My name is Jeff. I am 58 years old, in excellent health, a father, husband, business leader, and up until 3 yrs ago was extremely active. My life changed when I hit a rock surfing in Mexico. My injury caused intense crippling pain in the right leg. I thought I damaged my hip but, after months of rehab we found that the pain was caused by a bulging disc hitting the sciatic nerve. At times the pain was so intense that I could not walk, sit or move for weeks at a time. My only option was pain meds (I despise pain meds!), the couch and full time care. I have spent the last three years in and out of different Doctors offices. I have had multiple epidurals, MRI’s and rehab programs. I've tried Rolfing, traction and even some eastern meditation to eliminate the pain. Each of the treatments gave me temporary to zero relief. I needed help but had no idea where to turn. After asking around I got a couple of names and started researching the who’s who of back doctors. I chose Dr Michael Burdi based on web based reviews, word of mouth and convenience. I was hoping that I had the right Doc but who knows…

My first surgery was a discectomy. Dr Burdi performed a successful surgery, unfortunately, I had a reherniation months later and was again out of commission. Based on my situation and the condition of my disc, Dr Burdi suggested a fusion of the L4 L5 vertebrae in lue of a second discectomy. I was extremely nervous about such an invasive surgery. Would I surf again, could I travel for work or continue to drive and restore my vintage cars? Would I be able to spend quality time with my wife and kids? One of my jobs is Business coach and I believe that people in any profession should strive to be the best. They should be confident but not cocky and a master of their craft. How was I going to figure out if Dr Burdi had what I was looking for? I was overwhelmed and unsure of what I should do. At a crossroads, I stepped back from the situation and I did what I do when I am interviewing business partners or doing deals. I based my decision on character and grit. Simply put I asked myself, “is my teammate or future teammate in it to win it?”

Three days before the surgery we met for our final pre op meeting and Dr Burdi could see the fear in my eyes. He knew how uncertain I was about moving forward with surgery. He knew what I'd been through and where I was heading without surgery. He gave me a very empathetic look and said in the most humble and confident way,” Jeff, I’ve got this… I am REALLY good at what I do. You’ll be fine.” Maybe it was the tone of his voice or the look in his eyes, I’m not sure but, at that moment I knew I had the right surgical team. He and his medical assistant Tyler had performed hundreds of these surgeries and with a high degree of success. They were the right choice and they had the track record to prove it. The surgery went well. Post op I had no need for pain meds and I started walking unassisted day two. I’m only a few weeks post surgery but things are looking up. I am walking, sitting, driving, working and going to PT. I am so thankful for their hard work and sticking with me through a very dark uncertain time. I highly recommend Dr Burdi and his PA Tyler Waldron. They are truly masters of their craft!

Submitted April 16, 2024

I had Spondylolisthesis in L4-5 and got the spinal fusion on 9/1/23. Recovery has been great. The first month I mostly laid down and circled the living room many times a day. I learned that the ice machine, back brace and not going too fast could (with the medications) keep me comfortable. Sitting up for 6 straight hour was the first time I over did. This would be a theme of my recovery taking on more than I should then resting. I am now more than 4 months post surgery and can do more than I could before. The sciatica and cramping that drove me seek treatment are long gone. I can still over do but I am not to the magic 6 month mark and so expect to continue to improve.

Be aware that he is a bully about losing weight. He clearly doesn't understand that move more eat less is unenlightened even after I explained that I had done this many times and could not sustain it. He had me in tears over it repeatedly. In the end I didn't lose weight he operated, I recovered beautifully.

Submitted Jan. 16, 2024

In 2006 I collapsed two discs in my neck and lost the use of my arms. Dr Burdi performed a cervical fusion of C - 4, 5, and 6. It was an immediate success with about a year recovery time. Its now been 17 years of a very full life! I haven't even thought about it in years. I saw him the other day and reminded him how grateful I am for what he did for me!

Submitted Oct. 11, 2023

Michael Burdi, M.D., did an excellent job for me in August 2022 on an L4-5 fusion of my low back. It had bothered me off and on for more than 5 years and a recent flare-up was much worse with burning nerve pain in my left buttock and radiating leg pain which was often excruciating and just would not subside with medication and physical therapy (“P.T.”). I couldn’t sleep and just getting out of bed in morning was and agony. Each day became a physical burden and it was getting worse.
Other orthopedists had tried to help me with some P.T. and meds. Dr. Burdi was the surgeon who finally took charge and recommended an MRI that showed very severe narrowing of the spinal canal. After considering alternate remedies, which I was reluctant to pursue, Dr. Burdi recommended surgery and I immediately agreed. Now I wish I had consulted him earlier. I could have saved myself a lot of misery. It is very likely that I would have had the MRI and surgery months, or even years sooner.
After the early morning surgery, when I awoke in recovery at Mission Hospital (the nurses there were great, I certainly had the ‘varsity’ team) the leg and buttock pain, all of it, was gone. The minor discomfort at the incision site was nothing and I was back home the afternoon after the surgery. I was walking around the house the day after surgery and walking outside within a few days. Within 2 weeks I was taking only Tylenol as needed for discomfort, and within 3 weeks of the surgery I was taking no pain medication at all. Now 2 months post-surgery I am pain free, still strengthening my core with P.T. and am very grateful for Mike Burdi, M.D., and his skill and professionalism. He and his excellent Physician Assistant Tyler Waldron answered all my questions, allayed my considerable fears about “back surgery” and deserve high praise indeed for the medical skill demonstrated. I only wish I had consulted them 6 months sooner. My surgery for my condition has had an excellent result and experience and I am very grateful.

Submitted Oct. 9, 2022

Nine months ago I had very successful lower back surgery performed by Dr. Michael Burdi with assistance from PA Tyler Waldron. I feel extremely fortunate that my chiropractor, after multiple treatments failed to resolve severe pain/numbness/tingling down my right leg, referred me for an MRI and then to Dr. Burdi.
The staff at Dr. Burdi’s office were friendly, professional and very prompt in managing my care. Dr. Burdi provided a clear diagnosis (L4-L5 spinal stenosis and synovial cyst) and explanation of the factors causing my symptoms and was very direct in outlining treatment options and his recommendations. At every visit prior to surgery, he took the time to review my X-Ray and MRI results to ensure I had a clear memory and understanding of my specific situation. We agreed on first treating with spinal steroid injections, even though Dr. Burdi was clear that he felt long-term improvement via this technique had a low probability in my case. After the injections proved to provide only partial and temporary reduction in pain, I made the difficult decision to go ahead with back surgery. Honestly, the decision was not easy but it would have been much harder if Dr. Burdi had not been so clear and direct during my appointments. When he explained the specifics of my spine, bone conditions, etc. he was able to build my confidence in the surgical procedures (laminectomy, cyst removal and spinal fusion), his experience/expertise and his expectations for a positive result.
Surgery went smoothly and I was on my feet, the pain down my right leg was gone and I was released from the hospital the next day! The first week or two (as Dr. Burdi warned me) were quite painful but after that the pain reduced quite quickly. I have not taken any pain reliever (really …….none!) specifically for back pain in many months. At 6 months progress was sufficient that they removed all remaining activity restrictions (other than contact sports – LOL).
I hope that this review will encourage you to not let fear of surgery hold you back. Find out what is causing your specific back issues, get an MRI if appropriate, get treatment and seriously consider surgery if appropriate for your situation. Without reservation I can recommend Dr. Burdi, Tyler Waldron and the entire staff at Community Orthopedic Medical Group. They can and will guide and help you through what seems like a daunting medical/physical challenge!

Submitted June 8, 2022

I've been dealing with back issues for over 10 years, mainly sciatica, I've done epidurals with several doctors. I was referred to Dr. Burdi and we tried to do all we could to avoid surgery. End result was surgery of my lower back L3-5. The moment I woke from surgery there was zero pain or numbness in my sciatica and left leg that was at a point that kept me from day to day responsibilities. Now , two weeks out I'm amazed at the relief he has brought me. Zero pain and zero pain meds. Dr. Burdi is an Expert in his field and I could not be more please with the out come.

Submitted April 22, 2022

Dr. Burdi is an excellent spinal surgeon who diagnosed and repaired a painful lumbar stenotic condition for me. After trying less invasive treatments, a laminectomy and fusion surgery solved my problem. I am very grateful to him and his excellent staff.

Submitted Feb. 19, 2022

Dr. Burdi came highly recommend by friends. After meeting with Dr. Burdi and PAC Tyler. I was diagnosed with a cyst between between my L4/5. Surgery removing the cyst and fusion of the L4/5 was completed. I am completely free of the pain I had previously. Dr. Burdi and his staff did an excellent job in keeping me informed during this procedure. I highly recommend this very professional group.

Submitted June 30, 2021

I would highly recommend Dr. Michael Burdi. He performed a laminectomy, fusion surgery to relieve me of lumbar stenosis. The staff was exceptional and kept me informed throughout the process. Dr Burdi and Dr Tyler were very kind, extremely knowledgeable and knew exactly what they were doing. They did an excellent job in managing my pain throughout, which really wasn't that bad. It's now been 11 weeks since my surgery and all the pain in my legs are gone. I've been going to therapy for 4 weeks and am beginning to feel great! I am so grateful to Dr Burdi and his staff for the incredible job they've done to resolve my lumbar stenosis.

Submitted March 4, 2021

I highly recommend Dr Burdi & his team. I had a successful Lumbar Fusion L4/5 6 months ago at age 71. It is amazing to be free of a chronic back issue that I had been experiencing for years. From start to finish, Dr Burdi, Tyler & his professional team made the whole experience as pleasant as possible. They are truly all wonderful. Thank you all!

Submitted Aug. 26, 2020