Whether you have an acute back injury or a serious spine condition, Miami Neuroscience Institute provides full-service back, neck and spine care for every patient who walks through our doors. Our goal is to help keep you safe and eliminate pain quickly and effectively.

Our team has extensive experience with back, neck and spine procedures, including minimally invasive techniques and more complex spine surgeries.

While we may have some of the most experienced spine surgeons in the region, we also understand that surgery is not the best treatment option for everyone. With our patient-centric approach, we work closely with you and our Spine Center to find a therapy that fits your preferences and lifestyle.

Which conditions do you treat with back, neck and spine surgery?

Back, neck and spine surgeries are typically used to treat degenerative diseases, or injuries that result from aging and general wear and tear. We also use surgery to treat rare conditions like tumors, fractures or problems with blood vessels.

Some of the conditions that we treat with surgery include:

  • Herniated discs of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar sections of the spine.
  • Spinal stenosis.
  • Failed back surgery.
  • Flat back deformity.
  • Sciatica.
  • Radiculopathy.
  • Pinched nerves.
  • Spine tumors.
  • Spinal fractures.
  • Scoliosis.
  • Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
  • Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs).

Our team also evaluates patients who would like a second opinion on their diagnosis or treatment plan.

What types of back, neck and spine surgeries are offered at Miami Neuroscience Institute?

Our team is highly skilled in a full range of surgeries, from the latest minimally invasive techniques to complex open procedures. Whatever your diagnosis may be, we have someone who specializes in treating your specific condition and will work with you to find the best approach.

Some of the surgeries we offer include:

  • Discectomies.
  • Minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy.
  • Spinal decompression or decompressive laminectomy.
  • Lumbar fusions.
  • Cervical fusions.
  • Scoliosis correction.
  • Decompression with stabilization.
  • Spine revision.

We also have access to an interoperative MRIs and CT scans, which gives us the ability to track spinal function during surgery. This technology allows us to identify changes in spinal cord and nerve function that may lead to permanent damage and to alert the surgical team, improving patient safety and outcomes. Miami Neuroscience Institute’s interoperative monitoring program is certified by the American Board of Neurophysiology Monitoring (ABNM).

Spinal Fusion Surgery

“Spinal fusion surgery may sound somewhat scary, but it is a fairly common procedure that corrects problems with the small bones in the spine (vertebrae). It is essentially a “welding” process.”

MIS Spinal Surgery

“Spine surgery can cause a lot of apprehension in patients. But with minimally invasive techniques, the recovery can be shortened. People can be back at work pretty quickly. And, in the end, we can see a really meaningful return in function.”

-Michael E. Gomez, M.D. | Director of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at Miami Neuroscience Institute

Now, my horizon is the way that it should be. I am going to be able to play volleyball again; I am going to be able to go to the beach again; I am going to be able to carry my son again; I am going to be able to go to his field day and do, I don’t know, the three legged race — And that is what I want.

Conditions & Treatments

Learn more about Back, Neck & Spine Surgery.
Our Approach

Our Approach

When you come to Miami Neuroscience Institute for back, neck and spine surgery, you can expect:

  • To be treated like a family member, with a goal of finding the right treatment for your condition as quickly as possible.
  • A conservative approach to care that starts with non-surgical treatments and minimally invasive procedures whenever possible.
  • A team that is dedicated to helping you live a safe, pain-free life.
Photo of Kim Bokamper
Mr. Bokamper says he is extremely grateful for Dr. Vasquez and the entire team because he’s at the point where he can barely remember he had the back pain at all — and “quite frankly they gave me my life back.”

Meet the Team

Our team includes Board-certified neurosurgeons who specialize in back, neck and spine surgery and are fellowship trained in complex spine surgery. We also work closely with nurses who help patients through every step of the surgery process.

Back, Neck and Spine Surgery Clinical Trials

Our team uses clinical research to closely measure patient outcomes after surgery, so we can find ways to improve our processes and surgical techniques. To learn more about our current research, talk to your doctor or browse our list of active clinical trials.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Regardless of where you have had treatment in the past, our goal is to help you live a safe, pain-free life. Our team often sees patients who have had previous surgery but who still suffer from pain and mobility problems. We can do simple adjustments, as well as complex revision surgeries, if needed.

  • During this procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision in your lower back and use dilators to move the muscle out of the way and access the herniated disc. Your surgeon will also use an X-ray to help pinpoint the herniated disk that is pushing on nerves and causing pain. This process disrupts less muscle, which limits blood loss, decreases pain, speeds up recovery and reduces the amount of time you need to spend in the hospital after the surgery. Most patients can go home the same day.

  • At Miami Neuroscience Institute, we believe patients should have direct access to their surgeons throughout the treatment process. If you are admitted to the hospital for your procedure, you will meet with your doctor and neurosurgeon every day to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. We aim to keep communication as open as possible throughout your care.

  • Most back, neck and spine surgery patients will need rehabilitation after their procedure. Rehabilitation may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or new exercises, as well as physical therapy and occupational therapy. Your surgical team will work closely with our rehabilitation specialists to ensure you get the right therapy to fit your needs and lifestyle.