Dr. Lee is specialty trained in the treatments
of spine, back, and neck disorders in adults and
children. His interests include minimally
invasive techniques, microsurgery, and motionpreserving procedures. Extensive research in
clinical and basic sciences helps to keep Dr.
Lee’s practice on the forefront of spine
technology. He has a true passion for medicine
and is dedicated to applying all aspects of his
background and training to healing his patients.
Spondylolisthesis
Treatments
Rest: 2-3 days is valuable, but too much rest will
actually lead to weakness and even more pain
Medications: Tylenol, NSAIDS, and steroids are
all helpful to relieve pain, inflammation, and
swelling. Muscle relaxants may also be helpful
if there are a lot of spasms.
Physical therapy: Heat, ice, and ultrasound are
used to decrease pain and spasm. Therapy will
also help you regain your strength and
flexibility.
Understanding
Back Pain
Fellowship
 Spine Surgery at Rush University
Medical Center
 Pediatric Spine at Shriners Hospitals for
Children, Chicago
Residency
 Orthopaedic Surgery at University of
California, Irvine (UCI)
Education
 University of California, San Francisco
(UCSF), M.D.
 University of California, San Diego
(UCSD)
B.S. Bioengineering, Summa Cum
Laude
Injections: Anesthetic and strong antiinflammatory are placed at the specific area
where the nerves are affected.
Surgery: Only necessary in severe cases of pain,
weakness/numbness, or instability. Minimally
Invasive Surgery (MIS) allows for shorter
hospital stays, less postoperative pain, and faster
recoveries.
Congress Medical Associates
301 W. Huntington Dr., #408, Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 821-0707
www.congressmedical.com
Congress Medical Associates
Spine Specialists
Roy F. Ashford, MD
William M. Costigan, MD
Joe Y.B. Lee, MD
Almost everyone will experience back
pain at some point in their lives.
What are the most common causes of back
pain?
Understanding how your spine works can help
you understand why you have back pain, and
what can be done to help.
Strains & Sprains: The most common cause of
back pain is injury to the muscles or ligaments.
padding of the discs, the joints in the back take
on more stress, and may develop osteoarthritis.
What are the parts of the spine?
Vertebrae: These bones connect to form a
column with a canal that protects the spinal cord.
Discs: The padding between the vertebrae
Spinal Stenosis: The space around the spinal
canal narrows, leading to pressure on the nerves.
This may cause back and leg pain, as well as
numbness and weakness.
Spinal cord & nerves: Carry messages between
your brain and muscles.
Muscles and ligaments: Provide support and
movement to the spine.
Facet Joints: Help to stabilize the back of the
spine and facilitate movement.
Herniated Disc: If the outer wall is very weak or
torn, then the jelly-like material inside may
bulge or squeeze all the way through. Nerves
can be “pinched” as a result.
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis (Spon-dee-lolis-THEE-sis): Wear and tear in the discs, joints,
and ligaments may lead to instability and a
slippage between the vertebrae. The slippage
may cause pinching of the nerves.
Disc Degeneration: With age, discs may wear
away and collapse. This will shrink the space
available for the nerves. Also, without the