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Spine Surgery in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Spine surgery is considered when symptoms, physical exam, imaging, and failed non-surgical care point to a specific structural problem that surgery can reasonably address. Many people who see a spine surgeon do not need an operation; the visit should clarify the safest path.
Spine surgery is considered when a patient’s symptoms, physical examination, imaging findings, and the failure of adequate non-surgical treatment all point toward a structural problem that surgery can reasonably address. Many people with back or neck pain do not need surgery — and a thorough evaluation is the first step in determining whether an operation makes sense for your specific situation.
When to seek urgent evaluation
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 walking problem also requires prompt assessment and should not wait for a routine appointment.
Conditions that may lead to spine surgery
Not everyone with these conditions needs an operation. Surgery is typically discussed when non-surgical treatments have not provided adequate relief and imaging confirms a problem that a procedure can address. The following are conditions that, in some patients, may warrant surgical evaluation:
Sciatica
Herniated Disc
Disc material pressing on a spinal nerve root, causing arm pain or leg pain, numbness, and weakness.
Spinal Stenosis
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical Myelopathy
Spondylolisthesis
Procedures Dr. Greenberg may discuss
The specific procedure recommended depends on your diagnosis, anatomy, symptoms, and goals. Each patient receives a personalized evaluation — there is no single operation that fits everyone. Below are procedures commonly discussed during spine surgery consultations:
Microdiscectomy
Lumbar Laminectomy
Removes bone and ligament to create space for nerves compressed by spinal stenosis.
ACDF
Cervical Disc Replacement
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Camera-assisted decompression through a narrow working channel for selected anatomy.
Robotic Spinal Fusion
Lumbar Fusion (TLIF/PLIF)
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion to stabilize the spine when instability or deformity is present.
Kyphoplasty
Surgery is not always the answer
One of the most important parts of a spine surgery consultation is determining whether surgery is the right next step — or whether additional non-surgical treatment, time, or a different approach is more appropriate. Not every MRI finding requires an operation, and not every patient with back or neck pain is a surgical candidate.
Factors that influence whether surgery is recommended include: how long symptoms have been present, whether non-surgical treatments were adequate and complete, the correlation between your symptoms and what the imaging shows, the presence or absence of progressive neurological changes, and your overall health and personal goals.
Second opinions before spine surgery
Seeking a second opinion before spine surgery is a standard and appropriate part of medical decision-making. It is not a sign of mistrust — it is a way to confirm that the proposed plan is the right one for your specific anatomy, symptoms, and goals. A second opinion can provide peace of mind when the recommendation is confirmed, or reveal an alternative path when it is not.
Dr. Greenberg provides independent second-opinion evaluations for patients who have been told they need spine surgery. The evaluation includes a personal review of your MRI and imaging, a neurological examination, and a candid discussion of whether the proposed surgery is appropriate — and whether any alternatives, including less invasive or motion-preserving options, should be considered.
Fort Wayne office
Greenberg Spine — Marc Greenberg, MD
Fort Wayne is the primary practice location for Greenberg Spine. In-person consultations, imaging review, and surgical planning take place here. Patients from throughout Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio travel to Fort Wayne for specialized spine surgery evaluation.
Explore related resources
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Endoscopic, robotic, and motion-preserving surgical techniques — candidacy, recovery, and FAQ
All Procedures
Complete index of surgical procedures offered by Dr. Greenberg — from endoscopic to fusion
Choosing a Spine Surgeon in Indiana
Evidence-based criteria to help you evaluate any spine surgeon — training, experience, and approach
When Is Spine Surgery Necessary?
A practical guide to understanding when surgery is the right next step — and when it is not
On This Page
Considering spine surgery?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your diagnosis, review your imaging, and understand your treatment options — surgical and non-surgical.
Call Monday-Friday during office hours to discuss current availability.
Quick Facts
- Fellowship-trained in complex & minimally invasive spine surgery
- Training: Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Brown University
- Endoscopic, robotic & motion-preserving techniques
- Serving Fort Wayne & Northeast Indiana
- Second opinions before spine surgery available
Related reading: spine surgery in Indiana · spine surgery second opinions in Indiana
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 or go to the emergency department right away if you have any of the following:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control, or new difficulty urinating
- Numbness in the groin, buttocks, or inner thighs (saddle anesthesia)
- Rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs
- New clumsiness in the hands — buttons, handwriting, dropping things
- Unsteadiness, imbalance, or falls when walking
- Rapidly progressive weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
These can be signs of a problem that needs emergency treatment.
This is general educational information, not medical advice. A clinical evaluation is the only way to know what’s right for you.