With his background as an Orthopedic neurologic surgeon, Dr. Michael Gerling’s practice marries modern technique with tradition to optimize care of spinal disorders. Comprehensive spine care provided by the group includes thorough diagnostic testing and examination before treatment commences. The full spectrum of care from conservative methods to surgery are carried out using a foundation of scientific merit, though alternative modalities are considered when necessary. Any combination of spinal disorders, from the cervical region in the neck to the lumbar region in the lower back are managed, including care of spine trauma, disk degeneration, spinal deformity, spine tumors and disk disorders with or without neurologic symptoms such as numbness, weakness or sciatica. We start with a careful history and physical examination followed by inspection of your prior diagnostic reports and imaging studies. Dr. Gerling co-ordinates a large team of physician providers including rehabilitation doctors and physical therapists specialized in spinal disorders, and pain management doctors that perform spinal injections. Simple advice can be extremely helpful in many cases and most of our patients respond well to conservative treatment. When necessary we are also equipped to perform a full spectrum of surgical and pain management procedures on the spine, including spinal injections. We recommend an evaluation before undergoing injections, nerve ablations or a spinal cord stimulator trial by outside providers.
Clinical Interests
My clinical practice has always focused on degenerative and traumatic disorders of the spine, primarily through the incorporation of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) technology and techniques. I was one of the first surgeons in NYC performing MIS Lumbar interbody fusions and I am currently one of the only surgeons performing true endoscopic spinal decompression and discectomy. For this reason, I am a frequently asked to teach at national and international cadaver courses for spinal surgeons. I take great pride in educational activities during clinical practice, in consulting activities and as a volunteer in numerous academic societies. I have always sought to include a wide variety of students in my clinical practice. I served as a principle attending of the spine rotation for SUNY Downstate orthopedic residents for 12 years continuously, and proctor Nurse Practitioner Students from NYU, in addition to Physical Therapists and Medical students both in the OR and in my private offices. Throughout my career I have innovated and taught courses at major academic surgeon focused societies and take pride in participation in hands-on cadaver courses for other practicing surgeons in numerous venus.
Medical School
University of California, San Diego, CA, United States, 2000
Residency
Oschner Clinic Department of Orthopedics, New Orleans, LA, 2005
Fellowship
Henry Bohlman Spine Fellowship, Casewestern Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 2006
