E157: Dr. Jesna Sublett on Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Back Pain & Avoiding Surgery

Welcome to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast with Dr. Kerry Reller! This week, I am joined by Dr. Jesna Sublett, a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery. In this episode, we break down the real causes of back and neck pain, why imaging doesn’t always match symptoms, and how most patients can improve without surgery. Dr. Sublett explains what minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery really means, when surgery truly helps, and how lifestyle factors like posture, smoking, and weight impact spinal health. Tune in for practical guidance on managing spine pain, avoiding unnecessary procedures, and understanding when expert evaluation is essential.Dr. Jesna Sublett is a highly qualified neurosurgeon with a special interest and advanced subspecialty training in minimally invasive spine surgery. Born and raised in India, she earned her medical degree at the respected University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi University. After medical school, she moved to the United States to join her family and went on to obtain exemplary specialty training during her neurosurgery residency at the Geisinger Health System in Danville, PA, where she capped her tenure as Chief Resident. She was subsequently selected for an elite fellowship in minimally invasive spine surgery at the University of Tennessee-Memphis/Semmes-Murphey Neurologic & Spine Institute.After nearly four years as an employed physician, Dr. Sublett decided to pivot and start her own practice in Deland, Florida. She cares deeply about her patients and is dedicated to helping them find the best possible solution to their issues, whether or not surgery is necessary. When surgery is needed, she prefers to find the least invasive option that is most likely to deliver results.Dr. Jesna Sublett is also a multilingual physician who speaks fluent English, Hindi, and Malayalam. She is actively learning Spanish as well, because - why not?When not at work, Dr. Sublett enjoys spending quality time with her family, including her spouse, two young children, her immediate family, and her in-laws.00:29 – Introduction to Dr. Jesna Sublett01:11 – The training path to neurosurgery and spine specialization03:05 – Why spine care feels fragmented for patients05:10 – What “minimally invasive spine surgery” really means08:21 – Common causes of chronic back and neck pain10:54 – How smoking accelerates spinal degeneration14:05 – Posture, spine alignment, and daily habits that matter16:44 – Red flag symptoms that require urgent evaluation22:16 – Why imaging findings don’t always equal pain34:51 – Dr. Sublett’s patient-centered hybrid neurosurgery practiceConnect with Dr. JesnaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jesna-Sublett/61574631532629/#LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesna-sublett-71abb4183Connect with Dr. RellerPodcast website: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryrellermd/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterFamilyMedicineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearwaterfamilymedicine/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kerryrellermdClearwater Family Medicine and Allergy website: https://sites.google.com/view/clearwa...Podcast: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou...Subscribe to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon music, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Pandora.