Protecting Your Spine for a Lifetime
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, a board-certified spinal surgeon serving patients in New York and New Jersey. Specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery and motion-preserving techniques, Dr. Okubadejo treats herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. His mission extends beyond the operating room—he is passionate about prevention, education, and helping people take control of their spinal health before problems become chronic.
Dr. Okubadejo begins by sharing three habits he wishes everyone would adopt: mindfulness in movement, regular stretching, and strengthening routines. He stresses that the majority of spinal injuries are preventable when individuals maintain strong cores and practice proper biomechanics. For office workers, he advises setting timers to take breaks, resetting posture, and using tools like standing desks or stability balls. He also emphasizes that employers can save significant resources by educating their teams about spine health.
Busting Myths About Back Pain and Surgery
Many people fear that back pain is permanent or that visiting a spine surgeon guarantees surgery. Dr. Okubadejo dispels these misconceptions, explaining that most treatment plans are non-surgical and may involve physical therapy, home exercises, or pain management. For patients requiring surgery, he clarifies that modern approaches are designed to restore activity, not limit it. Success depends not only on surgical skill but also on patient discipline during recovery. Rushing back into strenuous activity too soon can delay healing.
He also warns against cracking your own spine or visiting untrained practitioners. Without imaging and a clear diagnosis, such actions can be dangerous, particularly in the neck. Instead, patients should seek guidance from qualified spine specialists who can safely assess their condition.
Innovations, Recovery, and Living Well
Advances in robotics, minimally invasive techniques, and imaging technology have revolutionized spine care. Today, surgeons can operate with greater precision, reduce radiation exposure, and deliver better outcomes with less tissue disruption. Dr. Okubadejo highlights that the future will continue to bring safer, more effective solutions, but emphasizes that AI will never replace the human surgeon’s judgment and expertise.
Drawing on his experiences treating elite athletes, he notes that core strength, balance, and discipline are universal keys to spinal health. He encourages everyday patients to adopt similar habits, stressing that small, consistent routines lead to lasting wellness. For those facing surgery, he urges open communication with their surgeon, realistic expectations, and strict adherence to recovery plans.
Outside the operating room, Dr. Okubadejo finds balance through family and a dedicated fitness routine. Rising before dawn to train, he lives the principles he teaches—movement, discipline, and resilience. His story of a once bedbound patient who danced with joy after surgery captures the life-changing potential of proper spine care.
To learn more about Dr. Okubadejo’s work, visit www.NYNJspine.com, www.wellnessfocuscomprehensivewellnesshealth.com, or www.360coreboard.com
BIO:
Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo is a board-certified spinal surgeon based in the New York and New Jersey area, specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery and motion-preserving techniques. He treats a wide range of spinal conditions including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.
Social Media Links
https://nynjspine.com/
www.wellnessfocuscomprehensivewellnesshealth.com
www.360coreboard.com