Marc Greenberg, MD — Fort Wayne Spine Surgeon
Dr. Greenberg evaluates neck, back, arm, and leg symptoms to determine whether non-surgical care, a targeted procedure, or surgery is the appropriate next step. His approach starts with a thorough clinical assessment — reviewing imaging, correlating findings with your symptoms and physical exam, and discussing all reasonable treatment paths before surgery is considered.
Training: Medical degree from Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, orthopedic surgery residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and a complex and minimally invasive spine surgery fellowship at Brown University. Dr. Greenberg focuses on evidence-based, minimally invasive, motion-preserving, and robotic-assisted spine care when appropriate.
Progressive weakness in the arms or legs, changes in bladder or bowel function, saddle numbness, gait or balance decline, or rapidly worsening neurologic symptoms require urgent evaluation. If you experience any of these, contact your physician or go to the nearest emergency department.
What patients commonly ask about
The questions most patients bring to their first visit — with links to detailed guidance
Spine conditions evaluated
Dr. Greenberg evaluates the full range of adult spine conditions. A thorough assessment determines whether non-surgical care, a procedure, or surgery is the appropriate next step.
Sciatica
Leg pain, numbness, or weakness from compression of the sciatic nerve
Herniated Disc
Disc material pressing on a nerve root causing arm or leg symptoms
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal causing leg pain and walking difficulty
Cervical Radiculopathy
Pinched nerve in the neck with pain, numbness, or weakness into the arm
Cervical Myelopathy
Spinal cord compression causing balance and coordination problems
Spondylolisthesis
One vertebra slipping forward, potentially causing back and leg pain
Compression Fracture
Vertebral body collapse often from osteoporosis or injury
SI Joint Pain
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction causing low back and buttock pain
Dr. Greenberg’s approach to spine care
Elite training, advanced techniques, and a patient-centered philosophy guide every consultation.
Comprehensive Training
Medical degree from Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, orthopedic surgery residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and a complex and minimally invasive spine surgery fellowship at Brown University. Training at three leading institutions provides an unusually broad foundation for evaluating and treating the full spectrum of spine conditions.
Minimally Invasive Focus
When surgery is needed, Dr. Greenberg uses the least invasive technique appropriate for the condition. His expertise includes endoscopic spine surgery through incisions under one centimeter and robotic-assisted procedures for precise implant placement. Many procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.
Motion Preservation
Not every spine problem requires fusion. Dr. Greenberg evaluates whether motion-preserving alternatives — such as cervical disc replacement or decompression-only procedures — may address the problem without eliminating natural spinal movement. Fusion is reserved for instability, deformity, or when motion preservation is not appropriate.
What to expect at your first visit
A thorough consultation focused on understanding your situation and exploring all treatment paths.
Comprehensive Imaging Review
Dr. Greenberg personally reviews all imaging (MRI, CT, X-rays) before your appointment to come prepared with specific insights about your condition. He looks at the images directly — not just the written report.
Physical Examination
A detailed physical exam helps correlate your symptoms with imaging findings to determine the true source of your pain. Strength, sensation, and reflexes are tested to map findings to specific nerve distributions.
Clear Communication
Dr. Greenberg explains your diagnosis in plain language and discusses all treatment options — including non-surgical approaches. There is never pressure for surgery when it is not clearly indicated.
Shared Decision-Making
Treatment decisions are made collaboratively. Your goals, lifestyle, and preferences guide the recommendation — not a one-size-fits-all formula.
Fort Wayne office
Greenberg Spine — Marc Greenberg, MD
Fort Wayne is the primary practice location. In-person consultations, imaging review, and surgical planning take place here. Patients travel from throughout Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio for specialized spine surgery evaluation.
How to evaluate a spine surgeon
Finding the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions you can make for your spine health. Here are criteria to consider — not a ranking, but a checklist to help you evaluate any surgeon you may be considering.
Fellowship training and board certification
Look for a surgeon who completed a dedicated spine fellowship beyond their orthopedic or neurosurgery residency. Board certification confirms they have met rigorous standards in their specialty.
Experience with minimally invasive, motion-preserving, and robotic techniques
A surgeon skilled in minimally invasive approaches can often treat spine conditions through smaller incisions with less tissue disruption. Familiarity with motion-preserving options such as cervical disc replacement and robotic-assisted techniques reflects broad training across the full range of modern spine surgery tools.
A surgeon who reserves fusion for when it is truly needed
Spinal fusion is an important tool, but it is not always necessary. A thoughtful surgeon discusses whether a motion-preserving alternative or a decompression-only procedure may be appropriate before recommending fusion.
One who offers honest second opinions
A surgeon who welcomes second-opinion consultations and gives a straightforward assessment — including whether surgery can wait or be avoided — is one who prioritizes your well-being over procedure volume.
Clear communication and shared decision-making
Your surgeon should explain your diagnosis in plain language, walk through all reasonable treatment paths, and make decisions with you — not for you. If you leave a consultation unsure of what was discussed, that is a sign to seek another opinion.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from patients in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana
What does a spine surgeon treat?
A spine surgeon diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (low back) spine. This includes disc herniations, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, compression fractures, radiculopathy (pinched nerves), myelopathy (spinal cord compression), sciatica, and SI joint dysfunction. Treatment spans non-surgical care, injections, and surgical procedures when conservative measures have not provided adequate relief.
When should I see a spine surgeon?
A spine surgery consultation is worth considering when you have persistent back or neck pain that has not improved after several weeks of conservative care, arm or leg pain with numbness or weakness, difficulty walking more than short distances, or symptoms that interfere with work and daily activities. A consultation does not mean you will need surgery — it is an opportunity to understand your diagnosis and all treatment options, including non-surgical paths forward.
Do I need a referral to see a spine surgeon?
Most insurance plans do not require a referral to see a spine specialist. You can call the office directly to schedule a consultation. The team verifies your coverage before the visit so there are no surprises. If your plan does require a referral, the office can help coordinate with your primary care provider to obtain one.
Can I bring outside imaging to my appointment?
Yes — and it is strongly encouraged. Bring your actual MRI or CT images on disc or USB, not just the written report. Dr. Greenberg personally reviews the imaging to correlate findings with your symptoms and physical exam. Also bring any X-rays, radiology reports, a list of treatments you have already tried, your current medication list, and any prior operative reports if you have had spine surgery before. Bringing a written list of your questions ensures nothing gets missed during the conversation.
Can I get a second opinion before spine surgery?
Yes. A second opinion is a standard and appropriate part of medical decision-making — not a sign of mistrust. Dr. Greenberg provides independent second-opinion evaluations that include a personal review of your MRI and imaging, a neurological exam, and a candid discussion of whether the proposed surgery is appropriate and whether any less invasive or motion-preserving alternatives should be considered. Scheduling availability varies; call the office to discuss current openings for second-opinion visits.
Ready to explore your options?
Back and neck pain shouldn’t control your life. Schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment options with Dr. Greenberg.
Speak with our team today — most callers reach a the office on the first try.
This is general educational information, not medical advice. Symptoms vary by person — a clinical evaluation is the only way to know what’s right for you.