Restoring Motion in Spine: Disc Replacement & the Future of Treating Back Pain, Jason Cuéllar, MD

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Jason Cuéllar, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, whose practice is built on a simple but powerful goal—restoring motion and function to every patient possible.
 
With over two decades of education and training—earning his MD, PhD, and completing educational stints at prestigious institutions including UC-Davis, Stanford, NYU, and Cedars-Sinai—Dr. Cuéllar brings a rare mix of scientific depth, surgical expertise, and personal experience. Having also undergone spine surgery himself, he understands what it means to be both surgeon and patient. That dual perspective has shaped a career built on empathy, precision, and an unwavering commitment to preserving motion whenever possible.
 
In this episode, Dr. Cuéllar shares what it was like training alongside motion preservation pioneers like Dr. Todd Lanman, Hyun Bae, and Neel Anand, and how those experiences fueled his passion for multi-level disc replacement and hybrid solutions. Now practicing in Florida, his reputation has drawn patients from across the country—and driven demand so high, he's expanding clinic locations from Jupiter to Miami and building a dedicated motion-preserving spine surgery center.
 
Dr. Cuéllar goes on to discuss the philosophies that guide his decision-making—how his own experience as a spine surgery patient shaped the empathy he brings to each case, and why motion preservation isn't just a technique—it's a commitment to giving patients back their quality of life. From non-operative therapies to multi-level cervical disc replacement and fusion reversals, Dr. Cuéllar is pushing spine care forward with every patient encounter.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why Dr. Cuéllar’s personal experience with spine surgery led to a more empathetic, patient-first approach to care.
• How cervical disc replacement has evolved into a routine, reliable solution—and what’s needed to bring lumbar procedures to the same level.
• How research into the biological mechanism of pain and inflammation spurred the creation of a new non-operative treatment for degenerative conditions.
• The biggest barriers to broader adoption of motion preservation—from training to reimbursement.
• Why volume and specialization matter in motion-preserving surgery—and how they can drive better long-term outcomes for patients suffering from leg and/or back pain.
 
As a surgeon, researcher, and patient advocate, Dr. Cuéllar is advancing the field of spine with thoughtful innovation and genuine compassion. Whether you're a surgeon, patient, or part of the spine industry, this episode offers a dynamic look at the shifting landscape of spine care—and how motion remains at the center of it all.

Learn more about Dr. Cuéllar: 
• Cuéllar Spine: https://cuellarspine.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-cuellar-md-phd-34a6046/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuellarspine?igsh=MXFrbDI0ZXNzMjBnZg== 

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.