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.

Can I bring outside imaging to my appointment?

Yes. Bring the actual MRI or CT images when possible, not only the written report. During the evaluation, the images can be compared with your symptoms and examination. Also bring X-rays, radiology reports, prior treatment information, a medication list, prior operative reports, and written questions.

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.

Fort Wayne Spine Surgeon | Marc Greenberg, MD

Dr. Marc Greenberg evaluates neck, back, arm, and leg symptoms to decide whether non-surgical care, a targeted procedure, or surgery is appropriate. His Fort Wayne practice focuses on clear diagnosis, imaging review, second opinions, and minimally invasive or motion-preserving options when they fit.

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 The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and spine surgery fellowship at Brown University. His fellowship included complex, minimally invasive, and endoscopic spine surgery. Dr. Greenberg considers minimally invasive, motion-preserving, and robotic-assisted options when they fit the diagnosis and surgical objective.

New loss of bladder or bowel control or saddle numbness requires emergency assessment: go to the nearest emergency department or call emergency services now. Rapidly progressive weakness or a severe new gait or balance decline also requires prompt assessment and should not wait for a routine appointment.

What patients commonly ask about

The questions most patients bring to their first visit — with links to detailed guidance

Spine surgery options in Fort Wayne

Second opinions before spine surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery

When spine surgery may not be needed

Procedures Dr. Greenberg offers

Choosing a spine surgeon — patient guide

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.

Dr. Greenberg’s approach to spine care

Comprehensive Training

Dr. Greenberg earned his medical degree at Mayo Clinic, completed orthopedic surgery residency at Johns Hopkins, and completed spine surgery fellowship at Brown University.

Minimally Invasive Focus

A focused working corridor is considered when it can safely accomplish the decompression or reconstruction. A wider exposure may be more appropriate for complex anatomy, deformity, revision surgery, or multilevel work.

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

During an evaluation, Dr. Greenberg reviews the actual MRI, CT, or X-ray images—not only the written report—and compares the findings with the symptoms and examination.

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

The consultation should explain the diagnosis, how the imaging relates to the symptoms, what alternatives remain, and what the proposed treatment can and cannot reasonably accomplish.

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 practice location represented on this website. In-person consultations, imaging review, and surgical planning take place here. The office serves Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio.

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 should understand the range of conventional, minimally invasive, motion-preserving, and instrument-guidance options and explain why a particular exposure or technology fits the actual surgical goal.

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 useful second opinion gives a straightforward assessment, including whether the proposed operation is reasonable, whether another option should be considered, and whether continued nonsurgical care is appropriate.

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.

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.

Part of Dr. Greenberg’s spine care across Indiana

This is general educational information, not medical advice. A clinical evaluation is the only way to know what’s right for you.

Marc Greenberg, MD — Fort Wayne Spine Surgeon