Expert spine care,
close to home
From spine conditions to complex brain surgeries, our skilled neurosurgeons in Sacramento, CA deliver compassionate, cutting-edge care tailored to your needs.
When it comes to spine surgery, every patient’s journey is unique. At Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, we are committed to ensuring that you feel supported, informed, and confident every step of the way. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or exploring options to restore mobility, spine surgery is not just about treatment—it’s about reclaiming your quality of life. From your first consultation to post-surgical recovery, we focus on you—providing expert care tailored to your specific condition, concerns, and goals. Because healing isn’t just about surgery—it’s about your comfort, your confidence, and your future.
I strongly believe that a neurosurgeon's ultimate responsibility is to ensure the safety of the patients under his care. In my opinion, this is best achieved with strict attention to detail and adherence to community standards of care. I also believe in open and honest communication between the doctor and the patient.
My special clinical interests include: Minimally-invasive spine surgery, degenerative spinal conditions, revision spine surgery and spinal deformity surgery, spinal tumors, primary brain tumors, metastatic tumors to the brain and spine, meningiomas and benign skull base tumors, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations.
I strongly believe that a neurosurgeon's ultimate responsibility is to ensure the safety of the patients under his care. In my opinion, this is best achieved with strict attention to detail and adherence to community standards of care. I also believe in open and honest communication between the doctor and the patient.
My special clinical interests include: Minimally-invasive spine surgery, degenerative spinal conditions, revision spine surgery and spinal deformity surgery, spinal tumors, primary brain tumors, metastatic tumors to the brain and spine, meningiomas and benign skull base tumors, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations.
Dr. Lucas listened to me. He explained everything to me very well. He gave me different treatment options explained in detail what surgery would look like. He spent a lot of time with me and didn't make me feel like he had to rush to see his next appt.
Dr. Lucas was awesome asked me what my Issues were. Went over MRI and showed me the problem In my back. Went over several option in detail. Made me feel comfortable and the decision how I wanted to proceed was my decision. Dr Lucas was great and gave me all the time in the world.
Dr Lucas spent a great deal of time going over test results and fully explaining the results. He was thorough in explaining options for care and treatment and then left it up to me to decide which one to use. Very good communication skills and understanding. Very helpful and easy to understand.
I believe in caring for and treating every patient as though they were my own family–with expertise, compassion, and the highest level of care. I strive to partner with patients to provide individualized and meticulous care, working together to find the best possible treatment plan to achieve a successful outcome.
My clinical interests include minimally invasive spine surgery, degenerative spinal conditions (lumbar stenosis and back pain), complex spinal deformity surgery, redo/ revision spinal surgery, and tumors.
I believe in caring for and treating every patient as though they were my own family–with expertise, compassion, and the highest level of care. I strive to partner with patients to provide individualized and meticulous care, working together to find the best possible treatment plan to achieve a successful outcome.
My clinical interests include minimally invasive spine surgery, degenerative spinal conditions (lumbar stenosis and back pain), complex spinal deformity surgery, redo/ revision spinal surgery, and tumors.
I greatly appreciated Dr. Chen's willingness to talk with me about my care and questions, show me my MRI and what he was seeing and explains options. He was waiting for me in the room on time (that never happens!) and not hurried in talking with me.
I did my research in seeking a neurosurgeon and was not let down after meeting with Dr. Chen. He struck me as a confident, personable and empathetic physician who is clearly in command of his specialty. I would recommend him without reservation.
Dr, Chen was extremely thoughtful. I'm grateful he didn't automatically suggest surgery, but instead explained his treatment plan from least invasive to surgery, only if needed.
I am excited to provide my patients with the most cutting-edge surgical advancements in brain and spine surgery. However, I believe that compassion is just as important as technology. I work with my patients and their family members to educate them about their condition and treatment options so that we can make decisions as a team.
I often advise non-operative therapies when I feel they are in my patients' best interests. When I give advice to my patients I look at them as family members and my guidance is the same I would give to my family, friends, or myself if I were in their shoes.
I am excited to provide my patients with the most cutting-edge surgical advancements in brain and spine surgery. However, I believe that compassion is just as important as technology. I work with my patients and their family members to educate them about their condition and treatment options so that we can make decisions as a team.
I often advise non-operative therapies when I feel they are in my patients' best interests. When I give advice to my patients I look at them as family members and my guidance is the same I would give to my family, friends, or myself if I were in their shoes.
Dr. Babbitz is a very kind person and very interested in my back problem and I liked him because he explained to me extensively the risk of having surgery. And it is also providing me with an alternative to take away the pain.
Dr Babbitz was extremely thorough & patient in explaining my options regarding my severe back pain. I get very confident he'll be able to alleviate my pain.
I feel Dr Babbitz and all staff are patient, extremely patient and friendly and professional. I really learned to trust through that.
These are typically caused by wear and tear over time.
Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc)
Degenerative Disc Disease
Osteoarthritis of the Spine
Osteoporosis-Related Spinal Fractures
Cervical Radiculopathy
Lumbar Radiculopathy
These affect the shape or alignment of the spine.
Scoliosis
Kyphosis
Lordosis (Swayback)
Spinal Stenosis
These involve inflammation, injury, or more serious nerve or spinal cord involvement.
Sciatica
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Spinal Tumors
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
From minimally invasive procedures to complex spinal surgeries, our expert neurosurgeons provide personalized, compassionate care tailored to your needs. Explore cutting-edge treatment options and take the first step toward a healthier spine.
Spine surgery can offer significant long-term benefits, especially for individuals suffering from chronic pain, nerve compression, or mobility limitations. While recovery may take time, the potential benefits often outweigh the risks for those who need surgical intervention.
Spine surgery should be considered if:
Spine surgery is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries risks such as:
Advances in minimally invasive techniques have significantly reduced risks and improved recovery times. Always choose an experienced spine surgeon for the best results.
Recovery time varies based on the type of surgery:
Physical therapy is often recommended to regain strength and mobility.
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is often preferred because:
However, not all conditions are suitable for MISS—consult your surgeon to see if it’s an option.
Our neurosurgery team is here to guide you—from diagnosis to recovery. If you're in the Greater Sacramento area, schedule an appointment with one of our spine specialists today.
