Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Expert Evaluation and Surgical Treatment for Cervical and Lumbar Spine Conditions
Dr. Ramsis F. Ghaly, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in brain, spine, and peripheral nerve surgery with more than 40 years of surgical experience. He personally evaluates each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and imaging to determine whether surgery is appropriate.
Patient Education
Understanding Spine Surgery
Spine surgery includes a range of procedures used to treat conditions that affect the spinal cord, nerve roots, discs, and vertebrae.
Depending on the condition, symptoms may include persistent neck or back pain, pain traveling into an arm or leg, numbness, tingling, weakness, difficulty walking, or other neurological symptoms.
Conservative-First Philosophy: Spine surgery is not automatically necessary for every patient with back or neck pain. Many spinal conditions can initially be treated with non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy, medication, activity modification, or injections.
Before recommending surgery, Dr. Ghaly evaluates your symptoms, medical history, physical findings, and available MRI, CT, or X-ray imaging. If surgery can provide the most appropriate path toward relieving nerve compression, stabilizing the spine, or preventing further neurological problems, he will explain your surgical options and what you can expect.
Surgical Expertise
Spine Surgery Procedures
Targeted, specialized surgical interventions tailored to your exact diagnosis, anatomy, and neurological condition.
Cervical Laminectomy
A cervical laminectomy is a surgical procedure commonly used to treat cervical spinal stenosis and other conditions that cause compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots in the neck.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal becomes narrowed, potentially putting pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. During a cervical laminectomy, the lamina—the back portion of the vertebra—is removed to create additional space within the spinal canal.
The goal of relieving this pressure is to prevent further neurological deterioration and, when possible, allow for improvement or recovery of neurological function.
Lumbar Disc Surgery
Lumbar disc surgery may be recommended when a herniated disc compresses a nerve root and causes symptoms such as sciatica, leg pain, numbness, or weakness.
A herniated disc occurs when part of the disc material extends beyond its normal position and places pressure on a nearby nerve. When appropriate, a minimally invasive technique can be used through a small incision in the lower back.
Only the damaged or herniated portion is removed, while the remaining healthy disc tissue continues providing natural cushioning between vertebrae.
Spinal Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion may be used to treat certain conditions involving spinal instability, including some cases of spondylolisthesis (forward slippage of one vertebra over another).
During fusion, bone graft material is placed along the affected portion, often supported by titanium screws and rods to stabilize vertebrae while the bone graft heals and fuses over time.
The exact surgical technique depends strictly on the patient's specific diagnosis, anatomy, symptoms, and diagnostic imaging findings.
Advanced Technique
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
A More Targeted Approach When Appropriate
When a patient's condition and anatomy allow, Dr. Ghaly may use minimally invasive spine surgery techniques designed to access the affected area through smaller incisions with less disruption to surrounding tissues than traditional open approaches.
- Smaller surgical incisions
- Less disruption of surrounding tissue
- Reduced blood loss
- Less postoperative discomfort
- Potentially faster return to normal activities
Important Clinical Consideration
Minimally invasive surgery is not appropriate for every spinal condition or every patient. The safest surgical approach depends on the specific diagnosis, anatomy, severity of the condition, and other individual factors.
A detailed evaluation of your imaging and clinical history is necessary to determine which surgical approach is appropriate for your long-term health.
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Unmatched Clinical Excellence
Why Choose Dr. Ghaly for Spine Surgery?
Decades of specialized expertise, multi-specialty board certifications, and personalized patient advocacy.
40+ Years Experience
Dr. Ramsis F. Ghaly brings more than 40 years of surgical experience to the evaluation and treatment of complex neurological and spinal conditions.
Board Certified in 5 Specialties
- Neurological Surgery
- Anesthesiology
- Neurocritical Care
- Pain Management
- Independent Medical Examination
Personal Case Review
Dr. Ghaly personally reviews your medical history and available MRI, CT, and X-ray imaging, focusing on uncovering the underlying cause rather than masking symptoms.
Surgery Is Not Always First
Conservative options are rigorously explored first. When appropriate, non-surgical treatment is prioritized to determine if surgery is truly the right choice.
Second Opinions & Guidance
If you have already been told you need surgery, you do not have to make a decision without understanding your options. Dr. Ghaly offers comprehensive spine surgery consultations, medical second opinions, telehealth options, and medical records review.
Spine Consultations
Medical Second Opinions
Telehealth Available
Symptom Checklist
Signs You May Need a Spine Surgery Evaluation
Consider speaking with a spine specialist if you experience any of the following indications:
Persistent neck or back pain that has not improved with conservative treatment
Pain traveling from your back into your buttocks, legs, or feet
Pain traveling from your neck into your shoulders, arms, or hands
Numbness or tingling in an arm or leg
Weakness in the arms or legs
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance & coordination changes
Diagnosed herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis with persistent symptoms
Symptoms that continue or worsen despite non-surgical treatments
Surgical Expertise In Action
Dr. Ghaly Performing A Spinal Surgery
Decades of hands-on precision, advanced technique, and dedicated care in the operating theater.
Committed to optimal outcomes through advanced surgical precision.
Your Patient Journey
What to Expect During Your Consultation
A clear, structured 5-step pathway designed for clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Step 01
Schedule Consultation
Contact Dr. Ghaly's office to arrange an in-person, telehealth, or appropriate consultation.
01
Step 02
Provide Records & Imaging
Submit MRI, CT scans, X-rays, previous medical records, and treatment details.
02
Step 03
Personal Case Review
Dr. Ghaly reviews your medical history, symptoms, and imaging to diagnose the condition.
03
Step 04
Discuss Treatment Options
Explore surgical and non-surgical paths, procedure purpose, and suitability.
04
Step 05
Make Informed Decision
Gain full clarity to determine the safest and most appropriate next step for your health.
05
Patient Testimonials and Stories
What Our Patients Are Saying
To see in-depth daily patient stories, please follow Dr. Ghaly on Facebook.
You can also visit Ghalyneurosurgeon.com for even more case studies and patient stories
You Do Not Have to
Navigate This Alone
Please click the button to request an online appointment. You will be directed to the contact page of this website, where you can fill out a brief form and request an appointment with me.
Otherwise please call the numbers below.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
Common Inquiries
Frequently Asked Questions About Spine Surgery
Get clear answers to key questions regarding spine procedures and consultations.
What spine surgeries does Dr. Ghaly perform?
Dr. Ghaly performs a specialized range of targeted spine procedures, including minimally invasive techniques, cervical laminectomies, lumbar disc surgeries, and spinal fusion procedures tailored to each patient's specific diagnosis and anatomy.
Is spine surgery always necessary for back or neck pain?
No, spine surgery is not always necessary. Many conditions are initially managed with conservative treatments, non-surgical therapies, or physical management. Surgery is typically considered when conservative methods fail or when there is progressive neurological compromise.
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery utilizes advanced techniques to access the affected area through smaller incisions, resulting in less disruption to surrounding tissues, reduced blood loss, and a potentially faster return to normal activities compared to traditional open approaches.
How do I know if I need cervical or lumbar spine surgery?
Determining whether you need cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) surgery requires a comprehensive personal evaluation, review of your medical history, and detailed diagnostic imaging (such as MRI, CT scans, or X-rays) interpreted by Dr. Ghaly.
What should I bring to a spine surgery consultation?
You should bring your official medical records, detailed notes on your symptoms, treatment history, and physical copies or digital files of all relevant diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scans, and X-rays) for Dr. Ghaly to review.
Can I get a second opinion before having spine surgery?
Yes, seeking a second opinion is strongly encouraged and welcomed. It gives you full clarity and confidence to determine the safest and most appropriate next step for your long-term health and spinal condition.
Can I have a telehealth spine consultation?
Depending on your location and the specifics of your case, Dr. Ghaly's office can arrange an appropriate telehealth consultation to discuss your medical history and preliminary imaging before any in-person examination.
For Billing and Insurance Inquiry: HealthPCP
Phone: 708-532-6029 • Fax: 708-532-6095
Ghaly Neurosurgical Associates
Location
Fox Valley Office Commons
4260 Westbrook, Dr. Suite 127 Aurora, IL. 60504
Close to the Fox Valley Mall
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Phone: 630-978-6143
Phone: 630-578-7500
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