Dallas Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)
ACDF is a surgical procedure used to treat neck and arm pain caused by pinched nerves and worn out discs in the neck. This surgery is performed from the front of the neck. The entire affected disc is removed and is replaced with a spacer that fuses two vertebrae together.
Cervical Disc
Arthroplasty
Cervical Disc Arthroplasty – also known as a cervical disc replacement, is a motion-preserving procedure used to treat neck and arm pain caused by herniated discs in the neck. The diseased disc is removed, relieving pressure off the nerve. A mobile spacer is then placed in the space, preserving mobility in the neck.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
ALIF is a surgical procedure used to treat lower back pain and leg pain caused by several different problems that can occur in the spine. An ALIF involves taking out the entire disc from the front of the spine and replacing the disc with a spacer that restores spinal alignment and relieves pressure off nerves.
Lumbar
Laminectomy
Lumbar laminectomy is a surgical procedure used treat back and leg pain caused by pinched nerves in the spine as well as pain caused by spinal stenosis. Lumbar laminectomy is a decompressive surgery - meaning the nerves are relieved from pressure. It is often described as a ``clean out procedure``.
Lateral Interbody
Fusion (LLIF)
LLIF is a procedure used to treat lower back and leg pain caused by several different problems that can occur in the spine, including worn out discs and spinal instability. LLIF involves removing the entire damaged disc and replacing it with a spacer. This restores spinal alignment and relieves pressure off nerves.
Posterior Cervical Decompression & Fusion (PCDF)
PCDF is used to treat neck and arm pain caused by degenerated discs, compression of nerves, and compression of the spinal cord. This surgery is performed from the back of the neck. It involves stabilizing the affected bones with hardware, and if necessary, relieving spinal compression.
Minimally Invasive Microdiscectomy
Minimally invasive microdiscectomy is a surgery used to treat back and leg pain caused by herniated discs in the lumbar spine that have not responded to conservative treatment. This outpatient procedure involves removing the small portion of the disc that has herniated, relieving pressure off the irritated nerve.
Navigated Spinal
Fusion
Navigated Spinal Fusion uses special navigation technology to ensure hardware is placed into the proper and safe location. It provides real-time feedback to the surgeon to show where the implants are in relation to the patient’s body. Navigation technology often allows for the surgery to be performed using minimally invasive techniques.
Dallas Orthopedic Spine Surgeon,
Michael R Wheeler MD
Dr Michael R Wheeler, MD is a committed, compassionate spine surgeon in Dallas who works closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan in order to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Patient Testimonials & Reviews
Today is the first day I have walked without pain in over a year. Dr. Wheeler was able to figure out the problem when a number of other Dr’s could not…
Vernice Wesley
Dr. Wheeler was very patient and very informative about my diagnosis. I appreciated the time he took and his straight-forward conversation ….
Lynda Transou
Dr.Wheeler and team was extremely intentional and thoughtful with my care. He took time to answer my questions and highlight non-invasive care options as a first line of defense ….
Sabrina Matthews
Dr. Wheeler is an exceptionally decent human being, a caring and competent physician, and an incredible surgeon….
Gabe Barna
Dr. Wheeler is an exceptional practitioner. He continuously demonstrates his knowledge, skills and thoughtful approach to my care. His responsiveness and patience in answering all my questions is particularly noteworthy.
Lashanna Farley
Dr. Michael Wheeler is an amazing doctor. He is very kind, reassuring and was very accommodating and understanding and explained everything very clearly to me and my mother. I was really unsure if I should do surgery or not but he made everything a very smooth process and I ended up getting surgery with him! He is also very upbeat and has great energy and made us feel very relaxed about a major decision like spine surgery. The doctors at Texas Institute for Surgery were all very kind and my surgery went really smoothly. I felt very comfortable and completely taken care of. I would highly recommend Dr. Wheeler and Texas Institute for Surgery.
Matangi Mahakali
Exceptional surgeon. Explains completely and accurately. Trusted completely.
George Hughes
Very knowledgeable and friendly. He took his time explaining what was going on with my back. He went over my options for recovery. He explained my choices in such a way that I understood. I recommend Dr. Wheeler to my friends.
Micki Smith
Dr. Wheeler is very thorough and takes the time to explain in a way you can understand.
Gary Ward
The staff is friendly and very helpful. Dr. Wheeler is wonderful! He’s thorough and answers all my questions. I have and will continue to refer friends and family to him!
Shannon Alsobrook
Today is the first day I have walked without pain in over a year. Dr. Wheeler was able to figure out the problem when a number of other Dr’s could not. He was honest about what he could and could not do and worked to find a solution to my pain. He also has a wonderful way of interacting with patients. He immediately puts you at ease as does his nurse. She was efficient and knowledgeable.
Vernice Wesley
Dr. Wheeler is an exceptionally decent human being, a caring and competent physician, and an incredible surgeon. He analyzed my years-long leg pain, carefully explained my spinal problem, and gave me the specifics of a surgical solution. The surgery went well, with no surgical pain afterwards. The nerve pain that was limiting my mobility was eliminated by the surgery, and my mobility has been restored!
Gabe Barna
Excellent communication skills. Sets a path to recovery while concurrently involving the patient’s input.
James Richardson
Dr Wheeler and staff treated me in a friendly and professional matter every visit. But most importantly, Dr Wheeler gave my case his undivided attention and refused to give up when a diagnosis was not immediately evident. His persistence and willingness to think unconventionally resulted in a very successful outcome. He saw what other doctors had missed. Because of him, I can once again look to the future optimistically. Instead of shopping for a walker, I’ll be buying new jogging shoes!
Geoff C.
Typical Back & Neck Conditions
Treated by Dr Michael R Wheeler, MD
Cervical Disc
Herniation
Cervical disc herniation occurs when the inner contents of a disc in the neck ruptures outwards. The ruptured disc material puts pressure on the nerves that are exiting the spine. This often presents as severe neck pain, neck muscle spasm, and/or significant pain in the arm. Patients often notice weakness, numbness, or tingling on the side of the herniated disc.
Cervical
Myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy is a condition caused by compression of the spinal cord in the neck. Patients often experience neck pain, numbness or weakness in their arms, and fine motor difficulty in their hands and fingers. Cervical myelopathy can also cause problems with balance, and when severe, problems with control of bowel or bladder function.<br>
Cervical Radiculopathy(Shoulder / Arm Pain)
Cervical radiculopathy refers to the discomfort caused by a pinched nerve in the neck. Both acute disc herniation and long-term wear and tear / disc collapse can cause cervical radiculopathy. Patients will often feel pain along the shoulder blade that may radiate down the arm(s). Other symptoms associated with cervical radiculopathy include weakness, numbness, or tingling on the affected side.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition in which the narrowed spinal canal puts external pressure on the nerves of the lumbar spine. A combination of degenerated discs, worn out facet joints, and thickened ligament contribute to the compression. Spinal stenosis typically presents as back pain and/or leg pain that is worse with physical activity (standing / walking) and improves with rest.
Lumbar Disc Herniation
Lumbar disc herniation occurs when the inner contents of the disc of the lumbar spine ruptures outwards. When this occurs in the lower back, the ruptured disc material puts pressure on the nerves that are leaving the spine to the legs. This often presents as severe back pain, back spasm, with or without radiating pain down the leg. Patients may notice weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg.
Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolistheis (sliding spine) refers to spinal instability that occurs when one vertebrae develops extra motion compared to the vertebrae below it. The abnormal motion between the bones results in accelerated wear of the disc. The worn-out disc and resulting instability causes severe back pain. Additionally, the nerve caught between the sliding spine causes radiating pain through the hip and leg.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Adult scoliosis has many causes and is a common cause of back pain. As the spine goes through natural wear and tear process, it sometimes does this asymmetrically, leading to abnormal curvature. This can lead to problems with posture, balance, and performing activities of daily living.
Compression Fractures
Compression fractures are a common cause of acute and chronic back pain. The most common type is an osteoporotic compression fracture, in which the weakened bone the collapses on itself. Compression fractures are commonly caused by ground level falls in the elderly. They are a sign of osteoporosis and warrant treatment with bone strengthening medications.
Neck or Back Pain
Although some causes of neck and back pain are structural, meaning there is an identifiable problem, many sources of neck or back pain do not have an easily identifiable cause. Overuse, muscle strain, poor posture, or other conditions can lead to severe pain in the neck or back. By using a combination of non-surgical techniques, both neck and back pain can be managed effectively.
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