Spine Surgery
Reviewed by our Healthcare Team Member
Daniel Birk, MD
Spine Surgery: Advanced Care for Back and Neck Conditions
Spine surgery is a critical component of our comprehensive approach to brain, spine, and joint care. At our multi-location, multi-disciplinary medical practice in the New York City metro area, we bring together neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, pain management specialists, and rehabilitation experts. Our goal is to provide patients from New York state, across the United States, and around the world with state-of-the-art spine treatments that address a wide range of conditions—helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life.
Why Consider Spine Surgery?
Many spinal disorders—such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, or spinal instability—can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and loss of function. For some individuals, conservative measures like medications, physical therapy, and injections provide sufficient relief. However, when symptoms persist or progress, spine surgery can be a powerful option to:
- Relieve chronic pain by decompressing pinched nerves.
- Stabilize the spine when vertebrae are misaligned or weakened.
- Restore mobility and reduce neurological deficits.
- Prevent further complications like permanent nerve damage.
Our Surgical Philosophy
Our practice is committed to patient-centered care. Each person’s treatment plan is developed after thorough evaluations and discussions about goals, lifestyle factors, and medical history. We believe in:
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Every recommendation is backed by the latest research and best practices.
- Every recommendation is backed by the latest research and best practices.
- Minimally Invasive Approaches
- Whenever possible, our surgeons utilize advanced techniques that involve smaller incisions, less bleeding, and faster recoveries.
- Whenever possible, our surgeons utilize advanced techniques that involve smaller incisions, less bleeding, and faster recoveries.
- Customized Rehabilitation
- We collaborate with physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists to guide you through every stage of recovery, ensuring optimal results.
- We collaborate with physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists to guide you through every stage of recovery, ensuring optimal results.
Conditions We Treat with Spine Surgery
- Herniated Discs
- When disc material presses on nerves, causing pain, numbness, or muscle weakness.
- When disc material presses on nerves, causing pain, numbness, or muscle weakness.
- Spinal Stenosis
- A narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress nerve roots or the spinal cord, leading to pain, gait disturbances, or neurogenic claudication.
- A narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress nerve roots or the spinal cord, leading to pain, gait disturbances, or neurogenic claudication.
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Deterioration of spinal discs due to aging or injury that can result in chronic back or neck pain.
- Deterioration of spinal discs due to aging or injury that can result in chronic back or neck pain.
- Spondylolisthesis
- Slippage of one vertebra relative to another, potentially pinching nerves and destabilizing the spine.
- Slippage of one vertebra relative to another, potentially pinching nerves and destabilizing the spine.
- Spinal Instability and Deformities
- Conditions like scoliosis or kyphosis that may require structural correction for both pain management and to preserve function.
- Conditions like scoliosis or kyphosis that may require structural correction for both pain management and to preserve function.
- Tumors and Other Lesions
- In rare cases, spinal tumors or cysts can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, necessitating surgical intervention.
- In rare cases, spinal tumors or cysts can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, necessitating surgical intervention.
Our Surgical Techniques and Procedures
- Microdiscectomy
- A minimally invasive procedure to remove the herniated portion of a disc, relieving nerve pressure while sparing healthy tissue.
- A minimally invasive procedure to remove the herniated portion of a disc, relieving nerve pressure while sparing healthy tissue.
- Laminectomy
- Removal of the lamina (a portion of the vertebral bone) to enlarge the spinal canal and reduce nerve compression.
- Removal of the lamina (a portion of the vertebral bone) to enlarge the spinal canal and reduce nerve compression.
- Spinal Fusion
- Fusing two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine, often combined with hardware like rods or screws for support.
- Fusing two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine, often combined with hardware like rods or screws for support.
- Foraminotomy
- Widening the openings (foramina) where nerves exit the spine, relieving pressure from bone spurs or overgrown tissues.
- Widening the openings (foramina) where nerves exit the spine, relieving pressure from bone spurs or overgrown tissues.
- Artificial Disc Replacement
- In certain cases, a damaged disc can be replaced with a prosthetic implant, aiming to preserve motion at that spinal segment.
- In certain cases, a damaged disc can be replaced with a prosthetic implant, aiming to preserve motion at that spinal segment.
- Minimally Invasive and Robotic-Assisted Surgeries
- Specialized instrumentation and robotic guidance allow smaller incisions, reduced pain, and quicker recovery.
- Specialized instrumentation and robotic guidance allow smaller incisions, reduced pain, and quicker recovery.
What to Expect During Your Surgical Journey
- Comprehensive Evaluation
- You’ll undergo imaging (MRI, CT scans, or X-rays) and consultations with our surgical team, pain management specialists, and possibly other providers to create a tailored plan.
- You’ll undergo imaging (MRI, CT scans, or X-rays) and consultations with our surgical team, pain management specialists, and possibly other providers to create a tailored plan.
- Preoperative Guidance
- We ensure you have all the information about preparing for surgery—managing medications, optimizing nutrition, and arranging any necessary supportive devices or home modifications.
- We ensure you have all the information about preparing for surgery—managing medications, optimizing nutrition, and arranging any necessary supportive devices or home modifications.
- Personalized Surgery
- On the day of the procedure, our specialized surgical team works with advanced technology and proven techniques to minimize tissue damage and maximize precision.
- On the day of the procedure, our specialized surgical team works with advanced technology and proven techniques to minimize tissue damage and maximize precision.
- Postoperative Care
- Pain management, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments help you regain strength and mobility. Our rehabilitation experts customize exercises to safely transition back to daily activities.
- Pain management, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments help you regain strength and mobility. Our rehabilitation experts customize exercises to safely transition back to daily activities.
- Long-Term Maintenance
- Periodic checkups with your care team enable us to track your progress, address any concerns, and ensure you maintain the best possible results over time.
- Periodic checkups with your care team enable us to track your progress, address any concerns, and ensure you maintain the best possible results over time.
Our Multi-Disciplinary Team
- Neurosurgeons and Orthopedic Spine Surgeons: Skilled in both minimally invasive and complex reconstructive procedures.
- Pain Management Specialists: Provide targeted injections, medications, and adjunct therapies to reduce discomfort and optimize function.
- Physical Therapists: Design individualized exercise programs, supervise recovery, and refine your postural and movement habits.
- Nurse Navigators and Coordinators: Assist with scheduling, insurance, and patient education, ensuring a seamless experience.
Why Choose Us?
- World-Class Expertise: Our surgeons stay at the forefront of spine care by participating in research, continuing medical education, and scholarly collaboration.
- Cutting-Edge Facilities: Our operating rooms feature advanced imaging, robotic platforms, and specialized surgical tools to enhance precision and safety.
- Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize open communication, shared decision-making, and compassionate care throughout your journey.
- Global Reach: Located in the NYC metro area, our practice welcomes patients from around the world, offering logistical support for travel and accommodations.
Moving Forward with Spine Surgery
If you’ve been struggling with persistent back or neck pain that hasn’t responded to conservative measures, our multi-location, multi-disciplinary medical practice stands ready to help. Spine surgery can be transformative, offering relief and a renewed ability to engage in the activities you love.
Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discover how our dedicated team can guide you toward the path of healing and improved quality of life.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for a personalized assessment and treatment plan.