Dr. Daniel Birk, MD

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.

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.

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!

04/05/2023

03/28/2023

Throwback to 1959, when my dad was a fresh-faced medical intern at St. Luke's Hospital in New York City!

Looking at this photo, I can't help but feel a mix of pride and nostalgia. My dad was a dedicated and meticulous physician. As a kid, I used to love hearing his stories about his early days in medicine, like the time he almost lost a patient because the nurse couldn't read his handwriting. Thus began his training in calligraphy. 😅

But more than that, this photo reminds me of the sacrifices my dad and so many other healthcare professionals have made over the years. He worked tirelessly to heal and care for others, often putting his own needs second. It's an honor to be the son of someone who embodied that kind of selflessness.

So here's to you, Dad! Thanks for setting such a great example and paving the way for future generations of medical professionals. 🙏

03/27/2023

Degenerative disc disease is a common cause of back pain. Learn more about this condition and its treatment options at www.danielbirkmd.com. To schedule a consultation, call 631-983-8400.

Daniel Birk, M.D., is a Long Island neurosurgeon specializing in complex and minimally invasive spinal surgery. He uses the most innovative procedures to minimize blood loss, soft tissue injury, and enhance recovery. These include minimally invasive discectomy, laminotomy and fusion as well as image...

03/20/2023

Are you or a loved one in need of neurological care? As a board-certified neurosurgeon, I am here to provide personalized, compassionate care for all of your neurological needs. My expertise ranges from minimally invasive spine surgery to the latest in image guidance and robotic technology, and I am committed to helping you live your best life. Don't let pain hold you back any longer – schedule your appointment with me today and take the first step towards a healthier you. Learn more at

Daniel Birk, M.D., is a Long Island neurosurgeon specializing in complex and minimally invasive spinal surgery. He uses the most innovative procedures to minimize blood loss, soft tissue injury, and enhance recovery. These include minimally invasive discectomy, laminotomy and fusion as well as image...

02/12/2023

My father, who practiced medicine for 56 years, once told me

"When you are in the exam room with a patient, nothing else in the world matters. It is a sacred time and place."

Learn more at my website:

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

11/29/2022

I am pleased to announce that I am board-certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgery (a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties and the gold standard for certifying neurosurgeons in the United States). Being board-certified means that I have been held to the highest standard of neurosurgical knowledge and judgment with continuous maintenance of my expertise.

07/15/2022

Dr. Cetas and I both graduated from St. John's College in Santa Fe, NM, where we read the Great Books of Western Civilization, reflecting on life's most essential questions and ideas. "Johnnies," as we are known, who went on to become neurosurgeons are in a small club. His passing is a tragic loss for society and more so for all who knew him.

It is with heavy hearts and a deep sense of loss that we share with you the tragic news of the sudden passing of our dear colleague, Justin S. Cetas, MD, PhD, professor and chair, Department of Neurosurgery. On behalf of everyone at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and Banner – University Medicine, we would like to express our most sincere sympathies to Dr. Cetas’ family and loved ones.

Dr. Cetas was a talented neurosurgeon who dedicated his life to caring for others. He was also a skilled educator, respected researcher, trusted colleague and friend to many. We are all deeply saddened by this sudden and tragic event that is so difficult to process, as we come together to grieve his passing.

https://medicine.arizona.edu/news/2022/dr-cetas-neurosurgery-chair-passes-away

07/15/2022

It is with heavy hearts and a deep sense of loss that we share with you the tragic news of the sudden passing of our dear colleague, Justin S. Cetas, MD, PhD, professor and chair, Department of Neurosurgery. On behalf of everyone at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and Banner – University Medicine, we would like to express our most sincere sympathies to Dr. Cetas’ family and loved ones.

Dr. Cetas was a talented neurosurgeon who dedicated his life to caring for others. He was also a skilled educator, respected researcher, trusted colleague and friend to many. We are all deeply saddened by this sudden and tragic event that is so difficult to process, as we come together to grieve his passing.

https://medicine.arizona.edu/news/2022/dr-cetas-neurosurgery-chair-passes-away