Dr. Daniel Birk, MD

12/16/2024

📣 Understanding Myelopathy: Symptoms, Signs, and When to See a Neurosurgeon 📣

Do you or someone you love experience unexplained pain, weakness, or coordination problems? It could be more than just "getting older"—it could be myelopathy, a serious condition caused by spinal cord compression. Early detection is key, and knowing the signs can make all the difference.

Common Symptoms of Myelopathy:
🌟 Neck or back pain that doesn’t go away.
🌟 Numbness or tingling in your arms, hands, or legs.
🌟 Weakness in your hands, arms, or legs—making it harder to grip objects or walk steadily.
🌟 Loss of coordination, such as difficulty buttoning a shirt or balancing.
🌟 Trouble with fine motor skills, like writing or typing.
🌟 Bowel or bladder dysfunction (in advanced cases).

When Should You See a Neurosurgeon?

If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to act:
✔️ Symptoms are persistent and worsening over time.
✔️ Pain or numbness is affecting your daily life.
✔️ You’re experiencing sudden weakness, balance issues, or incontinence.

💡 Remember: Early intervention can help prevent permanent damage to the spinal cord. Don’t wait—your spine and nervous system deserve expert care!

🩺 Have questions or need a consultation? Reach out to us today. Share this post to help others recognize these important signs!

11/20/2024

I am delighted to let you know that I have joined the expert team at New York Brain, Spine & Joint and I am seeing patients in West Islip. If you need a spinal neurosurgeon, you can schedule an appointment to see me by calling 631-500-9400.

10/30/2024

As a neurosurgeon, I’m inspired by Ernst Bloch’s philosophy that our upright posture and gait symbolize human dignity. The spine isn’t just our physical backbone—it’s a metaphor for resilience and hope. Maintaining spinal health is crucial not only for our well-being but also for preserving the dignity that defines us. Let’s stand tall together and prioritize our spine health!

03/16/2024

🌿 Take a Moment for Your Spine Health 🌿

As a spine neurosurgeon, I see the impact of modern life on our health. One of the simplest yet most profound changes you can make today is to put down your phone and step outside.

The constant downward gaze at screens can lead to 'text neck,' a strain on your spine that can cause long-term damage. And the sedentary lifestyle that comes with scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows contributes to poor posture and weakens the muscles that support your spine.

But there's more to it than just spine health. Disconnecting from your phone, even briefly, reduces stress, enhances mindfulness, and improves mood. Nature has a way of resetting our internal clock, promoting better sleep, and encouraging physical activity, all of which are essential for a healthy spine and mind.

So, take a challenge today: Spend 30 minutes outside without your phone. Observe the beauty around you, take deep breaths, and go for a walk. Your spine, and your mind, will thank you.

Remember, your health is in your hands, and sometimes, it thrives when those hands are not holding onto a phone.

02/11/2024

Grateful for the training that allows me to help patients. Grateful for the kind words they have shared.

09/01/2023

🚶‍♀️🪑 **Hey there, Spine-tastic Friends!** 🛌🚶‍♂️

Ever caught yourself slouching over a keyboard, thinking it's your body's version of the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa'? Or maybe your mattress feels more like a medieval torture device than a cloud? 🤣 You're not alone!

Good posture isn't just for runway models! Your spine is literally the backbone of all you do. From sitting to walking, and even how you catch those Zzz's, taking care of it is crucial. A happy spine can make all the difference between a spring in your step or feeling like a creaky door hinge!

**Tips for a Spine-Happy Life:**
1. **Sitting**: Invest in a good chair, and aim to keep those feet flat on the ground, and your back straight. No hunchbacks here!
2. **Walking**: Imagine a string pulling you up from the top of your head. Chin up, shoulders back. Strut like you’re on the catwalk of life! 🕺💃
3. **Posture**: Your mom was right - stand up straight! Your spine will thank you later (and so will your selfie game 😉).
4. **Sleeping**: Your mattress matters. Most people with back pain will benefit from a medium to firm mattress. Sleep on your back or side. Avoid sleeping on your tummy.

Your spine called – it wants some TLC! 💆‍♂️💆‍♀️

06/25/2023

As a neurosurgeon, I often see how our daily habits can impact our spine health. Our backbones faithfully support us, so let's return the favor with these simple, yet effective, steps:

1. 💺 Stand tall, sit taller! Good posture isn't just for photo ops, it works wonders for your spine. Remember, your spine isn't a question mark.

2. 🏋️‍♂️ Exercise regularly. Core-strengthening workouts maintain spinal stability - and no, lifting the TV remote doesn't count as weightlifting!

3. 🛌 Prioritize good sleep hygiene. Investing in a quality mattress and pillow is a great way to support your spine, even in your dreams.

4. 🥦 Feed your spine with a healthy diet. Think calcium and vitamin D - your bones will be thanking you.

5. 🧘‍♀️ Take short breaks to stretch. If you're desk-bound, standing up and stretching every 30 minutes is not a suggestion, it's a necessity.

Let's show some love to our constant supporter - our spine. It's time to 'have its back' for a change!

06/07/2023

Concerned about the current air quality? Take proactive measures to safeguard your health! I recommend staying indoors and utilizing HEPA air filters whenever possible to reduce exposure to smoke caused by Canadian wildfires. Outdoors, prioritize your well-being by wearing N-95 masks until the air clears. These precautions are especially crucial for vulnerable individuals like small children, senior citizens, and those with health challenges. Stay safe and protect your respiratory health during this challenging period.

04/29/2023

As many of you know, neck pain can be a real pain in the...well, neck. It can be caused by a variety of things, like poor posture, stress, or even just sleeping in a weird position.

But did you know that there are some simple things you can do to help alleviate neck pain and keep your cervical spine healthy? One of the easiest things you can do is to take a few moments each day to simply look around and smell the roses.

What I mean by this is to take breaks from sitting or staring at a screen, and instead, look around at your surroundings. Take in the beauty of nature, or simply look out the window and watch the world go by. This helps to prevent your neck from staying in one position for too long, which can cause stiffness and pain.

Como muchos de ustedes saben, el dolor de cuello puede ser una verdadera molestia... bueno, en el cuello. Puede ser causado por una variedad de cosas, como una mala postura, estrés o incluso dormir en una posición extraña.

¿Pero sabías que hay algunas cosas simples que puedes hacer para ayudar a aliviar el dolor de cuello y mantener tu columna cervical saludable? Una de las cosas más fáciles que puedes hacer es tomar unos momentos cada día para simplemente mirar alrededor y oler las rosas.

Lo que quiero decir con esto es que debes tomar descansos de estar sentado o mirando una pantalla, y en su lugar, mirar alrededor de tu entorno. Disfruta de la belleza de la naturaleza, o simplemente mira por la ventana y observa el mundo pasar. Esto ayuda a prevenir que tu cuello permanezca en una posición durante demasiado tiempo, lo que puede causar rigidez y dolor.

04/18/2023

Attention all back pain sufferers! Did you know that walking is one of the simplest yet most effective exercises to help improve your spine health? Walking not only strengthens your muscles and improves flexibility, but it also helps to increase blood flow and oxygen to your spinal structures. Regular walking has been shown to reduce the risk of developing back pain, as well as to improve outcomes in patients who have already undergone spine surgery. So, put on your walking shoes and start taking regular walks to help keep your spine healthy and strong!

¡Atención a todos los que sufren de dolor de espalda! ¿Sabías que caminar es uno de los ejercicios más simples pero efectivos para mejorar la salud de tu columna vertebral? Caminar no solo fortalece los músculos y mejora la flexibilidad, sino que también ayuda a aumentar el flujo sanguíneo y el oxígeno a las estructuras de la columna vertebral. Caminar regularmente ha demostrado reducir el riesgo de desarrollar dolor de espalda, así como mejorar los resultados en pacientes que ya han sido sometidos a cirugía de columna vertebral. ¡Así que ponte tus zapatos para caminar y comienza a caminar regularmente para mantener tu columna vertebral saludable y fuerte!

04/15/2023

As a neurosurgeon, I have seen firsthand the diverse range of personalities and levels of integrity that exist within the medical field. What should always remain consistent is our unwavering focus on the well-being of our patients.

When a patient comes to us for treatment, they place their trust in our hands, and it is our responsibility to prioritize their needs above all else. We must remember that our patients are not just cases or diagnoses, but individuals with unique experiences and circumstances that require personalized care.

Despite the challenges and obstacles we may face, we must never forget why we chose to become healthcare providers - to heal and serve. By maintaining a steadfast commitment to the patient's well-being, we can ensure that we are providing the highest level of care possible, and honoring the trust that our patients have placed in us.

To learn more about my journey as a third-generation doctor, visit my website:

Daniel M. Birk, M.D., is a Long Island neurosurgeon specializing in complex and minimally invasive spinal surgery.

04/15/2023

Focus Areas Complex and Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgeries Herniated Disc Treatments Scoliosis Spondylolisthesis Spinal Fusion PLIF Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Image Guided Spine Surgery Spinal Tumor Micro Endoscopic Discectomy Spinal Stenosis Back Pain Degenerative Scoliosis Failed Bac...