If lower back or leg symptoms are limiting your life, Dr. Peter A. Zahos can help you understand the cause and whether lumbar spine surgery is appropriate. Every recommendation begins with a careful evaluation not an assumption that you need an operation.
Surgery When Necessary
Conservative-First Care
Neurosurgical Experience
Neurological Surgery
Dr. Zahos is a board-certified neurosurgeon with more than three decades of experience treating spinal and nerve-related conditions. He reviews your symptoms, neurological findings, and available imaging before recommending the next step.
His training includes a neurosurgery residency and chief residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center. He has also served as Chairman of Neurosurgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida and Chief of Neurosurgery at Jacobi Medical Center.
Patients seeking lumbar spine care in Paramus receive academic-level expertise in a private-practice setting. Dr. Zahos explains what the imaging means, whether it matches the symptoms, and why a particular treatment may or may not be appropriate.
Learn more about his background and approach when you meet Dr. Peter A. Zahos.
This video shows how a microdiscectomy is done through a small incision in the lower back. The surgeon removes only the herniated part of the disc that’s pressing on the nerve and leaves the rest of the disc intact. Using a microscope or magnifying tools, the surgeon gently moves aside the back muscles and may remove a small piece of bone to reach the disc, which helps protect surrounding tissue and keeps the procedure minimally invasive.
Source: Veritas Health
One patient described Dr. Zahos as thorough and praised his bedside manner and comprehensive explanation of the procedure. The patient also described his surgery coordinator, Kerry, as exceptionally professional and caring.
That experience reflects the practice’s commitment to clear communication and compassionate care. Patients receive a careful explanation of their procedure, while the care team provides professional support throughout the process.
“I am thoroughly satisfied with Dr. Zahos’ bedside manner and the clear, comprehensive way he explained the procedure. His surgery coordinator, Kerry, is also exceptionally professional and caring.” — Miriam Odar
Patients often value Dr. Zahos’s calm manner, careful explanations, and willingness to answer questions before recommending treatment.
At Level One Neurosurgery lumbar evaluations take place at 140 Route 17 North, Suite 255, in Paramus. The office serves patients from Bergen County and other parts of northern and central New Jersey who want specialist guidance without automatically arranging care in New York City.
Many patients arrive after back pain has continued despite initial care, an MRI has shown an unfamiliar finding, or another clinician has raised the possibility of surgery. Dr. Zahos uses the visit to connect the imaging findings to the symptoms rather than treating the scan alone.
This distinction matters in lumbar care. Disc wear and other changes may appear on an MRI without fully explaining a patient’s pain. A careful neurological assessment helps determine whether a disc, compressed nerve, narrowed spinal canal, or unstable segment is affecting walking, strength, sensation, or daily function.
Dr. Zahos may use minimally invasive spine surgery when a less disruptive approach can safely address the affected area.
Lower back pain can come from several structures. Dr. Zahos identifies the source before discussing whether surgery belongs in the treatment plan.
Dr. Zahos reviews MRI, CT, X-ray, and EMG/NCS findings when clinically appropriate. These studies help identify nerve compression, instability, deformity, and other problems that may influence a lumbar treatment plan.
His documented capabilities include minimally invasive techniques, navigation-guided and robotic-assisted spinal instrumentation, and advanced lumbar fusion. Technology supports the diagnosis and surgical plan, but it does not replace a careful examination or clinical judgment.
Coverage and patient responsibilities vary by insurance plan. Our office can explain appointment requirements, applicable benefits, and expected payment responsibilities before care.
Patients should contact Level One Neurosurgery directly with their plan information for guidance specific to their appointment.
Patients often have questions about whether surgery is necessary, which procedure may apply, and what information Dr. Zahos needs to make a recommendation.
