How Do I Choose The Best Spine Surgeon In New York?

To find the best spine surgeon in New York, verify their board certification, spine fellowship education, and experience with your condition. Then, review their expertise in advanced spinal surgery and their affiliation with respected medical centers. You should also compare treatment outcomes and experience with complex spinal procedures before choosing the right surgeon.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our fellowship-trained spine surgeon, Dr. Karèn Avanesov, provides specialized care for common and complex spinal disorders. At an early stage, he may recommend non-operative treatments to reduce symptoms and improve function. If symptoms persist, he uses advanced procedures and minimally invasive spine surgery when appropriate. Call 855-321-6784 to book an appointment in Brooklyn.

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From Spine Surgeon to Healthcare Leader 🌟 Dr. Karén Avanesov shares his inspiring journey as one of the founding partners of Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Hear how this top spinal surgeon helped grow a humble orthopedic practice into a leading multi-specialty group with 14+ locations and 20+ board-certified physicians across Long Island, NYC, and New Jersey. #SpineSurgery #Orthopedics #SurgeonLife #SportsMedicine #TotalOrtho

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Where Can You Find The Best Spine Surgeon in Brooklyn, NY?

You can visit Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for specialized spine care in Brooklyn, NY. Our spine surgeon, Dr. Karèn Avanesov, treats degenerative spine conditions, disc problems, and complex spinal disorders. He evaluates your symptoms and imaging to identify the source of your back or neck pain.

Based on your diagnosis, he develops a personalized treatment plan and uses minimally invasive spine surgery when appropriate. This personalized approach allows him to address your specific spine or neck problem and support your long-term function.

In addition, our team provides the following services to support your care from evaluation through recovery:

1. Rehabilitation Support

Recovery often requires a structured rehabilitation plan to restore movement and strength. Our spine care team and rehabilitation specialists work closely to develop a program based on your diagnosis and physical needs. Your program focuses on mobility, muscle strength, posture, and safe daily movement. This coordinated approach supports your return to work, exercise, and routine activities.

In fact, a PubMed systematic review analyzed 45 studies with 3,036 patients after lumbar spine procedures. For disc herniation, supervised exercise reduced short-term pain and disability more than unsupervised exercise. For lumbar spinal stenosis, one study of 60 patients also found better pain, function, and quality of life in the short and mid-term.

2. Follow-Up Care

Regular appointments allow your doctor to track your response to treatment. During each visit, we review your symptoms, mobility, and overall progress. Your doctor may also review new imaging or test results when necessary. From there, we can adjust your care plan based on your current needs.

3. Insurance Support

Our office staff can assist you with insurance questions related to your orthopedic care. We accept most major insurance plans and work with you to clarify available coverage options. Our team can also assist with required paperwork and administrative details throughout your care. Before your appointment, you can verify your insurance details by taking the following steps:

• Call Your Insurer: Verify your current benefits.
• Check Network Status: Confirm the clinic is in-network.
• Ask About Referrals: Check referral or authorization needs.
• Review Costs: Confirm copays and deductibles.
• Contact Our Team: Ask us about coverage questions.

4. Online Patient Services

Our secure online services provide convenient access to key clinic resources. For example, you can use the patient portal to manage your medical care information. The website also provides options for medical record requests, referral management, and online bill payment. These digital services allow you to manage key parts of your care without an extra office visit.

What Qualifications Should A Spine Surgeon Have?

A qualified spine surgeon should have a medical degree followed by five to seven years of residency in orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery. After residency, they should complete at least one year of fellowship education focused on spine care. Board certification also confirms that the surgeon meets established standards for education and clinical practice.

Beyond education, review the following factors to assess a surgeon’s experience, safety standards, and approach to patient care:

• Case Volume: Higher surgical volume is often associated with better outcomes and greater procedural experience.
• Technology Access: Surgeons at major academic centers often have access to advanced spine technology.
• Hospital Accreditation: Accredited hospitals follow strict safety and quality standards for spine procedures.
• Clear Communication: Your surgeon should clearly explain your diagnosis, treatment options, risks, and expected recovery.
• Medical Board Record: Check your state medical board for license status and any disciplinary history.

What Experience And Training Does Dr. Karèn Avanesov Have?

Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Karèn Avanesov, has more than 20 years of clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. Then, he completed an advanced spine fellowship at the internationally recognized Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

This specialized education prepared him to treat complex disorders such as spine tumors and deformities. He has extensive experience with complex spinal reconstruction for both adults and children. Moreover, he is affiliated with Mount Sinai South Nassau, a Castle Connolly Top Hospital. Dr. Karèn Avanesov also holds memberships in the following respected orthopedic and spine organizations:

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
• American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO)
• American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
• North American Spine Society (NASS)

Beyond these professional memberships, Dr. Karèn Avanesov is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He also holds an active New York medical license, which supports his practice as an orthopedic spine specialist in the state. Call 855-321-6784 to schedule an appointment with our top doctor for personalized spine care.

What Back And Neck Conditions Does A Surgeon Treat?

A spine surgeon treats herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease that can cause back or neck symptoms. They also treat spondylolisthesis, sciatica, and radiculopathy (pain that travels along an irritated nerve). For structural problems, they manage spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis (excessive forward spinal curve), and spinal fractures.

Here is how these conditions can affect your spine, nerves, and daily function:

1. Herniated Disc

If a spinal disc tears or weakens, its inner material can press against a nearby nerve. This disc herniation can cause back or neck pain that radiates into an arm or leg. You may also notice numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness along the affected nerve. A spine specialist can assess the nerve pressure and recommend treatment based on your symptoms.

2. Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows and reduces the space around nearby nerves. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs. The condition becomes more common with age as degenerative changes gradually narrow the spinal canal.

In fact, the Framingham Study found absolute lumbar spinal stenosis in 4% of adults under 40. The rate increased to 19.4% among adults ages 60 to 69. Researchers also found that people with absolute spinal stenosis had about three times greater odds of low back pain.

3. Spondylolisthesis

In spondylolisthesis, one vertebra slips forward over the bone below it. This shift can narrow the space around the nerves and reduce spinal stability. As a result, you may develop low back pain, leg symptoms, or difficulty with prolonged walking. Your surgeon can assess the degree of slippage and recommend care based on spinal stability and nerve pressure.

4. Sciatica And Radiculopathy

When a spinal nerve becomes compressed or irritated, symptoms can travel beyond your back or neck. Sciatica affects the sciatic nerve and often causes pain that travels from the lower back into the leg. Similarly, radiculopathy can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness along the affected nerve.

5. Spinal Deformities

In some cases, abnormal spinal curves can affect posture, balance, and daily movement. For example, scoliosis causes a sideways curve, while kyphosis causes an excessive forward curve in the upper spine. As the spinal deformity progresses, you may develop discomfort, limited mobility, or nerve symptoms. These changes can also affect your ability to walk, stand upright, or complete daily activities.

6. Spinal Fractures

A fall, accident, or other trauma can fracture one or more vertebrae in your spine. Some fractures cause localized pain, while unstable fractures can disrupt spinal alignment and place pressure on the spinal cord. This pressure can cause numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the affected area. Without treatment, an unstable fracture can worsen and increase the risk of spinal cord or nerve damage.

7. Degenerative Disc Disease

According to research published in Global Spine Journal, about 266 million people worldwide experience degenerative lumbar spine disease with low back pain each year. As spinal discs wear down, they can lose height and flexibility over time.

This change can place extra stress on nearby joints and nerves. As a result, you may develop persistent back or neck pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility. However, treatment depends on the extent of disc damage, your symptoms, and their effect on your daily activities.

Can Your Spine Condition Be Treated Without Surgery?

Yes, spinal conditions can improve without surgery, especially when symptoms are mild to moderate. Nonsurgical treatment options can relieve pain, restore movement, and improve daily function in many patients. These approaches can also reduce inflammation and improve support around the affected area. However, our spine surgeon, Dr. Karèn Avanesov, may recommend appropriate conservative care based on your diagnosis and specific symptoms.

Here are common nonsurgical treatment options that can reduce symptoms and support better spine function:

1. Rehabilitation Exercises

A structured exercise program can improve strength, flexibility, and spinal support. Your therapist selects specific exercises to strengthen the core and back muscles that support your spine. As these muscles become stronger, they can reduce stress on spinal joints and improve movement. Your program may also focus on posture and body mechanics (the way your body moves) to reduce strain during daily activities.

2. Medications

For mild to moderate symptoms, our spine specialist, Dr. Karèn Avanesov, may recommend medications to control discomfort and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medicines can reduce swelling around irritated joints or nerves. Muscle relaxants may reduce painful spasms, while nerve medications can address nerve-related symptoms. Your doctor selects medication based on your symptoms, medical history, and overall health.

3. Injection Therapy

If symptoms persist, targeted injections can deliver medication close to an irritated spinal nerve. Epidural steroid injections can reduce inflammation around compressed nerves and relieve pain. In fact, a Cochrane systematic review analyzed 25 clinical trials involving 2,470 participants with sciatica.

Researchers found that epidural corticosteroid injections reduced short-term leg pain by 4.93 points on a 0-to-100 scale compared with placebo. Disability also improved by 4.18 points on a 0-to-100 scale in the short term. Moreover, nerve blocks can target a specific nerve to reduce symptoms and identify the source of discomfort.

4. Lifestyle Modifications

Daily habits can reduce excess strain on your spine and support long-term function. Weight management can reduce pressure on the lower back, especially during walking. Better posture and ergonomic adjustments can also improve spinal alignment at work or home. These changes can support your treatment plan and reduce repeated stress on your spine.

5. Alternative Therapies

Some people use acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy alongside their main treatment plan. Acupuncture may reduce back discomfort, while massage can ease muscle tension. Chiropractic care may improve mobility for selected mechanical spine problems. In fact, a systematic review for the American College of Physicians found that acupuncture, massage, and spinal manipulation can reduce chronic low back pain. However, your physician should determine if these therapies are appropriate for your specific spinal condition.

When Do Surgeons Recommend Spine Surgery? 

Our surgeon, Dr. Karèn Avanesov, may recommend spine surgery when persistent symptoms limit your daily function despite nonsurgical care. He may also recommend surgery if you develop progressive weakness, nerve compression, or spinal instability.

Moreover, structural abnormalities that affect spinal alignment or nerve function may require surgical treatment. However, Dr. Karèn Avanesov evaluates risk factors, including your age and medical history, before recommending a procedure. He also reviews your symptoms, imaging results, and response to previous treatments to determine the most appropriate approach.

What Types Of Spine Surgery Do Surgeons Perform?

Surgeons often perform spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement to treat different spine problems. They may also use decompression surgery (laminectomy, microdiscectomy, and foraminotomy) and dynamic stabilization based on the affected spinal structure. However, your surgeon selects the appropriate procedure based on your specific diagnosis, such as:

1. Decompression Surgery

Decompression surgery reduces pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerve roots. Your surgeon selects a specific technique based on the location and cause of nerve compression. Common types of this procedure include:

• Laminectomy: Removes part of the lamina to create more space around compressed nerves.
• Microdiscectomy: Removes the part of a herniated disc that presses on a nerve root.
• Foraminotomy: Widens the nerve opening to reduce pressure on an affected nerve.

2. Spinal Fusion

If spinal instability causes painful or abnormal motion, spinal fusion can stabilize the affected vertebrae. The surgeon connects two or more vertebrae with a bone graft and hardware, such as screws and rods. Procedures such as ACDF and ALIF use different approaches to reach and stabilize the affected spinal level. Once the bones unite, the treated area gains greater stability.

3. Dynamic Stabilization

In selected cases, dynamic stabilization can control abnormal spinal motion without a rigid fusion. The surgeon uses flexible cords, spacers, or other devices to support the affected spinal level. These devices limit excessive movement while preserving some flexibility. This approach may be recommended for certain types of spinal instability, depending on your diagnosis.

4. Artificial Disc Replacement

If a damaged disc causes ongoing symptoms, artificial disc replacement can preserve motion at the affected spinal level. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial device. This device restores space between the vertebrae while allowing the treated area to move naturally.

Moreover, a five-year randomized trial in PubMed compared lumbar disc replacement with spinal fusion in 152 patients with chronic low back pain. At five years, 38% of patients who received disc replacement were pain-free, compared with 15% after fusion. Researchers also reported greater improvement in back pain after lumbar disc replacement.

5. Kyphoplasty And Vertebroplasty

For a fractured or collapsed vertebra, kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty can stabilize the damaged bone. Both procedures use medical-grade bone cement to strengthen the affected vertebra. Kyphoplasty also uses a small balloon to create space before the surgeon adds the cement. These procedures can reduce fracture-related pain and provide greater support to the weakened vertebra.

Does Dr. Karèn Avanesov Offer Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Yes, Dr. Karèn Avanesov specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgery. He uses these techniques for selected conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative conditions. Depending on your diagnosis, options may range from decompression to minimally invasive spinal fusion.

These minimally invasive techniques use smaller incisions and reduce disruption to nearby muscles and soft tissues. As a result, selected patients may experience less postoperative discomfort and recover faster than with traditional open surgery. However, Dr. Karèn Avanesov reviews your anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment goals to determine if this approach offers a safe option for your condition. Call 855-321-6784 to discuss minimally invasive procedure options.

What Is The Success Rate Of Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

Endoscopic spine surgery can achieve good outcomes in appropriately selected patients. In fact, a study published in Pain Physician followed 204 patients after transforaminal full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy. Researchers found that 83.8% achieved excellent or good outcomes, while patient satisfaction reached 94.1%. Average leg pain scores also decreased from 7.64 before treatment to 0.99 at five years. However, success rates can vary based on several factors, such as:

• Diagnosis: The type and extent of spinal damage.
• Procedure: The endoscopic technique used.
• Overall Health: Age and other medical conditions.
• Treatment Goals: The symptoms and function targeted.
• Outcome Measure: Pain relief, mobility, or patient satisfaction.

Do Patient Reviews Matter When Choosing the Best Surgeon?

Yes, patient reviews can provide useful information about a spine surgeon’s communication, accessibility, and overall patient care. They can also show whether the surgeon clearly explains imaging and treatment options. Beyond this, reviews may reveal patterns in wait times, office staff support, prescription refills, and post-operative communication. However, you should compare several reviews rather than rely on one experience. Repeated comments can give you a clearer view of the surgeon’s care and possible concerns.

Common Patient Scenarios

Spine conditions can affect patients differently depending on their symptoms, imaging findings, and how the condition changes over time. Here are some common situations patients may face when considering evaluation and treatment options:

I Have Nerve Symptoms, but I’m Not Sure What an MRI Can Show

An MRI can often show structural problems that may press on a spinal nerve, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. However, an abnormal MRI result does not always match symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Therefore, doctors compare the MRI results with your symptoms and physical exam to identify the affected nerve.

I Have Spinal Stenosis and Want to Know About Newer Treatment Options

Endoscopic spine surgery and the TOPS facet joint replacement system can treat spinal stenosis in selected patients. However, the appropriate treatment depends on the location of the narrowing, nerve pressure, and spinal stability. For some patients, nonsurgical care may reduce symptoms and avoid the need for surgery.

My Scoliosis Curve Has Progressed, and I’m Worried I May Need Surgery

Scoliosis surgery does not depend on the curve measurement alone. Surgeons may also consider curve progression, age, spinal balance, pain, nerve symptoms, and the effect on daily activities. Therefore, a spine evaluation can determine if the curve and other clinical factors support the need for surgery.

I Have Adult Scoliosis, but I’m Not Sure Which Type of Doctor I Need

An orthopedic spine surgeon or neurosurgeon who specializes in spinal deformities can treat adult scoliosis. A spine specialist can assess the curve, spinal balance, and related nerve symptoms through imaging and a physical exam. These findings can show the severity of the condition and guide the choice between nonsurgical care and surgery.

Visit Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine To Book An Appointment With Dr. Karèn Avanesov!

Back or neck pain can limit your mobility, work, exercise, and everyday activities. You may also worry about your diagnosis, treatment choices, and the time you need to recover. If symptoms persist, you need a specialized spine surgeon who can identify the source of your problem and guide you toward appropriate care.

At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Karèn Avanesov evaluates your symptoms and imaging, such as X-rays, to develop a personalized treatment plan. He also provides clear treatment guidance and recovery instructions based on your specific condition. Moreover, he provides second opinions to clarify and compare treatment options and support an informed treatment decision. Call 855-321-6784 or visit our clinic in Brooklyn for spine care.

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