Ryan Andrew Finkel, MD Spine Surgery in Clark, NJ

Ryan A. Finkel, M.D., is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the neck and back—from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and complex spinal disorders. He cares for patients across the full spectrum, always beginning with non-surgical and conservative management whenever possible and turning to surgery only when it offers the clearest path to durable relief.

A former college football player at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Finkel understands firsthand how central an active lifestyle is to overall health and quality of life. That perspective shapes his approach to every patient: his goal is not simply to relieve pain, but to restore the strength, mobility, and function that allow people to return to the activities they love. He draws on focused examination, advanced imaging and evidence-based evaluation to pinpoint the source of a patient's pain, so that any intervention is precisely targeted. When surgery is the right choice, he favors motion-preserving and minimally invasive techniques designed to relieve pain, restore function, and speed recovery.

Dr. Finkel believes that the best outcomes always start with listening. Back and neck pain often affects every part of a person's life, and no two patients experience it the same way—so before he talks about treatment, he wants to understand what the patient is going through and what they’re hoping to get back to. From there, his approach is often simple: get the diagnosis right. From there, he will always start with the least invasive option that can do the job, and be open and honest about when surgery is—and isn't—the answer. When an operation is warranted, he uses the most precise, motion-preserving techniques available so the patient can recover quickly and return to the life they enjoy. Above all, he sees care as a partnership—he wants every patient to leave understanding their condition, their options, and the reasoning behind his recommendations, because earning that trust is the most important part of what he does.

Dr. Finkel completed his undergraduate degree at Johns Hopkins University, his medical degree at New York Medical College, his orthopedic surgery residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and advanced subspecialty training in Spinal Surgery and Reconstruction through the San Diego Spine Fellowship, one of the nation's leading programs. An active contributor to spine surgery research, he stays at the forefront of emerging techniques and brings the latest evidence directly to patient care. Above all, he believes in listening, educating, and partnering with each patient so they feel informed and confident at every step.

Clinical Interests and Procedures: 

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Anterior cervical discectomy and arthroplasty

Cervical laminoplasty

Posterior cervical fusion and decompression

Lumbar decompression and fusion

Lumbar arthroplasty

Thoracic fusion

Posterior cervical tubular foraminotomy

Minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomy

Scoliosis reconstruction

Robotic and navigated spine surgery

FAQ:
"Do I need surgery?"

The majority of back and neck problems improve without an operation. Dr. Finkel

only recommends surgery when conservative options have been exhausted or when there's a clear structural problem that surgery can reliably fix. His job is to make sure you're not having surgery you don't need—and not delaying one that could truly help.

"What's actually causing my pain?"

Patients are often frustrated because they've been told their imaging looks "normal" or, conversely, that it looks alarming. Dr. Finkel takes the time to connect your symptoms to the actual source of the problem, using a careful exam and the correct imaging. Getting the diagnosis right is the single most important step, because the wrong target leads to the wrong treatment.

"Will I be able to get back to my normal activities?"

Almost always, yes—and that's the whole point. Dr. Finkel’s goal is never just to relieve pain, but to restore the strength, mobility, and function that let you return to work, exercise, and the things you love. We'll set realistic expectations together and build a plan aimed squarely at getting you back to your life.