About DISC

About Us

DISC is an orthopedic spine center of excellence practice serving spine patients in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. DISC surgeons treat a wide array of spine conditions such as herniated disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and customized patient care to those suffering in pain.

Our practice offers the most advanced cutting-edge treatment options ranging from nonsurgical to least invasive and minimally invasive spine surgery. DISC surgeons are recognized leaders in endoscopic spine surgery, artificial disc replacement, and minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS). Our expert spine surgeons are board-certified and have collectively 50 years of patient care experience.

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Photo of the doctors from the DISC team

The DISC Mission

Our mission is to provide patients who are suffering in pain with consistent outcomes – long-term pain relief and improved physical function so they can enjoy life again!

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Leaders in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MIS)

Recognized as MIS innovators amongst their peers, our surgeons often speak on their research and expertise at spine medical conferences worldwide. DISC surgeons are involved in ongoing FDA clinical trials and frequently publish their research in peer-reviewed spine journals. They continually teach their peers advanced endoscopic and MIS techniques for painful debilitating neck, and back ailments.

Why Choose DISC

Founded in Phoenix, AZ in 1998

In 1998, orthopedic specialist in minimally invasive spine surgery, Anthony T. Yeung M.D. (retired), founded the first spine-focused out-patient ambulatory surgical center called Squaw Peak Surgical Facility, in the USA. In 2002, Christopher A. Yeung M.D. joined his father Dr. Anthony Yeung in practice. Justin S. Field M.D. later joined them in practice in 2007 to form Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC). Today, DISC has five spine fellowship trained, board-certified spine surgeons, with 4 convenient locations serving patients in the greater Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Glendale, Arizona areas.

Our founder, Dr. Anthony Yeung pioneered, and developed the first true arthroscopic spine surgery instrument system called the Yeung Endoscopic Spine System (YESS). With YESS, he and his partners at DISC further developed and popularized a group of least invasive surgical techniques called endoscopic spine surgery. These endoscopic procedures have revolutionized the future of spine surgery, resulting in better patient outcomes.

Dr. Anthony Yeung
A White Sign That Says DISC On It

DISC Philosophy – The Least Invasive Spine Care

At the heart of DISC is our philosophy for treating spine patients – To utilize the least invasive yet most effective treatments available to restore, revitalize, and rejuvenate our patients’ active lifestyles.

Our comprehensive least invasive spine care and our innovative endoscopic spine surgery experience has differentiated our spine surgeons from their peers nationwide for over two decades. Patients continue to highly recommend our surgeons because their experience at DISC has restored, revitalized and rejuvenated their active lifestyles.

Our 3 Step Process to Least Invasive Spine Care

STEP 1: Getting to Know Your Pain Journey

WE LISTEN CAREFULLY. We ask targeted questions. We want to understand your pain story, how it affects your daily life, and what your desired outcome is. We are here to instill hope and long-term pain relief for your future.

STEP 2: Personalized Pain Mapping (PPM)

Personalized pain mapping is a proprietary DISC method we developed to accurately define the spine condition and pain generator. Sometimes called diagnostic pain management, PPM identifies the pain generator by correlating, patient pain story, image studies, and then applying diagnostic therapeutic injections that relieve or confirms the patient’s pain.

STEP 3: Surgical Pain Management

Today patients in pain are sent to pain management which treats your symptoms with short-term relief injections, or noninvasive procedures. Often times these pain patients have to come back in six to twelve months to have procedures repeated.

DISC has pioneered and developed a new and emerging subspecialty called Surgical Pain Management. Utilizing PPM, we developed a group of new cutting-edge surgical techniques called endoscopic spine surgery.

Surgical pain management diagnoses and treats the root cause or pain generator with least invasive endoscopic spine surgery, resulting in long-term pain relief results. Our endoscopic surgical techniques have proven to provide significant long-term pain relief when compared to traditional pain management procedures.

 

DISC – IN THE COMMUNITY

Since founding Desert Institute for Spine Care in 2007, our surgeons have worked to serve their patients and the needs of the community in which they work. Our surgeons have continually served the greater medical community of Phoenix, AZ, to promote patient outcomes.

In addition, our surgeons have championed many fundraising causes over the years, including: 

  • Fitzs Supper Club – benefiting breast cancer and various local charities
  • We’ve Got Your Back – DISC’s 5k race fundraiser for Spinal Research Foundation
  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Dr Abrams explaining spine x-ray Dr. Abrams laughing

Ready To Enjoy Life Again?

No matter the painful spine condition, a second opinion consultation with one of our expert spine surgeons can help you find the right customized solution that gets you back to enjoying life.

ENJOY LIFE AGAIN!

Our spine health blog features up-to-date spine education and expert spine tips from our spine specialists here at DISC.

July 16, 2025

Congratulations Dr. Field

Congratulations to Dr. Justin Field on recently passing the milestone of 25 patients treated with Barricaid, a pioneering annular closure device (ACD) and earning the distinction of Barricaid Gold Center of Excellence! This 50 year old female patient is a flight attendant who suffered a disc herniation at L5-S1. Dr. Field performed a discectomy with Barricaid to relieve […]

Desert Institute for Spine Care logo
April 4, 2025

What Is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve, also known as radiculopathy in medical terms, is a condition in which one or more nerves are compressed or “pinched” and unable to function properly. This happens when the nerve suffers from too much pressure caused by surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, cartilage and tendons. Nerves function like electrical cables, transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord and the rest […]

Spine Surgery Consultation Questions
March 15, 2025

Spine Surgery Consultation Questions

Any surgery can be intimidating, especially if you haven’t undergone one before. It’s natural to have questions about the process, including before-and-after care, to ensure a smooth process. Asking questions about your surgery can help prepare you for the event and provide peace of mind. Below are questions you may want to ask your surgeon […]

Everything You Need to Know About Sciatica: The Essential Guide
February 10, 2025

Everything You Need to Know About Sciatica: The Essential Guide

Are you tired of dealing with nagging back pain that radiates down your leg? You may be experiencing sciatica — a common but complex condition affecting the sciatic nerve, often leading to sharp, shooting pain from the lower back down to the legs. 

January 2, 2025

Pros and Cons of Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement  

     If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been living with chronic neck pain, perhaps caused by conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs or cervical radiculopathy. The discomfort can range from mild annoyance to debilitating pain, affecting everything from your ability to work to your quality of life. But you’re here because you’ve […]

Why Canadians Suffering From Spine Pain Should Choose DISC
December 26, 2024

Why Canadians Suffering From Spine Pain Should Choose DISC   

What Is The Cost of Cervical Total Disc Replacement?
December 23, 2024

Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Recovery Time

Are you considering or have recently undergone a cervical artificial disc replacement? If so, you’re on the path to relief. Chronic neck pain caused by degenerative disc disease or herniated discs can be debilitating. This advanced procedure removes and replaces a damaged disc with a prosthetic one. It preserves and restores neck motion. The result […]

What Is The Cost of Cervical Total Disc Replacement?
November 25, 2024

What Is The Cost of Cervical Total Disc Replacement?

Doctor pointing out areas on a human spine model
November 20, 2024

Understanding Recovery After Spinal Surgery: What to Expect and How to Heal

July 16, 2025

Congratulations Dr. Field

Congratulations to Dr. Justin Field on recently passing the milestone of 25 patients treated with Barricaid, a pioneering annular closure device (ACD) and earning the distinction of Barricaid Gold Center of Excellence! This 50 year old female patient is a flight attendant who suffered a disc herniation at L5-S1. Dr. Field performed a discectomy with Barricaid to relieve […]

Top Doctors castle Connelly
April 5, 2024

Castle Connolly’s National Top Doctor 2024

Desert Institute for Spine Care logo
February 13, 2024

Congratulations to DISC’s surgeon Dr. Nima Salari – “Top Doctor for 2024” list. 

Award for Dr. Wang Being Named to Top Doctors 2024
February 8, 2024

Dr. Wang Receives Top Doctor 2024 Award

Desert Institute for Spine Care logo
February 6, 2024

DISC Surgeons Named 100 Best Doctors in AZ

Dr. Nima Salari, Chris Yeung, and Justin Field
March 6, 2023

DISC Surgeons Named 2023 Top Docs

Congratulations to DISC’s surgeons, Christopher Yeung, Justin Field, and Nima Salari, for being chosen as Phoenix Magazine’s TOP DOCTOR in 2023.

Endoscopic Spine Symposium Blue Flyer
January 16, 2023

Join Dr. Nima Salari at Amplify Surgical’s 2nd Annual Endoscopic Spine Symposium

Register today for Amplify Surgical’s 2nd Annual Endoscopic Spine Symposium, featuring dualPortal™ and dualX® System on March 4, 2023. 

Dr. Chris Yeung on Cover of Arizona Physician
December 22, 2022

Dr. Chris Yeung Featured on AZ Physicians

Congratulations to Dr. Yeung for being featured on the front cover of Maricopa County Medical Society’s “Arizona Physician” Winter 2022 magazine!

Arizona Physician Podcast Logo
September 2, 2022

Spine Care for Baseball Players Podcast with Dr. Chris Yeung

Dr. Chris Yeung was interviewed by Arizona Physician Magazine – a publication that provides information for physicians across Arizona.