• Shortest Hospital Stays getting you back to life quickly.

  • Minimally Invasive Techniques for safer, speedier recovery.

  • Unmatched Patient Outcomes with remarkably low rates of complication.

  • Research-Driven Care transforming spinal health with innovation.

  • Comprehensive Spine Solutions from endoscopic procedures to full reconstructions.

  • Delivering Independence as fast as safely achievable.

Top Spine Surgeon in NYC Restoring Life & Function

True healing is about more than relieving pain—it’s about regaining mobility, independence, and the joy of living. At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, our NYC spine specialists take a holistic approach, offering the most effective, least invasive treatments at every stage of care to help you recover faster and get back to doing what you love.

Gerling Spinecare & Research Institute Overview

Patient Testimonials

  • “The best decision I’ve ever made.”

  • “Life-changing care, start to finish.”

  • “I can walk pain-free again.”

  • “Seamless surgery. Zero complications.”

  • “Pain-free for the first time in years.”

  • “He gave me my life back.”

  • “I was back to work in days.”

  • “He made the impossible, possible.”

  • “Trusted him completely—and I’m so glad.”

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Dr. Michael Gerling, MD

Dr. Michael Gerling

Decades of Mastery, Thousands of Lives Reclaimed

Board-Certified Spine Specialist

Certified in 2008 by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and recertified in 2018 to advance expertise.

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Pioneered Minimally Invasive Surgery

Among the first in the U.S. to perform endoscopic spinal decompressions and awake spinal fusions.

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Trained by Industry Legends

Guided by Henry Bohlman, a pioneer in spinal surgery, while training at Case Western Reserve University.

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Exceptionally Low Complication Rates

Known for precision and safety, delivering superior surgical outcomes with reduced risks and faster recoveries.

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Leader in Spine Research

Chair of Education at the Cervical Spine Research Society, shaping the future of spinal advancements worldwide.

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Decades of Transformative Results

More than 15 years of expertise, performing thousands of successful spine surgeries with lasting patient impact.

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Global Educator and Mentor

Dedicated to training international surgeons in cutting-edge spinal techniques, influencing the future of spine care.

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Dr. Michael Gerling, MD
Doctor credentials Medical Degree Institution
Doctor credentials Contributor through research publications
Doctor credentials Member
Doctor credentials Fellowship Institution
Doctor credentials Chairman of Education and Board Member
Doctor credentials Residency Institution
Doctor credentials Participant in global spine research
Doctor credentials Member and Contributor
Doctor credentials Board Certified since 2008
Doctor credentials Contributor
Doctor credentials Past President
Doctor credentials Contributor through research publications

Restorative Medicine

Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute pioneers spine care through innovative research, offering the most advanced, least invasive treatments.

Healing at the Cellular Level

Activates the body’s natural repair mechanisms to restore function and promote long-term healing.

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Avoid Surgery, Restore Naturally

Offers cutting-edge, non-surgical treatments that deliver exceptional results without traditional spinal procedures.

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Cutting-Edge Treatments That Work

Utilizes regenerative therapies like PRP and stem cells to accelerate healing and relieve pain.

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Repair Without Replacement

Focuses on treating the source of spinal conditions to restore movement and strength without major surgery.

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Revolutionizing Recovery

Speeds up healing, reduces downtime, and ensures lasting relief through evidence-based treatments.

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Thought Leadership

Curated Insights, Articles, and Talks From Some of the Best Spine Surgeons in NYC

Here’s what happens to your back and sleep if you snooze on the couch for more than two nights in a row (opens in a new tab)

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Ankylosing Spondylitis Surgery: What You Should Know (opens in a new tab)

Learn when and why you might need surgery for ankylosing spondylitis.

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Spine Industry Would Benefit from Simplification and Advancement (opens in a new tab)

Zorica Buser, Ph.D., started her talk at the Annual Meeting of the North American Spine Society (NASS) with an important disclosure: “I believe that orthobiologics matter.”

Podcast

The best pain-relieving creams 
of 2025, according to pain management experts (opens in a new tab)

We asked medical experts for their tips on choosing the best pain relieving creams, gels, roll-ons and rubs that help manage pain.

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Patient Testimonials

The staff are all professional, compassionate, and supportive from the moment I walked through the door.

After surgery, I was frequently contacted by Darielle to check on me and ease my concerns. Dr. Gerling is a masterful surgeon and deserves only good praises. I appreciate this experience and highly recommend!

Chris Lee

Having my fusion lumbar L4-5, S1 was the best decision I’ve made!

I am now 6 weeks post-op and feel great! I started walking 1 mile two weeks post-op and it took me 52 min. I am down to 19 min and feeling stronger every day. Dr. Gerling has...

Oscar Pellot

Dr. Gerling and his staff are amazing! Dr. Gerling has completely changed my life for the better.

After 2 major surgeries, I am currently on the mend and looking forward to finally being myself again! He and his staff are easy to talk to and unlike other places I have been, they really give 100% transparency and will do anything in their power to help you. Thank you for all that you have done for me. I will be forever grateful.

John Delutis

Perfect experience with no issues.

I also have better range of motion furthermore there was no need for me to take painkillers after the operation. Great job performed I recommend services to anyone needing it.

Ecem Akturk

I had my neck surgery back in November and I can already feel a difference in my everyday life.

The staff here is so sweet and has always made me feel comfortable too! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone with any kind of pain.

B Lop

Thank you Dr. Michael Gerling for doing the surgery! I was in need of cervical C5-6, you have done a remarkable job. Without this surgery, I wouldn’t be back on the workforce. The pain and numbness are gone.

Again, thanks for all you’ve done including going through detailed explanations on the MRI, CT-SCAN, X-ray, putting my doubt at ease. Also, thanks to your staff, they were greatly remarkable. SPECIAL THANKS and HUGS to your front desk staff as well.

Donna Milley

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Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Restoring Neck Stability and Relieving Nerve Pressure

Chronic neck pain and nerve compression can limit mobility and impact daily life. ACDF is a proven procedure that removes damaged discs to relieve pressure and restore spinal stability. Our NYC orthopedic spinal surgeons use advanced techniques to ensure precision, minimize disruption, and promote a smoother recovery. With expertise in both surgical and regenerative medicine, we provide comprehensive spine care designed to get you moving again - so you can return to work, family, and the activities you love.

Learn More About ACDF

Lumbar Fusions Strengthening the Spine for Lasting Relief

Degenerative disc disease and spinal instability can cause persistent lower back pain, making even simple movements difficult. Lumbar fusion stabilizes the spine, reducing pain and restoring function by fusing affected vertebrae. Our NYC spine doctors focus on minimally invasive techniques, reducing recovery time and ensuring a safer, more effective outcome. Whether you're struggling with chronic discomfort or recovering from an injury, we tailor your treatment to provide the best possible results—so you can get back to the activities that you love.

Learn More About Lumbar Fusions

Endoscopic Procedures Advanced, Minimally Invasive Relief

Endoscopic spine procedures offer a cutting-edge solution for those seeking relief without extensive surgery. Using state-of-the-art imaging and specialized instruments, we precisely target herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and nerve compression through the smallest possible incisions. This technique minimizes trauma, reduces post-procedure pain, and significantly shortens recovery time. Our expertise in both regenerative therapies and surgical innovation ensures that every treatment is tailored to your needs, helping you heal faster and return to your daily life sooner.

Learn More About Endoscopic Procedures

The Full Spectrum of Care

We offer comprehensive spine care that blends surgical expertise with regenerative innovation. Whether you need precise intervention or non-invasive healing, our personalized approach ensures optimal results with minimal disruption.

Surgical Procedures

Our orthopedic surgeons in NYC use advanced techniques to perform highly effective surgeries with the least impact on surrounding tissue—promoting stability, pain relief, and a quicker return to normal activities.

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Minimally Invasive Procedures

Utilizing the latest in surgical technology, we provide minimally invasive solutions that reduce downtime, limit complications, and deliver lasting relief for spinal conditions of all complexities.

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Regenerative

Harnessing breakthrough biologic treatments like PRP and stem cell therapy, we stimulate natural healing processes to repair spinal tissues and restore function.

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Our Locations

Gerling Spinecare & Research Institute consists of NY Orthopedics & Gerling Institute NJ. Two practices, one standard of excellence.

We're here to help you move forward.

Relief starts with quality orthopedic care. Contact us today to take the next step toward a more active, pain-free life.

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