If you’re grappling with the burden of chronic back or neck pain, understanding and selecting the right treatment path can be a daunting task. It’s crucial to find a medical professional who doesn’t just treat symptoms, but thoroughly evaluates your condition and guides you towards the most effective course of action. This decision requires careful consideration, as the choice of a spine surgeon will significantly impact your journey to recovery.
When searching for the best spine surgeon in Florida, it’s essential to approach this decision with diligence. The healthcare landscape, unfortunately, includes a mix of highly skilled professionals as well as those whose practices might not meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy. Choosing the wrong surgeon can lead to inadequate treatment or, worse, further complications.
This article contains everything you need to know about the 10 best spine surgeons in Florida, the article also covers what to consider when choosing the best spine surgeon for your neck or back pain.
Florida spine specialists are highly skilled in treating a variety of spinal conditions, utilizing advanced techniques to address both common and complex issues. These medical professionals are adept at diagnosing and treating spinal disorders that range from degenerative diseases to acute injuries.
Among their specializations are procedures such as spinal fusion, laminectomies, and discectomies to relieve pressure on spinal nerves caused by herniated discs or spinal stenosis. They are also equipped to handle more complex surgeries such as artificial disc replacement and minimally invasive spine surgery, which offer faster recovery times and reduced risk compared to traditional open surgeries.
These top-rated spine surgeons are dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life, offering personalized care plans that are tailored to each individual’s unique condition and needs.
We’ve compiled a list of the best spine surgeons in Florida for you to consider. We’ve listed their location, credentials, as well as the types of surgeries they specialize in.
About the surgeon:
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, also known as Dr. Deuk to his patients and colleagues, is a renowned neuro-spine surgeon and a true pioneer in minimally invasive, laser, and endoscopic back, neck, and thoracic pain treatment. Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, who grew up in Southern California, now practices at the Deuk Spine Institute in Florida.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian developed his laser procedure called Deuk Laser Disc Repair. Deuk Laser Disk Repair is the most advanced laser spine surgery in the world. This revolutionary procedure is an alternative to dangerous invasive surgeries like total disc replacement or spinal fusion.
Dr. Deuk has treated over 2,000 herniated or degenerated lumbar discs, performed over 5,000 cervical decompressive discectomies, and performed more than 2,000 laser spine surgeries to date with no complications.
Deuk Laser Disc Repair has had a 99.6% success rate with no complications in any patient, which is higher than any other surgery available today.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian is a member of the; Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), Surgery Department Chair, Parrish Medical Center, and Brevard County Medical Society (President, Board of Governors). He has also been awarded the ‘Patients Choice Award’ for consecutive years.
Surgery types:
Location:
Deuk Spine Institute, Titusville: 494 N Washington Ave Titusville, FL 32796
Deuk Spine Institute, Viera: 7955 Spyglass Hill Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940
About the surgeon
Dr. Saatman is a Board Certified Neurosurgeon who specializes in treating patients that suffer from back pain and neck pain. Dr. Saatman received her medical degree at SUNY Health Science Center and completed her residency at the University of South Florida. Dr. Saatman completed the fellowship program focusing on Neurosurgical Oncology at the Moffitt Cancer Center
Surgery Specialty:
Location:
Ocala, FL
About the surgeon
Dr. Milad Alam is an active member of multiple professional societies, including the North American Spine Society and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who completed his medical training at UC San Diego School of Medicine. Dr. Alam completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Jackson Memorial and completed his fellowship at Bern University Hospital in Switzerland as a visiting spine fellow.
Dr. Alam has written multiple peer-reviewed journal articles about spine conditions and is dedicated to helping his patients create customized non-surgical and surgical plans for their individual lifestyles.
Surgery specialty:
Location:
Delray Beach, FL
About the surgeon
Jeffrey B. Neustadt, M.D. received his medical degree from Emory University School of medicine. He had his orthopedic residency training at the Jackson Memorial Medical Center/the University of Miami. His pediatric orthopedic fellowship was at The Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.
In 1996, Jeffrey B. Neustadt was chosen by his peers to be included on the list of Best Doctors in America, and he has been chosen annually since then. He is the current Chairman of the Division of Orthopedic Surgery at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. He served as the previous Chairman of the Department of Surgery.
Dr. Neustadt was board certified in 1992 by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and was recertified in 2012
Surgery types:
He specializes in the treatment of a variety of orthopedic conditions:
Location:
Tampa, FL
About the surgeon
Michael A. Gleiber, MD, is a native of South Florida. He attended The University of Miami, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree. Dr. Gleiber received his medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington D.C.
Dr. Gleiber completed his internship and residency at Columbia University in New York City. Dr. Gleiber, after completing his residency, attended The Kenton D. Leatherman Spine Surgery fellowship, where he underwent orthopedic and neurosurgical training in all areas of the spine. He devoted a significant portion of his training during fellowship to treating Spinal cord injuries and spinal trauma.
Dr. Gleiber is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with multiple awards. He received the Harrison McLaughlin Award for excellence in orthopedic trauma surgery, the Harold M. Dick Award for excellence in orthopedic surgery, the Leonard Marmor Surgical Arthritis Foundation Award, and the Leonard Marmor Surgical Arthritis Foundation Award.
Surgery type:
Location:
West Palm Beach, FL
About the surgeon
Gregory V. Hahn, M.D. was board certified by The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in 2001 and was recertified in 2012. Dr. Hahn is an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at John Hopkins University and the former Chief of Staff at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. He is also the past chairman at the Division of Orthopedic Surgery.
Dr. Hahn received his B. A from the University of Virginia and got his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also carried out his orthopedic residency training. Dr. Hahn completed his fellowship at San Diego Children’s Hospital. He enjoys every aspect of pediatric orthopedics and has a special interest in scoliosis.
Surgery specialty:
Location:
Tampa, FL
About the surgeon
Hunaldo J. Villalobos, M.D., FAANS was recently profiled in Orlando Magazine. He is a board-certified neurosurgeon practicing in the greater Orlando, FL area. Dr. Villalobos completed his neurosurgical residency at the University of Buffalo, New York, and is fellowship-trained in two disciplines. The two disciplines are Neurosurgical Oncology and Neurosurgery Trauma and Critical Care.
Dr. Villalobos has written book chapters such as Controversies in Neurological Surgery: Neurovascular Disease. He specializes in tumors, trauma treatment, and critical care.
Surgery specialty:
Location:
Orlando, FL
About the surgeon:
Lloyd Zucker, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon and is the director of Neurosurgical Services at the Delray Medical center and Good Samaritan Hospital. He treats every aspect of neurologic illness, which includes the brain and the spine. Dr. Zucker has dedicated the past two decades to the neurosurgical care of the people of Palm Beach County.
Dr. Zucker is a graduate with honors from Johns Hopkins University. He had his medical training at Rutgers University, after which he did his residency at the University of Connecticut. He completed his training with a fellowship in complex spinal surgery at the University of South Florida.
Dr. Zucker is an active member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, a Diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgery, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and is the secretary and treasurer of the subcortical surgery.
Surgery specialty:
Location:
West Palm Beach, FL
About the surgeon
Bret Baynham, M.D is recognized by many of his peers as one of the pre-eminent physicians in Palm Beach County. Dr. Baynham is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon.
Dr. Baynham completed his internship and residency at the University of Florida Health Science center. He started his private practice in 1993 and focused on the diagnosis and treatment of both Pediatric and Adult Spinal Disorders.
Dr. Baynham served as the Chairman of the Governing Board of St Mary’s Medical Center and was the Director of the Pediatric Spine Program at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. He was also the former Director of the Spine Trauma Program at St Mary’s Level 1 Trauma Center
Surgical specialty:
Location:
West Palm Beach, FL
About the surgeon
Jonathan Hyde, MD, is a Board Certified orthopedic surgeon and the lead surgeon at Miami Spine Specialists. Dr. Hyde got his degree in medicine from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. His first Fellowship was at the Texas Back Institute, where he trained with many renowned physicians.
Dr. Hyde is a Clinical Assistant Professor of orthopedics at Florida International University and a member of the Society of Lateral Access Surgeons (SOLAS). He performs diagnostic and therapeutic injections for varying spinal disorders as part of conservative non-operative spinal care.
Surgery specialty:
Location:
Miami Beach, FL
If you’re suffering from neck and back pain, traditional invasive surgery techniques aren’t and should not be the solution. You should go for a minimally invasive option like Deuk Laser Disc Repair.
Deuk Laser Disc Repair is the most advanced laser spine surgery in the world, offering a safer alternative to invasive surgeries like total disc replacement and spinal fusion.
Developed by Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, a renowned neuro-spine surgeon and top neurosurgeon in Florida, this revolutionary procedure is a leader in minimally invasive, laser, and endoscopic back and neck pain treatment.
Deuk Laser Disc Repair is an endoscopic spine surgery performed in a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center under sedation, allowing the patient to relax. This procedure preserves the health and integrity of the spine without compromise or weakening.
In over 15 years of performing this surgery, with more than 2,000 patients treated, there has been a 99.6% success rate with no complications in any patient.
How Deuk Laser Disk Repair Works
Deuk Laser Disc Repair starts with a very small incision, less than a quarter inch long. A cylindrical rod called a dilator is inserted through this opening, gently spreading the muscle to create a passage. The dilator guides a tube called the retractor into the painful disc. The entirety of the Deuk Laser Disc Repair surgery takes place inside this narrow tube.
An endoscopic camera is inserted into the retractor, allowing the surgeon to guide the laser accurately within each symptomatic disc. This approach ensures bones and surrounding tissues remain undamaged, unlike in traditional spinal fusions, microdiscectomy, and artificial disc procedures.
The Holmium YAG laser, integral to the Deuk laser disc repair, is used with millimeter precision under endoscopic visualization to remove only the painful inflammatory tissue from the disc.
Once the laser completes its task, the endoscope and retractor are removed, leaving a small incision that can be closed with a single stitch and a band-aid.
The total duration for the Deuk laser disc repair surgery is about one hour, with the patient spending approximately 45 to 60 minutes in recovery before being discharged to go home. This eliminates the need for hospitalization and the risks associated with hospital-based surgeries.
Deuk laser disc repair does not lead to a loss of normal movement, preserving the flexibility of the disc and joint. There are no fusions, metal implants, or biological materials added to the spine. The procedure is entirely natural, allowing the body to heal the herniated or bulging disc on its own.
Post-surgery, patients can return home and enjoy a quick recovery, resuming normal activities without pain. Notably, Deuk laser disc repair doesn’t require opioids or strong narcotic painkillers post-surgery, unlike other open spine surgeries which often necessitate these medications due to severe internal trauma.
Spinal fusion surgery offers a solution for patients suffering from back pain related to herniated discs or bone spurs. Before undergoing this surgery, many patients report experiencing chronic pain, restricted motion or coordination, and sensations of numbness and tingling.
The surgery addresses these issues by:
While traditional spinal fusion has been associated with a higher risk, Deuk Spinal Fusion boasts a complication rate of less than 1%. Deuk Spinal Fusion is designed to minimize collateral damage to bone and soft tissues. This unique outpatient procedure also ensures a significantly shorter recovery period compared to traditional spinal fusions.
Patients who undergo Deuk Spinal Fusion typically return to the comfort of their homes on the same day as the surgery. Many report being back to work and free from pain within just two weeks post-surgery.
This efficient recovery process is a result of the surgery being performed to impeccable standards in a world-class medical facility, where the priority is patient care, rather than hospital administrative or insurance company guidelines.
Epidural steroid injections are widely used in treating low back pain, neck pain, and leg pain. These injections can serve as a standalone treatment or be integrated into a comprehensive pain management plan. Particularly for individuals experiencing sciatica, which is characterized by symptoms like weakness, numbness, and tingling that radiate from the lower back down to the legs, epidural injections have been proven to be an effective pain relief method.
Transforaminal epidural steroid injections can be performed in an outpatient setting, offering a convenient option for patients. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and can be done with the patient either lying face-down or seated.
During transforaminal epidural steroid injections, the physician first locates the point where your spine meets your back. A small amount of Xylocaine, an anesthetic, is then injected into the transforaminal space. While this may seem daunting, the process is actually quite brief, lasting about ten seconds. After this, medications such as corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory agents are administered through this same opening, aiming to reduce pain and inflammation.
The transforaminal epidural steroid injection procedure employs fluoroscopy, a specialized type of X-ray, to ensure the needle is accurately placed. This accuracy is essential to prevent any additional damage to the spine or surrounding tissues.
Learn more about transforaminal epidural steroid injections.
A radiofrequency rhizotomy injection (RFA) procedure is a specialized technique that uses radiofrequency heat to deactivate nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the spine. This method is particularly effective in managing pain associated with osteoarthritis in the spine’s facet joints.
In a radiofrequency ablation procedure, the patient typically lies stomach-down on the procedure table. Sedation may be provided through an intravenous (IV) line if necessary. The skin over the targeted area, which could be the mid-back, neck, or lower back, is meticulously cleaned to minimize the risk of infection. To numb the area for the RFA procedure, an injection is administered at the site.
The physician employs X-ray guidance, known as fluoroscopy, to precisely position the Radiofrequency ablation needle towards either the lateral or medial branch nerves. Medial branch nerves are responsible for carrying pain signals from the facet joints of the spine, connecting to two branches that transmit this pain information. The lateral branch nerves convey pain signals from the sacroiliac joints, located between the ilium and sacrum in the pelvis, to the brain.
After accurately placing the needle, an active electrode is inserted through it. A small electric current is then applied near the target nerve, which might briefly reproduce the patient’s usual pain symptoms. This step is crucial to confirm the correct nerve is targeted. Subsequently, a heat lesion is created on the nerve using the selected ablation method, which can be pulsed, conventional, or water-cooled radiofrequency. This procedure may be repeated as necessary for additional nerves.
An RFA procedure typically lasts between thirty to ninety minutes. After the procedure, patients are usually advised to have someone arranged to take them home.
Learn more about radiofrequency ablation.
Kyphoplasty is a surgical procedure primarily focused on alleviating pain from spinal fractures, stabilizing the bone involved, and attempting to restore lost vertebral height due to compression fractures.
In a typical kyphoplasty procedure, the patient is positioned face down. The area on the back where the procedure will be performed is thoroughly sanitized. Local anesthesia along with light sedation is administered, allowing the patient to remain awake but without pain during the procedure. They might not remember the procedure afterward due to the effects of the sedation.
A small incision is made in the back. Through this incision, a narrow tube is carefully inserted. The insertion is guided by fluoroscopy, a type of x-ray, to ensure accurate placement at the fractured vertebra. Through this tube, a balloon, known as a bone tamp, is then inserted into the vertebra. The balloon is inflated, which helps to compact the inner bone, create space within the vertebra, and aim to restore the height of the vertebra that was lost due to the fracture.
Once the desired expansion is achieved, the balloon is deflated and removed. The cavity that has been created by the balloon is then filled with a cement-like substance called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). This material solidifies within the cavity, providing stability to the bone.
After the surgery, patients are typically monitored in a recovery room for a short period, usually a couple of hours. Provided there are no complications, they are generally allowed to go home. However, it is advised not to drive immediately after the surgery.
When selecting a spine surgeon in Florida, there are various things you need to consider.
The following are questions you should ask yourself before selecting a spine surgeon in Florida:
When it comes to spine surgery, experience is essential. While it is true that many newly qualified surgeons can carry out complex spine surgeries, you’ll feel a lot safer choosing an experienced surgeon.
According to a recent report, patients who undergo high-risk surgeries have a higher chance of complications when the surgeon has little or no experience. To avoid or minimize complications, you need to choose a top back surgeon with experience.
An experienced spine surgeon is someone who has performed a spine procedure for five years or performed the spine procedure at least 30 times, and it has resulted in:
Before choosing a spine surgeon, it’s important for you to ask the surgeon for the number of surgeries they’ve done and their complication and success rates.
Once you’ve established their level of experience or qualification, you can move on to the next question.
After graduating from medical school, Surgeons must complete an internship, a residency, and a fellowship. Many surgeons, however, choose to be board-certified. Board certification requires further, extensive specialty-specific training. It is an extra step taken by many surgeons to prove that they know the latest developments in their specialty.
Surgeons who have an ongoing commitment to their board certification:
Surgeons who are board-certified by independent bodies such as the American Board of Surgery (ABS) demonstrate great commitment to their specialty and show a lifelong commitment to learning.
For a surgeon to be board-certified, they must have completed the following:
While board certification is not a legal requirement to practice, surgeons who spend their time, energy, and other resources to get board-certified are simply showing their commitment to being the best.
So while it may not be a legal requirement to practice, if you’re going to choose a spine surgeon, you should choose a board-certified spine surgeon. Because it shows, they’ve devoted more resources to becoming the best.
Many spine surgeons have an area of specialization. Some spine surgeons focus on pediatric spine conditions, while others focus on treating trauma to the spine. Spinal surgery covers a variety of procedures which can range from spinal fusions to treating herniated discs and other forms of spine diseases and deformities.
The first thing you need to do is decide on the type of surgeon you need. You need to ask yourself if you need a neurosurgeon or an Orthopedic surgeon. When operating on the spine and treating back pain or neck pain, neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons may both be qualified for the job.
The only difference is a neurosurgeon is trained to treat the brain and spine. At the same time, an orthopedic surgeon focuses on diagnosing and treating bone and joint disorders such as spinal disorders.
To increase your chances of having the best care, you need to look for surgeons who specialize in the specific type of procedure you need. If you’re suffering from disc herniation, you’ll need a surgeon who specializes in treating herniated and bulging discs using minimally invasive surgical procedures.
For many people, the thought of surgery can be scary. Many people are unsure of what to expect. This is why it is important for you to always go with a surgeon that you feel safe and comfortable with.
When choosing a surgeon for your back pain or neck pain, you need someone who can quickly answer your questions in the least technical manner.
To help you understand if you’re comfortable with a surgeon, here are some questions you can ask yourself.
Over 74.6 percent of people look for information on doctors, dentists, and other medical services on the internet before engaging in their services. This makes online patient reviews one of the best ways to know how good of a service a surgeon provides.
To ensure you get an authentic review about top spinal surgeons, don’t just go over their websites. Marketing agencies carefully craft many website reviews. What you want to do is go on Google or YouTube and look up the patient reviews of the surgeon.
Here’s what a patient testimonial/review looks like:
Also, you’ll find patient reviews on forums like Reddit or Quora. The more negative reviews a surgeon has, the more you should consider staying away from them.
Before deciding on a surgeon, you need to know how invasive their procedure is. The less invasive a procedure is, the less pain you feel afterward.
When it comes to performing minimally invasive procedures, some surgeons are more skilled than others. An example of this is the Deuk Laser Disc Repair which Dr. Ara Deukmedjian developed. It is an endoscopic surgery with a higher success rate than other laser surgeries and traditional fusions. It also requires no metal implant and has the lowest infection rate. Patients who undergo this surgery get to walk home that same day with no internal damage or scarring.
If you speak to a surgeon and the surgeon suggests getting a metal implant, whether artificial discs or metal screws, it’s vital for you to seek a second opinion. Certain institutes suggest metal implants because it is more expensive, and they get paid more. However, metal implants are an invasive procedure with a lengthy recovery period. The best back doctors prefer minimally invasive treatments.
Once you’ve narrowed down your search for the best spine surgeon in Florida with these questions, there are a few more things to consider before making a decision:
After narrowing down your list of the best spine surgeons in Florida, the next step is consultation. Consultations are important because they give you the chance to ask your surgeon all the necessary questions and understand the problem, the treatment options, and the next steps.
Having surgery, especially spine surgery, can be overwhelming. There are usually a million questions going through a patient’s head. This is why you must be as well-informed as possible.
If a surgeon dismisses your need to have a consultation, that’s usually a sign for you to find a new surgeon. Surgeons who care about your well-being will take their time to examine you carefully. Many surgeons are overly reliant on MRI scans which sometimes causes the patient not to get the optimal treatment required.
During your consultation with a spine surgeon, these are the things you should expect:
Also, during the consultation with your Florida spinal surgeon, these are questions you can ask to help you get a better understanding of the situation:
Getting a second opinion is important because it helps you make an informed decision regarding the best treatment for your condition. It can help you assess the risks and benefits of surgery against other alternatives.
Most health plans will require you to obtain a second opinion on non-emergency procedures. Medicare may also cover the cost of obtaining a second opinion. Even if your plan does not require you to get a second opinion, you can still request to get one.
The only exception is emergency surgeries, which should be performed as quickly as possible.
Also, you should always weigh the necessity of getting a second opinion against the urgency of the medical condition.
Other information you should know about spine surgeries:
Deuk Spine Institute, located in Florida, has one of the best back surgeons in the US and world-class physicians on staff, advanced MRI scanners, and sterilization equipment to prevent infections. The hospital is led by Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, a fellowship-trained and board-certified spine surgeon committed to offering the best care to patients so they can be back on their feet in no time.
If you’re looking for the best spine surgeon in Florida, visit Dr. Deuk. Dr. Deuk is renowned for minimally invasive, laser, and endoscopic back, neck, and thoracic treatment. He has personally performed over 5,000 cervical decompressive discectomies, treated over 2,000 degenerated or herniated lumbar discs, and developed an innovative laser minimally invasive laser surgery procedure called the Deuk Laser Disc Repair.
In the US, Deuk Spine Institute offers the best spine surgery. Patients are treated with state-of-the-art medical technology and unrivaled efficiency and care. On the first visit, you’ll be assigned a patient navigator to collect all important information then you’ll be carefully examined and recommended treatment, if necessary.
It’s a patient-first process that ensures your experience at the hospital is a positive one.
The first thing to look out for is if they’re board-certified. A board certification indicates higher expertise and dedication in the field. You should also ask about a surgeon’s professional accreditations, qualifications, and years of experience.
Finding a surgeon specializing in the specific surgery you need is important. For example, if you have cervical spine issues, you should see a surgeon with advanced experience in performing cervical decompression discectomies.
If you’re in South Florida and want to book an appointment with a Florida spine specialist, head to Deuk Spine Institute and book a free MRI with Dr. Deuk. Dr. Deuk is a board-certified neurosurgeon who has performed thousands of minimally invasive surgeries and procedures, including the revolutionary Deuk Laser Disc Repair and the Deuk Spinal Fusion.
On US Health, Dr. Deuk is listed as one of the best back surgeons in Tampa, Florida. He has a patient rating of 5/5 stars and over 200 positive reviews. Dr. Deuk is known for his thoroughness when examining patients, his ability to answer questions, his caring attitude, and his including patients in treatment decisions.
Going to the best spine specialist near you is important when planning to have spine surgery. If you live in Orlando, Florida, and want to be treated by a spine surgeon with over 20 years of experience treating chronic back or neck pain, degenerated or herniated lumbar discs, and cervical discectomies, try Dr. Deuk.
Are you in the US? The best back surgeon in the USA is Dr. Deuk. If you want to treat your back pain with a minimally invasive technique, then book an MRI with Dr.Deuk at the Deuk Spine Institute.
If you are looking for the best spine surgeon in Florida, Dr. Ara Deukmedjian is the answer.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian developed his laser procedure called Deuk Laser Disc Repair. Deuk Laser Disk Repair is the most advanced laser spine surgery in the world. This revolutionary procedure is an alternative to dangerous invasive surgeries like total disc replacement or spinal fusion.
Dr. Deuk has treated over 2,000 herniated or degenerated lumbar discs, performed over 5,000 cervical decompressive discectomies, and performed more than 2,000 laser spine surgeries to date with no complications.
Contact us at Deuk Spine Institute today, and get a free MRI review with our team.
