Dr. Tobler was very helpful and very kind. He is very knowledgeable, confident and all in all a sweet person!
I was so lucky to have him as my surgeon!

Submitted May 8, 2024

I found Dr Tobler by recommendation from a friend that knows him. when he is in the room with you it is like you are his only patient. DrTobler has always been kind, patient and an expert professional. He explains thing very clearly and is always confident. I would see him again if I ever have a back problem again. I would recommend him to everyone that I know. Especially to my family !!

Submitted Feb. 24, 2021

I was a patient of Dr. Tobler in 2006 (spinal fusion L5 S1) and in 2020 (Jan: spinal fusion L4 L5 and Nov: spinal fusion L2L3 and L3L4). Beginning with my first appointment in 2006, Dr. Tobler has always been kind, patient and an expert professional. At this writing, I am in PT and will see him in early Feb 2021 for my "final release" appointment. He never disappoints. During my appointments it is as though I am his only patient. He is focused, conversant, and friendly. Yes, he may have a heavy case load and he and his assistant(s) work long hours but he will make time to see that those who need help get help. I have other family members who have, coincidentally, availed themselves of his services. Each and every one of us hold Dr. Tobler in the highest regard and have stated that we would not feel as great as we do if we hadn't agreed to have Dr. Tobler perform the surgery we needed. Thank you, Dr. Tobler! Carry on! God bless!

M.K. Durham

Submitted Jan. 11, 2021

Performed emergency cervical spine surgery incerting a titanium rod and screws connecting L2 and L7 and basically keeping my head on my shoulders and straightening my spine and eliminating my arm and hand pain and numbness. I would never allow any other surgeon to touch my back and neck. Wonderful bedside manner great staff. Thank you Dr. Tobler.

Submitted Aug. 15, 2020

I am a 68 year old female who has suffered from neck pain since my mid twenties. I started seeing orthopedic surgeons at that time. Even in the early stages of the condition it seem like the doctors just could not figure it out. As the years passed I did everything I could to try to stay out of pain without taking drugs. The only thing that seemed to help was movement. But as I got older I couldn't keep it under control. Every doctor I saw said they wouldn't touch it, to keep on doing what I've been doing. But it kept getting worse, to the point I felt like the bones were coming through my neck. I was introduced to Dr. Tobler In November of 2019 I immediately felt very comfortable, more than any Doctor I've ever seen. He actually takes the time and listens to what you have to say. I was so hoping he could help me. After reviewing the MRI and scans he said he could but it would be a big undertaking. He made certain that I understood that, to be sure I was ready for the surgery. I was ready for it. December 13th he rebuild my whole neck C2 thru C7 he had to go in from the front and the back of my neck. It was hard to deal with at first, but with the help of the physical therapists at Mayfield I am doing so much better and healing faster than I thought I would. It's only been 3 1/2 months. The severe headaches that I had everyday are now gone. I am so thankful that I found such a competent Doctor to help me. I feel like I can hold my head up straight again. I have recently weaned myself off the neck brace and feeling good. Thank you Dr. Tobler your the best.

Joyce Keyes

Submitted March 27, 2020

I had a great experience with Mayfield clinic and Dr. Tobler, and the surgery he performed.

As an active but non-young guy, I have certainly had some painful back sprains and some mild sciata over the years, and had been occasionally seeing a doc at one of the local sports medicine places, who put me on ibuprofen and gabapentin. (After googling gabapentin, I chose not to take that stuff.)

In August 2018 at age 63, I helped lift a big old 35" tube TV, and my life changed. It was immediate, disabling, pain- like nothing I had ever experienced, and I had to walk bending forward just so I didn't scream. I knew something serious had happened, this wasn't just a sprain. Fortunately, I had a few percocets from an old shoulder surgery, which helped a bit. I called my doc at the sports medicine place, who despite my protests, insisted it was just a sprain and I should increase my current meds and it would resolve itself.

After a month, nothing had changed. Incredible pain all the time. It hurt to walk, it hurt to sit, it hurt to lie down. I realized I needed to try a different path. I called two friends that had had serious back issues and asked who they would recommend. Both said simply "Tobler at Mayfield."

(In the midst of all this I had my first bouts of unrelated Atrial Fibrillation and also discovered a lump in my chest -later removed and found to be benign- so at the time it really seemed like maybe somebody was trying to tell me my number was up!)

I made an appointment with Tobler's assistant, who scheduled an x-ray, and subsequently an MRI, which I had done at Proscan Saturday Sept 22. Three days later on Sept 25 I had another appointment, and this time I met with the assistant and then met Dr. Tobler, who had reviewed my MRI. He said I had a severely herniated disc and needed surgery asap. We scheduled the surgery for the following Monday, October 1st.

When I woke up after the surgery, the pain was gone. Totally gone. I'd put it in the miracle category. In fact, I felt so good, I kind of overdid it over the next few days, and then I did have some soreness for a couple weeks. But it all went away.

It's now over a year later. Some mornings my back is stiff when I wake up, until I walk around a bit. Sometimes I lean back on a heating pad while I have my first cup of coffee, that also loosens me up.

But mostly, I don't think about my back. I walk my dog about an hour a day. I've been on multiple hikes in North Carolina of 3 to 4 hours. I've ridden my motorcycle and my mountain bicycle on gravel roads and trails. (Of course, I am very careful not to lift heavy things!)

I'm sure it also doesn't hurt that I finally went from 210 to 185, using the 5-2 fasting diet. Trying to get down to 170.

Bottom line, Dr. Tobler changed my life, and maybe even saved it. I hope you have the same experience.

Submitted Jan. 7, 2020

My experience with Dr. William Tobler from the very beginning has been wonderful. He’s a very compassionate and caring doctor. During my first visit to his office in Cincinnati, OH, he immediately diagnosed the condition of my back and nerve pain and realized how serious the condition was. Rather than wait three months for surgery, he rearranged his schedule to perform surgery within 9 days. His staff was very helpful in finding a doctor to do a complete physical in preparation for the surgery as I live in Nashville, TN. The timing was crucial for my medical condition. If I would have continued without surgery, I would have been in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. My disks were shot and unstable. He fused L4, L5, and S1 and completely rebuilt my spine. The surgery was very successful, no complications, and now I can walk straight. I am extremely grateful for all that Dr. Tobler has done.
-Norma Sparks

Submitted April 23, 2019

Dr. Tobler has performed three surgeries on me with no complications. My first surgery was a cervical disc with no fusion in 1996/7. I wore a neck brace with some discomfort, but the outcome was great. My second surgery was a fusion of my L3/4 and L5/S1 in about 20011/12. He had mentioned that because there was a space between my L3/4 and L5/S1, that eventually I may need to have the L4/5 addressed. This was a longer recovery but I did everything the rehab trainers advised me to do. Within a year, I felt like I never had surgery and did great. My mobility was great and no pain. In May 2018, I had my third surgery which was more intense. I had pain in my lumbar region which was radiating down my leg. Dr. Tobler fused the L2/3 and L4/5. He also inserted 2 rods with several screws and spacers. This was a tougher recovery, but it’s now January 2019 and I’m finally beginning to feel like myself again. Rehab and doing what they say is crucial to a successful recovery. I know that by my one year mark in May, that I’ll be even better. Dr. Tobler has always been professional, patient, kind and a good listener. I cannot speak highly enough of him.

Submitted Jan. 4, 2019

Dr. Tobler's technical skills are exceptional, as I would expect of any neurosurgeon associated with this world class practice. More importantly, he demonstrates a genuine interest in his patients as individuals, whose lives and ambitions have been impacted by their neurological problems. As others have said, he spends time listening and extracting the human story of his patients as few other physicians seem to do. Although I have occasionally waited for some time after our scheduled appointments, I don't mind: I know that he is investing quality time with another patient, as I have experienced him invest with me. His staff is experienced, thoughtful, and thorough. My husband and I feel blessed by both his compassion and expertise

Submitted Nov. 28, 2018

Dr. Tolber is one of the most professional physicians I’ve met. He is a great listener, asks the right questions and is genuinely concerned about his patient’s well-being. I had little to no wait time when I visited the Mayfield Clinic to see Dr. Tolber. The receptionists were friendly and answered any questions I had with a good attitude. I was suffering from a bad neck and arm pain. After this visit and the treatment, I was better in no time. I’m very pleased with my surgery and outcome. I would highly recommend Dr. Toldber!!

Submitted Oct. 24, 2018