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  • Shortest Hospital Stays so you can return to life in West Orange sooner.

  • Minimally Invasive Techniques delivering safer care with less downtime.

  • Unmatched Patient Outcomes with exceptionally low complication rates.

  • Research-Driven Care advancing the science of spine care—locally.

  • Comprehensive Spine Solutions from endoscopy to full spinal reconstruction.

  • Delivering Independence with care that moves at your life’s pace.

Visit the Gerling Institute for Expert Care and Innovative Treatments

West Orange

443 Northfield Ave, Suite 203
West Orange, NJ 07052

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(201) 201-7246  (PAIN)
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Hours:

9 AM–5 PM Monday - Friday  
Closed - Saturday & Sunday 

Top Spine Surgeon in West Orange, NJ Restoring Life & Function

At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, we believe great care means more than just expertise—it means compassion, convenience, and lasting results. Serving West Orange and surrounding Essex County, we provide the most effective, least invasive spine care options available. Whether you’re focused on work, family, or simply getting your freedom of movement back, we’re here to help you heal—and thrive.

Gerling Spine Care & 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 Experience, Thousands of Lives Changed

Learn More About Dr. Gerling Watch: Meet Dr. Gerling

Board-Certified Spine Specialist

Certified since 2008 by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery; recertified for continued mastery in 2018.

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Pioneered Minimally Invasive Surgery

A national leader in awake spinal fusion and advanced endoscopic techniques.

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Trained by Industry Legends

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

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Exceptionally Low Complication Rates

Renowned for surgical precision and safety, with a focus on quicker recoveries and long-term outcomes.

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Leader in Spine Research

Chair of Education at the Cervical Spine Research Society, helping define the future of spinal care.

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Decades of Transformative Results

Over 15 years of specialized experience in spine surgery, helping patients regain control over their lives.

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Global Educator and Mentor

Teaches the next generation of spine surgeons worldwide while delivering expert care right here in New Jersey.

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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

At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, we offer regenerative treatments that prioritize natural healing—reducing pain, accelerating recovery, and often eliminating the need for surgery.

The Miracle of Restorative Medicine

Healing at the Cellular Level

Biologic therapies such as PRP and stem cells help your body repair itself by targeting damaged spinal tissues.

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Avoid Surgery, Restore Naturally

For many patients, these non-invasive approaches can fully resolve symptoms—no scalpel required.

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Cutting-Edge Treatments That Work

We offer evidence-based biologics that promote healing, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the spine.

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Repair Without Replacement

When possible, we help restore your spine’s natural structure and function—without implants or fusion.

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Revolutionizing Recovery

Science-backed innovation meets personal care so you can recover faster, feel better longer, and get back to living.

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Thought Leadership

Insights, Education, and Expertise From West Orange’s Trusted Spine Specialists

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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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Conditions Treated From Pain to Possibility

Neck

View All Neck Conditions

Back

View All Back Conditions
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Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Relieving Nerve Pressure, Restoring Stability to Your Neck

If you’re dealing with radiating neck pain, weakness, or nerve compression, ACDF may offer the relief and spinal stability you need. Our West Orange spine surgeons use a minimally invasive approach that removes pressure on nerves and restores alignment—so you can return to your regular routine with clarity and comfort.

Learn More About ACDF

Conditions treated by ACDF: Herniated Discs Degenerative Disc Disease Spinal Stenosis Cervical Myelopathy
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Lumbar Fusions Building a Stronger Foundation for Your Spine

Lower back pain from spinal instability or degeneration can disrupt every part of your day. Lumbar fusion reinforces weakened vertebrae, relieving pain and restoring mobility. Our minimally invasive approach allows you to heal faster with fewer complications—so you can return to life with strength and stability.

Learn More About Lumbar Fusions

Conditions treated by lumbar fusions: Degenerative Disc Disease Herniated Discs Spinal Stenosis Spondylolisthesis Spinal Fractures
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Endoscopic Procedures Precision Treatment With Minimal Downtime

Endoscopic spine surgery offers life-changing results with a fraction of the downtime. By using micro-incisions and real-time imaging, we address issues like spinal stenosis and herniated discs with less trauma, faster healing, and greater precision. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and clinical excellence for West Orange patients.

Learn More About Endoscopic Procedures

Endoscopic procedures include: Lumbar Discectomy Lumbar Fusions Laminectomy Spinal Stenosis Surgery SI Joint Fusion

The Full Spectrum of Care

From personalized diagnostics to world-class procedures, we offer complete spine care designed to meet the needs of West Orange residents with excellence, compassion, and convenience.

Surgical Procedures

Our board-certified team performs advanced spine surgeries with a focus on restoring motion, relieving pain, and getting you back to the life you love.

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Minimally Invasive Procedures

Smaller incisions. Shorter recovery. Real results. Our minimally invasive solutions fit seamlessly into your routine.

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Regenerative

From PRP to stem cell therapy, we support your body’s healing potential—offering non-surgical relief with long-lasting benefits.

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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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