Primary care physicians are often the first to treat slipped discs; however, it is important to be evaluated at an advanced spine center as soon as possible, since early and expert intervention can keep the condition from getting worse.
The spine team at Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center — expert spine surgeons along with their team of physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and pain management specialists — provide comprehensive, integrated care for patients with slipped discs and many other conditions of the spine.
Patients receive a complete continuum of care, from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. We generally begin with nonsurgical, non-invasive options to treat herniated discs (see Diagnosing and Treating a Herniated Disc). For patients who do need surgery, we offer the latest in minimally invasive surgical techniques using state-of-the-art equipment. Patients recover faster, have less pain, and get back to their normal daily activities sooner than they could with older surgical methods.
Our surgical faculty includes some of the very best world-renowned specialists. At the midtown east Center for Comprehensive Spine Care are:
Roger Härtl, M.D., named as one of the top 50 spine surgeons in the United States, is the Hansen-MacDonald Professor of Neurological Surgery and Director of Spinal Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, as well as Neurosurgical Director, Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He’s also the official neurosurgeon for the New York Giants. Dr. Härtl's clinical and research expertise is in simple and complex spine surgery, neurotrauma, and neurocritical care medicine. Dr. Härtl believes that surgery for herniated discs should be a part of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, and he works very closely with other specialists in a team effort to achieve the best outcome for his patients. (Read more about Dr. Härtl.)
Kai-Ming Fu, M.D., Ph.D., obtained his undergraduate degrees from Stanford University and his medical and graduate training in the MD/PhD program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Fu specializes in minimal access surgery as well as having advanced training in reconstructive, deformity, and oncological spine surgery. (Read more about Dr. Fu.)
Michael Virk, M.D. is a widely published neurosurgeon with specialty training in minimally invasive and complex surgery for a wide variety of spine conditions. In addition to herniated discs, his specialties include scoliosis, spinal tumors, trauma, degenerative disease, radiculopathy, and spinal stenosis. Dr. Virk uses state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques with intraoperative, computer-assisted navigation as well as spinal endoscopy. He also uses fundamental, open surgical strategies in patients who will benefit most from these. (Read more about Dr. Virk)
At Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, patients with a herniated discs may also be seen by:
Amanda Sacks-Zimmerman, Ph.D., ABPP-CN is a clinical neuropsychologist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for pain as well as cognitive remediation after brain trauma. Dr. Sacks has extensive experience in treating patients who suffer from cognitive and emotional difficulties that may be the result of a wide range of neurological conditions, including chronic pain; traumatic injury; epilepsy; radiation or chemotherapy; cardiopulmonary bypass procedures; cerebrovascular disease; and others. (Read more about Dr. Sacks-Zimmerman.)
Pain Management Specialists: Advanced pain management techniques allow many patients to avoid surgery altogether. Our specialists work with patients to develop an individual treatment plan that can get them back to their daily lives, without pain and without surgery. Pain management specialists can also help patients recover more quickly, or with less pain, after surgery.
Physiatrists:These rehabilitation physicians specialize in treating injuries or illnesses that affect movement, and manage non-surgical approaches to back pain, including the pain of a herniated disc.
Physical Therapists: These specialists have expertise in a wide range of non-surgical techniques to help prevent or overcome pain and build strength to help prevent future injuries. A physical therapist may work with a patient as an alternative to surgery, or after surgery to help rebuild strength.
The spine surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery are fortunate to be part of the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital team. The America's Best Hospitals ranking in US News and World Report routinely places NewYork-Presbyterian as one of the top hospitals in the United States, and our Neurology and Neurosurgery program ranks as the best programs nationwide. Our programs for back and neck pain are unparalleled for their world-class, comprehensive care. Together, the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center team is the best choice for your back.
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