Patient guide

Greenberg Spine Patient Guide

Start with the fundamentals, then move chapter by chapter through conditions, decisions, and recovery.

This guide is designed to help patients ask better questions. It explains anatomy and common terminology, describes why most spine problems begin with nonoperative care, and shows how a surgeon decides whether decompression, motion preservation, or fusion is appropriate for a particular pattern.

The guide does not promise a specific procedure or result. Imaging, symptoms, examination findings, prior treatment, health factors, and patient goals all matter. Use it as preparation for a clinical discussion, not as personal medical advice.

Cervical Spine ConditionsLearn about cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy, and neck conditions. Part of the comprehensive Greenberg Spine Patient Guide.Fusion When Stability Is NeededLearn why fusion may be used for stability or reconstruction and how ACDF, lumbar fusion, robotic guidance, and SI joint fusion differ.Lumbar Spine ConditionsCommon lumbar spine conditions — herniated discs, stenosis, sciatica, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative disc disease — explained clearly.Minimally Invasive DecompressionA plain-language guide to microdiscectomy, laminectomy, and endoscopic decompression, including candidacy, tradeoffs, and recovery planning.Motion-Preserving OptionsExplore cervical disc replacement, endoscopic procedures, and motion-preserving spine surgery techniques in Fort Wayne, Indiana.Other Spine ConditionsUnderstanding SI joint pain, compression fractures, scoliosis, and failed back surgery syndrome. Part of the Greenberg Spine Patient Guide.The Greenberg Spine ApproachReview Dr. Marc Greenberg's documented training and the questions that guide individualized spine-care decisions in Fort Wayne.Understanding Your Spine & NervesLearn basic spine anatomy, how spinal nerves can produce symptoms, and which warning signs need prompt medical evaluation.When Surgery Becomes an OptionHow diagnosis, neurological findings, imaging, function, prior treatment, goals, and urgency shape the decision about spine surgery.Your Surgical JourneyA patient guide to preparing for spine surgery, the day-of-surgery process, individualized recovery milestones, and warning signs.

Talk with a fellowship-trained spine surgeon

Most spine problems improve without surgery. When an operation is warranted, the goal is to match the least-disruptive effective option to the diagnosis and anatomy.

Request an appointment Call (260) 484-8551