The DISC Team

Meet the Doctor

Dr Christopher Yeung

Meet the Doctor

Christopher A. Yeung, M.D.

  • Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
  • Board-Certified

Dr. Christopher Yeung is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, and built DISC with the philosophy of providing patients the least invasive yet most effective method to treat their spine problems. He is an expert and educator in the most cutting edge minimally invasive techniques, with a special affinity for endoscopic spine surgery and cervical artificial disc replacement.

He has trained dozens of surgeons on endoscopic spine surgery and has been the principal investigator in numerous FDA studies, including the Orthofix 1 & 2-level M6-C artificial disc replacement, Cervicore cervical & Flexicore lumbar artificial disc replacement, and Coflex dynamic stabilization device.

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Credentials

College University of California San Diego
MEDICAL SCHOOL University of Southern California School of Medicine
RESIDENCY University of California Irvine Medical Center
FELLOWSHIP USC Center for Orthopedic Spine Surgery/Los Angeles Spine Surgery
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Spine Surgeon Spotlight – Dr. Chris Yeung | DISC

More About Dr. Chris Yeung

Dr. Yeung graduated magna cum laude from the University of California San Diego and was elected into Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He graduated in the top 5% of his medical school class at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. He attended the University of California Irvine Medical Center for orthopedic residency. He then completed a spine surgery fellowship at the USC Center for Orthopedic Spine Surgery/Los Angeles Spine Surgery Institute.

He is recognized by his peers as one of the top Phoenix spine surgeons in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

In 2013, Dr. Yeung won Becker’s Spine Leadership Award, and in 2016, Becker’s Spine Review named him as one of Becker’s “Spine Surgeons to Know”. Dr. Yeung received the Arizona Medical Association’s 2018 Sportsman Award, presented to an AMA member who has distinguished him/herself in athletics.

When not working, Dr. Yeung enjoys travel, golf, SCUBA, sport fishing, camping, volleyball, snow skiing, water skiing, tennis, basketball, and time spent with his lovely family.

In addition, Dr. Yeung is the team spine surgeon for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Arizona Cardinals, the Chicago Cubs, the Kansas City Royals, the Colorado Rockies, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the LA Angels, the Cincinnati Reds, the Seattle Mariners, LPGA, and Arizona State University.

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Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients of DISC are saying about their experiences with our highly-skilled spine surgeons.

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Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients of DISC are saying about their experiences with our highly-skilled spine surgeons.

Write a Review

Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients of DISC are saying about their experiences with our highly-skilled spine surgeons.

Write a Review

Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients of DISC are saying about their experiences with our highly-skilled spine surgeons.

In The News

Stay up-to-date with the latest News about our expert Arizona spine surgeons.

Exercises to Improve Whiplash: A Guide by Desert Institute for Spine Care
December 29, 2023

Exercises to Improve Whiplash: A Guide by Desert Institute for Spine Care

The term “whiplash” comes from the whip-like motion that occurs during this condition. The head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward, causing the structures in the neck to be stretched beyond their normal range of motion. It sounds like an impossible movement, but it is actually very common in car accidents and sports. Every […]

December 27, 2023

Lasers in Spine Surgery: Their Role in Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Back pain and spinal conditions afflict a significant portion of the population, with nearly 40% of adults in the United States grappling with chronic back pain and related issues. Amidst this landscape, the allure of laser spine surgery has emerged as a potential remedy. This innovative instrument leveraging laser technology has been marketed as a miracle cure […]

6 Questions You May Have When Considering a Spine Second Opinion
September 7, 2023

6 Questions You May Have When Considering a Spine Second Opinion

Why should I get a second opinion on spine surgery? Does it make a difference in my outcome? Don’t all spine surgeons perform the same surgeries? The answers to these questions can vary widely depending on which surgeon or doctor you ask, but think about this: When you make major decisions about your life, like how to […]

A Guide to Awake Spine Surgery
September 7, 2023

A Guide to Awake Spine Surgery

Having surgery while awake can sound a little odd, but in the field of spine surgery, it’s been happening for a few decades now. This unique method of surgery offers some exceptional benefits, helping people enjoy less recovery time and supporting surgeons in more accurate, safer procedures. Let’s explore awake spine surgery and how to […]

everything you need to know about conus medullaris
August 9, 2023

What Is Conus Medullaris? Everything You Need to Know

Spinal injuries can be painful and draw your life to a screeching halt. Conus medullaris is a secondary spinal condition that can cause significant pain and other symptoms that affect your quality of life. When the lower end of the spinal cord becomes damaged, it’s possible to develop conus medullaris syndrome and even cauda equina […]

Woman walking with a walker
November 10, 2022

Recovering From Back Surgery: Do’s and Don’ts

Recovering from surgery is an important opportunity to care for yourself as your body heals. Following back surgery, you will need to regain mobility, muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Following some essential post-surgery do’s and don’ts can help you reach your recovery goals and heal safely.

May 20, 2022

9 Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is when the spaces within the spinal column narrow, leading to spinal nerve and cord compression. While stenosis can develop anywhere within the spinal column, it is most common in the lumbar spine in the lower back and the cervical spine in the neck.

February 25, 2022

Everyday Home Remedies for Back Pain

By Christopher Yeung, MD Most adults will experience back pain — with 80% of Americans experiencing lower back issues and 16 million adults experiencing chronic back pain. That discomfort brings many patients to doctors' offices. Though some occurrences of back pain can be brief and heal without treatment, recurring or severe back pain can require intervention to provide relief. You should see a health professional if you have severe or recurring back pain. But with moderate or less frequent episodes, you may be able to deal with back pain at home.

woman holding shoulder in pain
January 14, 2022

Helpful Daily Habits for Chronic Back Pain Relief at Home

By Christopher Yeung, MD Back pain is a leading reason for many people to miss work or visit the doctor. Before you begin treating your back pain, it's important to know if your symptoms are acute or chronic. Acute back pain lasts less than four weeks, while chronic back pain can last beyond 12 months. Learn how to manage your chronic back pain at home with a few simple changes to your daily habits.

Doctor Consulting a patient
November 5, 2021

Can a Chiropractor Help With Back Pain?

Several types of specialists can address back pain concerns and alleviate symptoms. Back pain has dozens of possible causes, which may be linked to trauma, aging or separate conditions. Many of those who suffer from back pain find chiropractic care beneficial. As a licensed health care professional, a chiropractor can help with back pain. In some cases, chiropractic care is not enough — a patient might need to see a spine specialist instead. It's essential to know when to see a chiropractor for back pain and when to see a spine specialist.

woman sleeping on her side
October 1, 2021

The Benefits of Sleep on Health, Neck Pain and Back Pain

By Christopher Yeung, MD Sleep and pain management often are closely related, as the body requires restorative sleep to heal. There are numerous benefits of sleep for neck and back pain as well as overall health. If you experience chronic pain, finding the best way to sleep for back pain can help you experience the deep, restful, and healing sleep your body needs. Learn how to sleep with low back pain and how quality sleep can help heal your body.

February 28, 2012

Yeung Version 2.0

M.D. News features Dr. Christopher Yeung on his life, success and making a name for himself in the world of spine care.

Arizona Physicians Podcast
April 1, 2021

Arizona Physician Podcast with Dr. Anthony Yeung

Dr. Anthony Yeung was interviewed by Arizona Physician Magazine - a publication that provides information for physicians across Arizona. In this podcast, Anthony T. Yeung, MD, a retired orthopedic spine surgeon, reflects on his career in private practice, value-based care, and shares a positive outlook for medical care. Listen to the full podcast – "Anthony T. Yeung, MD, Reflects on his Career in Private Surgical Practice" » (Listeners can find the show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and Tune In.)

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December 16, 2020

Chat with the Guru: Interview with Dr. Anthony Yeung

Although he may be retired, Dr. Anthony Yeung is still discussing and advocating for those doctors and patients interested in considering endoscopic spine surgery.

March 12, 2020

Dr. Anthony Yeung: What surgeons need to know about reimbursement, training in endoscopic spine surgery

Spine surgeon Anthony Yeung, MD, recently retired from Phoenix-based Desert Institute Spine Care, where his son Chris Yeung, MD, is spearheading the practice.

November 8, 2019

The Legendary Dr. Anthony Yeung Announces His Retirement

Dr. Anthony Yeung, DISC Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and the Executive Director for the International Intradiscal Therapy Society (IITS), announced his retirement in an official statement on the IITS website. Below is an excerpt from the announcement. “2019 was time for me to finally stop operating (at age 78) to focus my time on publishing my extensive […]

an anatomic approach to minimally invasive spine surgery
April 3, 2019

DISC Physicians have book chapter published

Dr. Nima Salari, Dr. Christopher Yeung, and Dr. Anthony Yeung contribute a chapter in “An Anatomic Approach to Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery”, a widely acclaimed textbook that presents a diverse spectrum of current safe and efficacious procedures and future innovations in the field of Minimally Invasive Spine surgery. They share their expertise on endoscopic lumbar […]

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February 25, 2019

Dr. Anthony Yeung Receives Asian Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Anthony Yeung and his wife, Eileen received the Asian Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

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October 3, 2018

Dr. Anthony Yeung Gives 20th Anniversary Master Talk in China

Dr. Anthony Yeung has been invited to China this month (October 10-20, 2018) to give his 20th Anniversary lecture on his Master Talk – The Role and Future of Endoscopic Surgery in the Treatment of Symptomatic Conditions of the Spine. In this talk, Dr. Anthony Yeung speaks about the role of endoscopic spine surgery in […]

March 29, 2018

Dr. Anthony Yeung Travels to Taiwan

Dr. Anthony Yeung travelled to Taiwan as a guest of the Taiwan Pain Society, an Academic Society of professors of Pain Management, Anesthesiologists, and who is expanding membership to include Endoscopic Spine surgeons.

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December 21, 2017

Dr. Anthony Yeung Gives Master Talk Internationally in 2017

Dr. Anthony Yeung has given this Master Talk at multiple International Spine Meetings throughout 2017 in order to educate and advocate about the advantages of minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery.

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October 17, 2017

Dr. Yeung speaks at the 2017 China Forum on Functional Neurosurgery

The China Forum on Functional Neurosurgery held an International meeting on September 16-17, 2017. The program’s agenda of Morning Plenary Sessions consisted of invited foreign experts from the USA, Canada, France, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

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September 19, 2017

Celebrating the Formation of the Yeung Endoscopic Spine Society in China

New sub-societies are being established in China and Taiwan, as Dr. Anthony Yeung steps up training all over the world. One such society is the "Yeung Fellow’s Endoscopic Spine Society," in China made up of his spine fellows and other physicians who are embracing the YESS endoscopic technique. A parallel "Academic Yeung" is also being formed for the Taiwanese Spine Surgeons currently being trained by Dr. Yeung

September 14, 2017

Dr. Anthony Yeung Travels to Ningbo, China

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July 21, 2017

New Publication from the Surgeons at DISC

Drs. Anthony T. Yeung, Christopher A. Yeung, Nima Salari, and Justin Field of DISC, along with James Navratil and Harrison Maio, have recently published an article in the Journal of Spine, an Open Access, peer reviewed, academic journal that provides a complete and reliable source of information on the discoveries and current developments in all areas of the field.

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April 5, 2017

Dr. Anthony T. Yeung – Newest Member of The Expert Network©

Dr. Anthony T. Yeung Has Been Recognized Among the Top in His Industry by the Expert Network© Phoenix, AZ, March 29, 2017 (Newswire.com) – Dr. Anthony T. Yeung, Founder, Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC), has joined The Expert Network©, an invitation-only service for distinguished professionals.

May 27, 2015

Recent Chapter Published in Surgical Approaches to the Spine

Drs. Anthony and Christopher Yeung and Dr. Justin Field recently contributed a chapter to the book Surgical Approaches to the Spine – a step-by-step, state-of-the-art procedural manual that covers over 50 unique surgical approaches for injuries and conditions of the spine.

August 11, 2014

Yeung named 2014 Distinguished Alumni by UNM School of Medicine

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine has named Dr. Anthony Yeung, of Desert Institute for Spine Care in Phoenix, Arizona, as The Distinguished Alumni for 2014.

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July 17, 2014

Dr. Anthony Yeung – educating the next generation of physicians to be competitive in a new era of healthcare

by Susan Parker Anthony T. Yeung, MD understands how to keep patient care his top priority as the tides are changing in the way that healthcare is delivered. Changes in medical technology, advancements that challenge previous “gold standards,” and evolving “best practices” illustrate the ever-changing landscape in medicine. In this issue of Round-up, get to […]

July 17, 2014

APCA 9th Annual “Taste of Asia” Fundraising Banquet

On the evening of May 10, 2014, the Asian Pacific Community in Action (APCA) honored St. Luke’s Health Initiative, Dr. Anthony Yeung, and Josefina “Jo” Barone, MBA, RN, for their contributions to improving the health and lives of countless Arizonans.

July 14, 2014

Top 100 Physician Leaders to Know

Dr. Anthony Yeung was named in the recent "100 Physician Leaders to Know in the ASC Industry" for 2014 by Becker's ASC Review.

June 11, 2014

Thrive Now and in the Future

Dr. Anthony Yeung has been invited to speak at the 12th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine on June 12-14, 2014.

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May 22, 2014

Lifetime Achievement award presented to Dr. Anthony Yeung

Dr. Anthony Yeung was honored May 10th, 2014 at the Asian Pacific Community in Action (APCA) annual fundraiser.

May 2, 2014

New state-of-the-art spine center opens at UNM SRMC

Phoenix, AZ, April 25, 2014: The University of New Mexico School of Medicine welcomed Dr. Anthony Yeung on April 25, 2014 for the dedication of the Anthony T. and Eileen K. Yeung Endoscopic Spine Center.

January 8, 2014

Anthony Yeung and Christopher Yeung featured in Becker’s Spine Review

All in the family: 5 dynamic father-son, daughter duos in spine surgery by Laura Dyrda Some apples don’t fall far from the tree. For father-son and father-daughter spine and neurosurgeon teams, that distance can sometimes be microscopic. It’s rare in healthcare to find a family with two physicians in the same specialty, especially as fewer […]

December 2, 2013

51 Spine Surgeons on Top Leadership Strategies

Becker’s Spine Review would like to congratulate Drs. Anthony and Christopher Yeung for appearing on the recent “51 Spine Surgeons on Top Leadership Strategies” list. Surgeons featured on this list discuss the core concepts for becoming a leader in the field today and the key qualities of spine surgeon leaders in the future. The spine […]

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September 3, 2013

UNM to Open Revolutionary Endoscopic Spine Surgery Center

In 2007, approximately 27 million U.S. adults reported having back problems, while 19 million adults reported receiving treatment for back problems at a cost of $30.3 billion dollars, according to a U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality 2010 report.

March 17, 2013

Spine Surgeons Receive Leadership Awards

Drs. Anthony and Christopher Yeung were among the 14 spine surgeons that Becker's Spine Review named recipients of the Annual Spine Leadership Award 2013. Recipients were selected based on their noteworthy contributions to their practice and the spine community, entrepreneurial skills and influence in business and leadership.

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February 18, 2013

Who do doctors go to when they experience back pain?

Who do doctors go to when they experience back pain? This article describes how Dr. Anthony Yeung not only helped one physician with his pain, but also acted as an inspiration to learn more about minimally invasive surgery.

February 18, 2013

Spring Banquet with Gov. Jan Brewer Honors Anthony Yeung, MD

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October 29, 2012

Dr. Anthony Yeung Featured on Angie’s List®

Angie’s List® features Dr. Anthony Yeung in their September issue. BACKBREAKING PAIN? Before turning to spine surgery, talk to your doctor about options by Matthew Brady Tabetha Evans spent her young adulthood rock climbing, body surfing, zip-lining, anything that promised an adrenaline rush. “If it looked like fun, I was ready to do it,” says […]

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October 29, 2012

Dr. Anthony Yeung Speaks at 2012 North American Spine Society’s 27th Annual Meeting

Dr. Anthony Yeung was a speaker at the 2012 North American Spine Society’s 27th Annual Meeting.

October 15, 2012

What is the Kambin Award?

Dr. Anthony Yeung was mentioned in Orthopedics This Week in the article "People In the News".  This article gives a great description of the magnitude of the Kambin Award that Dr. Yeung received on September 23, 2012.

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October 11, 2012

Dr. Anthony Yeung Accepts 2012 Kambin Award

Congratulations again to Dr. Anthony Yeung, who was selected by the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) to receive the 2012 Kambin Award. Dr. Anthony Yeung’s son, Dr. Christopher Yeung, accepted this award on his father’s behalf at the SMISS Annual Meeting on Sunday, September 23. The Kambin Award was established by SMISS last year in collaboration with […]

October 11, 2012

DISC spine surgeons listed on Becker’s “60 Spine Surgeon Inventors to Know”

Chicago—Becker’s Spine Review* recently released the “60 Spine Surgeon Inventors to Know,” which includes all three of Desert Institute for Spine Care’s remarkable surgeons–Justin Field, MD, Christopher Yeung, MD, and Anthony Yeung, MD. This article highlights 60 Spine Surgeons who have invented spine devices that are changing the procedures available to patients. Dr. Field and Dr. Chris Yeung have […]

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September 5, 2012

Dr. Anthony Yeung Listed as 1 of 15 Pioneering Spine Surgeons

Dr. Yeung is the founder of Desert Institute for Spine Care and developer of the Yeung Endoscopic Spine System. The system includes multi-channel spine endoscopes and related instruments by Richard Wolf Surgical Instrument Company.

September 5, 2012

Dr. Anthony Yeung to receive the 2012 Kambin Award

Congratulations to Dr. Anthony Yeung, who has been selected by the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) to receive the 2012 Kambin Award.

June 6, 2012

Spine Surgeon Leader to Know: Dr. Anthony Yeung of DISC

Anthony Yeung, MD, is founder of Desert Institute for Spine Care, where he performs endoscopic spine surgery using the FDA approved Yeung Endoscopic Spine System, which he developed.

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May 21, 2012

Dr. Anthony Yeung Invited to Present at The Brain Mapping Conference

The brain mapping conference is a government sponsored meeting to showcase new technologies that the government may want to fund and nurture.

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February 28, 2012

Back In Action

From Med Update reproduced with permission. Copyright © 2001 by Lionheart Ventures, L.L.C. When Shauna Scrivner herniated her disc last summer while training for a tennis tournament in Flagstaff, doctors told her she had torn her hamstring but that it was probably nothing serious. “I was hitting with a guy who lives near me who […]

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February 28, 2012

Valley Doctor Gets FDA Thumbs Up

After Dr. Anthony Yeung performed surgery on Jim Enloe's back, he noticed that his patient had come to the hospital in a taxi. Knowing Enloe didn't have a way home, Yeung waited until Enloe recovered from his surgery that night to give him a ride.

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February 28, 2012

Picture of Success: Anthony Yeung

If Anthony Yeung had the time, he would be making “Refuse to fuse” posters and drawing the attention and possible ire of his colleagues at orthopedic and spine meetings around the world.

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February 28, 2012

100 of the Best Spine Surgeons

Becker’s Orthopedic & Spine Review recently released the annual “100 of the Best Spine Surgeons and Specialists in America” list, and I am pleased to let you know Dr. Anthony Yeung has been included as one of the country’s most prominent and noteworthy spine surgeons.

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February 28, 2012

Dr. Anthony Yeung on Endoscopic Spine Surgery

For the past few years, minimally invasive spine surgery has described several different procedures. Professional spine societies are now working to narrow the definition of proven minimally invasive procedures and promoting the education and use of these procedures with appropriately indicated patients.

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February 28, 2012

Dr. Anthony Yeung featured in Spinal News International

Transforaminal endoscopic approach “effective” in treating most common causes of failed back surgery syndrome New research shows that endoscopic transforaminal decompression is a minimally invasive surgical technique that produces good results and does not “burn bridges” for a more conventional decompression/fusion approach. Read Article

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February 28, 2012

Dr. Anthony Yeung featured in Becker’s Spine Business E-Weekly

Endoscopic Spine Surgery: 6 Things to Know About the Present and Future Written by Laura Miller | October 31, 2011 For the past few years, minimally invasive spine surgery has described several different procedures. Professional spine societies are now working to narrow the definition of proven minimally invasive procedures and promoting the education and use […]

February 28, 2012

Drs. Anthony and Christopher Yeung featured in Becker’s Spine Review

Anthony T. Yeung, MD (Desert Institute for Spine Care, Phoenix). Dr. Anthony Yeung is an orthopedic spine surgeon who specializes in diagnosing the causes of back pain and sciatica from degenerative conditions of the lumbar spine.

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February 2, 2012

Dr. Anthony Yeung featured on azfamily.com

Technique: Dorsal Endoscopic Rhizotomy for Axial Back Pain Dr. Yeung is interviewed about the benefits of the Dorsal Endoscopic Rhizotomy procedure for back pain.