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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.

Get to know our spine specialists in Sacramento, CA


Joshua Lucas

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.

Joshua Lucas

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.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Lucas

What patients are saying about Dr. Lucas


Yi-Ren Chen

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.

Yi-Ren Chen

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.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Chen

What patients are saying about Dr. Chen


Jesse Babbitz

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.

Jesse Babbitz

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.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Babbitz

What patients are saying about Dr. Babbitz

What are the most common spine conditions or injuries?

  • Degenerative conditions

    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

  • Structural conditions

    These affect the shape or alignment of the spine.

    • Scoliosis

    • Kyphosis

    • Lordosis (Swayback)

    • Spinal Stenosis

  • Neurological conditions

    These involve inflammation, injury, or more serious nerve or spinal cord involvement.

    • Sciatica

    • Ankylosing Spondylitis

    • Spinal Tumors

    • Cauda Equina Syndrome

    • Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Come see one of our spine specialists in Sacramento, CA today.

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.

What are the long-term benefits of spine surgery?

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.

  • Pain relief
  • Improved mobility and function
  • Correction of spine deformities 
  • Prevention of nerve damage
  • Increased quality of life
  • Avoidance of further degeneration
  • Reduced dependence on medications
  • Faster return to work and daily activities
  • Better posture and spinal support
  • Long-term success after procedure
  • Find our spine care surgeons in Carmichael, CA

    Speciality Care - Mercy Physicians Plaza - San Juan

    Frequently asked questions about spine surgery, conditions, and treatments

    Spine surgery should be considered if:

    • You have severe, persistent back or neck pain that does not improve with non-surgical treatments.
    • You experience nerve-related symptoms like numbness, weakness, or tingling in your arms or legs.
    • You have lost bladder or bowel control (a sign of Cauda Equina Syndrome, which requires emergency surgery).
    • Your spinal condition is worsening, such as scoliosis or a herniated disc causing nerve compression.

    Spine surgery is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries risks such as:

    • Infection
    • Blood clots
    • Nerve damage
    • Reaction to anesthesia
    • Failure to relieve pain

    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:

    • Minimally Invasive Surgery (e.g., microdiscectomy) – 2 to 6 weeks
    • Laminectomy or Discectomy – 6 to 12 weeks
    • Spinal Fusion – 6 months to 1 year for full recovery

    Physical therapy is often recommended to regain strength and mobility.

    Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is often preferred because:

    • It uses smaller incisions, leading to less blood loss and scarring.
    • Patients recover faster with fewer complications.
    • There is less pain post-surgery compared to traditional open surgery. 

    However, not all conditions are suitable for MISS—consult your surgeon to see if it’s an option.

    • Minimally invasive spinal surgery
    • Robotic spine surgery
    • Craniotomy for brain tumors, trauma, infection
    • Head and neck cancers
    • Cranioplasty
    • Chiari decompression
    • Deep brain stimulation
    • Epilepsy surgeries
    • Functional neurosurgery
    • Minimally invasive procedures
    • Oncological neurosurgery
    • Peripheral nerve surgery
    • Skull base surgery
    • Spinal surgeries
    • Stereotactic surgery

    Ready to take the first step toward relief?

    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.