Michael Pompliano, M.D.
Spine care built around the life you want back.
Fellowship-trained spine surgeon. Conservative when possible. Precise when it counts.
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Fellowship-trained spine surgeon. Conservative when possible. Precise when it counts.
Request Consultation
Dr. Michael Pompliano is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon specializing in disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine — from everyday neck and back pain, herniated discs, and sciatica to complex reconstruction — using the latest technology and minimally invasive, motion-sparing techniques, including artificial disc replacement. The goal of every treatment plan: a quicker recovery and an earlier return to work and the activity level you had before.
Most patients he evaluates are treated without an operation. Surgery is recommended only when it clearly improves stability, function, or quality of life.
If you're living with neck or back pain, you don't need to know whether you need surgery — that's his job to figure out. He frequently sees patients who have already been told they need an operation, confirming the right path forward or identifying effective non-operative alternatives.
Dr. Pompliano is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon focused exclusively on disorders of the spine. He completed his spine surgery fellowship at the San Diego Spine Foundation at Scripps Memorial Hospital in San Diego, California — one of the nation's leading spine centers — and his orthopedic surgery residency at Seton Hall University / St. Joseph's University Medical Center, where he served as chief resident. His clinical expertise spans minimally invasive techniques, motion-sparing artificial disc replacement, and complex reconstructive and revision procedures.
He is also an active, award-winning researcher — author of numerous peer-reviewed publications and research presented at national and international meetings, including the North American Spine Society Annual Meeting and the Global Spine Congress, and recipient of the Thornburg Award for Excellence in Research in a Surgical Field.
A graduate of Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Dr. Pompliano returns home to Missouri with his wife — a St. Louis native — and their four young children. Whether your neck or back pain calls for therapy, injections, or surgery, the objective is the same: lasting functional recovery — a return to work, movement, and the activities that matter most.
"Most neck and back pain doesn't need surgery. My job is to know — with precision — when yours does, and to get it right when it does."— Michael Pompliano, M.D.
"Dr. Pompliano listens and connects with his patients. He answers all questions and concerns with patience and compassion, and never rushes through the visit. I feel he truly has my best interests at heart."
"If I could give him more than five stars, I would. He took great care of me — I feel like a brand new man since my back surgery. Recovery was hard, but it was worth it."
"When I first saw Dr. Pompliano I was scared and indecisive — I'm not a doctor person. But after a few visits and a painless back fusion, I'm a believer. I'll keep telling people how wonderful he is."
"Excellent bedside manner — he listens carefully and I never felt rushed. My surgery went perfectly. I'd recommend him to anyone needing cervical spine surgery."
"I had a lumbar fusion with decompression. Dr. Pompliano answers all your questions and makes you feel comfortable. Before surgery I could barely walk — now I'm walking again, and I'm so thankful."
"Dr. Pompliano and his staff are caring and compassionate. Knowledgeable and thorough. Highly recommend."
"Dr. Pompliano listens and connects with his patients. He answers all questions and concerns with patience and compassion, and never rushes through the visit. I feel he truly has my best interests at heart."
"If I could give him more than five stars, I would. He took great care of me — I feel like a brand new man since my back surgery. Recovery was hard, but it was worth it."
"When I first saw Dr. Pompliano I was scared and indecisive — I'm not a doctor person. But after a few visits and a painless back fusion, I'm a believer. I'll keep telling people how wonderful I think he is."
"Excellent bedside manner — he listens carefully and I never felt rushed. My surgery went perfectly. I'd recommend him to anyone needing cervical spine surgery."
"I had a lumbar fusion with decompression. Dr. Pompliano answers all your questions and makes you feel comfortable. Before surgery I could barely walk — now I'm walking again, and I'm so thankful."
"Dr. Pompliano and his staff are caring and compassionate. Knowledgeable and thorough. Highly recommend."
Dr. Pompliano accepts workers' compensation and personal injury cases. Spine injuries from workplace accidents and motor vehicle collisions deserve the same careful, conservative-first evaluation as any other condition — along with the thorough documentation and timely communication these cases depend on.
The clinical priority never changes: an accurate diagnosis, an honest treatment plan, and a recovery focused on returning you to work and the life you had before the injury.
If you or your client has a work-related or accident-related spine injury — or a claim requiring an independent examination or record review — contact the practice.
Contact the PracticeStart with an evaluation, not an operation. Fellowship-trained. Conservative when possible. Precise when it counts.
Request Consultation Prefer email? contact@pomplianospine.com