life and doesn't improve with other treatments may be a sign that surgery is necessary.
If conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections have not relieved your symptoms, lower back surgery might be the next step.
Symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs caused by nerve compression can indicate the need for surgical intervention to alleviate pressure on the nerves.4o
Enjoy substantial savings on medical procedures compared to the USA, making top-tier care surprisingly affordable.
Experience fast access to treatment with significantly shorter wait times than in Canada, getting you back on your feet faster.
Smooth and efficient process, free from the headaches of insurance claims and bureaucratic red tape that get in the way of helping you feel better - faster.
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Speak with our nurse coordinator who can guide you through how we support international patients and answer any questions you may have.
You'll meet with Dr. Max, who will review your medical records, provide a clear quote, and outline a personalized plan to help you feel your best again.
Come to our beautiful city of Puerto Vallarta, meet our incredible staff, and start feeling better sooner than you think!
Learn more about lower back pain surgery in Mexico.
Surgery is considered when chronic lower back pain stems from identifiable structural issues—such as herniated discs pressing on nerve roots, spinal instability (spondylolisthesis), or facet joint arthropathy—and persists despite 6–12 months of conservative care (physical therapy, epidural injections, oral medications). Your symptoms should include functional limitations (difficulty walking, standing, or performing daily tasks) and correlate with imaging findings on MRI or CT. A thorough neurological exam and symptom diary help Dr. Greig pinpoint whether operative intervention offers the best chance for lasting relief.
Ideal candidates have clear, imaging-confirmed pathology that matches their symptoms, have exhausted non-operative treatments, and are motivated to follow postoperative rehabilitation. Candidates should be in good overall health—well-controlled diabetes or hypertension are acceptable, but severe cardiac or pulmonary disease may require additional medical clearance. A preoperative consultation will review your medication list, lifestyle factors (smoking, activity level), and support network to ensure you’re optimized physically and mentally for surgery and recovery.
Patients undergo high-resolution lumbar MRI (preferred) or CT myelogram to detail disc herniation, stenosis, or joint degeneration, plus standing X-rays to assess spinal alignment and potential instability. Lab tests include CBC, metabolic panel, coagulation profile, and nutritional markers (albumin) to evaluate healing potential. If you’re over 65 or have a history of heart disease, additional cardiac workup—EKG and echocardiogram—is arranged to minimize perioperative risk. All results are reviewed in a dedicated pre-op clinic visit to create a tailored surgical plan.
Begin a supervised regimen of low-impact aerobic exercises (walking, stationary cycling, swimming) and gentle core-strengthening routines at least 4–6 weeks prior to boost cardiovascular fitness and support spine stability. Discontinue blood thinners or NSAIDs as directed (typically 7–10 days before) to minimize bleeding risk, and stop smoking at least six weeks out to enhance bone and soft tissue healing. Plan for home support: arrange rides to appointments, recruit family or friends for daily assistance, and set up a recovery area with a firm chair, elevated toilet seat, and sleeping arrangements on the main level to avoid stairs.
After sterile prep and draping, a 2–4 cm midline incision is made at the target level. Muscle fibers are gently dilated or retracted to expose the lamina and facet joints. For a discectomy, herniated fragments are removed to decompress the nerve. For fusions, pedicle screws are placed under fluoroscopy, disc space is prepared, and an interbody cage filled with bone graft is inserted to achieve fusion. The dura and nerve roots are inspected for any residual compression or tears before multilayer closure with absorbable sutures and application of a waterproof dressing.
Most patients stay 1–3 nights at CMQ Hospital. Early mobilization begins within 6–12 hours post-op: nurses and physical therapists assist you in sitting at the bedside, standing, and taking your first steps. Pain is closely managed to allow safe walking, which dramatically reduces risks of blood clots and supports faster recovery. By discharge, you’ll have a personalized home exercise schedule and clear instructions for wound care and activity limitations.
Outpatient physical therapy typically starts within 7 days. Initial sessions focus on gentle range-of-motion exercises, breathing techniques, and core activation to protect your spine. Between weeks 3–6 you’ll progress to light strengthening, posture training, and low-impact cardiovascular work (walking, aquatic therapy). By weeks 8–12, you’ll incorporate more dynamic stability exercises and functional movement patterns, under the guidance of a spine-specialized therapist.
Most patients resume light, sedentary work (desk or remote) by 2–4 weeks once pain is controlled and they can sit comfortably. Driving is safe when off narcotics and able to brake without hesitation—typically around week 3–4. Low-impact cardio (walking, swimming, cycling) begins at 4–6 weeks. Higher-impact activities, weightlifting, or competitive sports are generally resumed around 3–4 months, guided by your physical therapist and Dr. Greig’s clinical assessment.
You’ll have a telemedicine check-in within one week of discharge to assess wound healing and mobility. An in-person visit at 6–8 weeks includes clinical exam and standing X-rays or CT to verify hardware position and fusion progress. Quarterly virtual visits during the first year monitor your functional gains, manage any residual symptoms, and adjust your home-exercise program. Annual spine-health reviews are recommended thereafter to ensure sustained outcomes.
