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Back Surgeon in Fort Wayne, Indiana

If you are searching for a back surgeon in Fort Wayne, Dr. Marc Greenberg is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with training from Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Brown University. As a back doctor practicing within the Parkview Health network, he focuses on minimally invasive and motion-preserving care. Whether you need a back specialist for a new concern or a second opinion, Dr. Greenberg is now welcoming patients — opening August 2026.

Dr. Marc Greenberg, fellowship-trained back surgeon in Fort Wayne, Indiana

When to See a Back Surgeon

Most back pain gets better without surgery. In fact, the majority of people with back pain improve with time, gentle activity, physical therapy, and simple treatments. A back specialist helps figure out when conservative care is enough — and when a more targeted approach may help.

Pain that persists or worsens

Back or leg pain that does not improve after several weeks of conservative care like physical therapy, rest, or medication.

Pain with numbness or weakness

Pain that travels down an arm or leg along with numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness may signal nerve involvement.

Not improving with conservative care

Pain that has not meaningfully improved after weeks of guided conservative treatment may need further evaluation.

Pain limiting work or sleep

When back pain starts interfering with daily activities, work, or your ability to rest at night, it is worth having a back doctor evaluate what is going on.

Seek urgent or emergency care if you experience:

  • Progressive weakness in the legs or feet
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Numbness in the saddle area (inner thighs, groin, buttocks)

These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

A Minimally Invasive Approach

Dr. Greenberg practices with a minimally invasive-first philosophy. Whenever possible, he uses endoscopic and minimally invasive surgical techniques — procedures performed through small incisions that cause less disruption to muscles and surrounding tissues than traditional open surgery.

He also applies motion preservation principles when appropriate, meaning the goal is to treat the problem while keeping as much natural spinal movement as possible. Fusion — permanently joining two or more vertebrae — is reserved for cases where it is medically necessary to achieve lasting stability.

Get a Back Pain Evaluation or Second Opinion in Fort Wayne

Whether you are experiencing back pain for the first time or have been told you need surgery and want another perspective, Dr. Greenberg provides thorough evaluations focused on finding the least invasive solution that addresses your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about seeing a back surgeon in Fort Wayne.

What kind of doctor should I see for back pain?

Start with your primary care doctor for an initial evaluation. If back or leg pain persists despite conservative treatment like physical therapy and medication, a back surgeon (orthopedic spine surgeon) can determine whether a structural problem in your spine is causing your symptoms. Not everyone who sees a back surgeon needs surgery.

Do I need a referral to see a back surgeon in Fort Wayne?

Most insurance plans do not require a referral to see a back specialist. Our office verifies your coverage before your visit so you know what to expect. If your plan does require one, we can help coordinate with your primary care provider.

Will I need back surgery?

Most back pain improves without surgery. Many people get better with time, physical therapy, activity changes, and medication. A back doctor helps determine what is causing your pain and whether surgery is the right next step. Surgery is recommended only when conservative treatment has not worked and imaging shows a correctable structural problem.

What makes a back surgeon minimally invasive?

A minimally invasive back surgeon uses techniques that work through smaller incisions, causing less disruption to muscles and surrounding tissues. This often means less post-operative pain, hospital stay planning, and a less disruptive recovery pathway for properly selected patients. Dr. Greenberg uses endoscopic and minimally invasive approaches whenever they are the right choice for the patient's condition.

About This Page

This page was written to help people in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana understand when to see a back surgeon and what to expect. It was reviewed by Dr. Marc Greenberg for clinical accuracy. We update this content periodically as new evidence and guidelines become available.

This is general educational information, not medical advice. Symptoms vary by person — a clinical evaluation is the only way to know what is right for you. If you are experiencing progressive weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the saddle area, seek urgent or emergency medical care. Dr. Greenberg sees patients at Orthopaedics Northeast (ONE) within the Parkview Health network in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Content reviewed by Dr. Marc Greenberg, MD
Last updated: July 8, 2026

Ready to Get Your Back Evaluated?

Back pain does not have to control your life. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options with a fellowship-trained back specialist.

Call Dr. Greenberg's Office — (260) 484-1400Request Appointment