Spine Surgeon in Paramus, NJ
Dr. Peter A. Zahos is a board-certified neurosurgeon and spine surgeon in Paramus, NJ. He finds out what’s causing your back, neck or nerve pain, explains it in plain terms and starts with non-surgical care. Surgery is recommended only when you truly need it.
- Top DoctorNew Jersey Monthly
- 30+ YearsNeurosurgical Experience
Academic-Level Spine Care with a Personal Approach
Dr. Zahos has spent more than 30 years in neurosurgery, including leading departments at major academic hospitals. At Level One, you get that same expertise in a private practice, with one experienced surgeon who knows your case from the first visit on.
He studied at Yale University, earned his medical degree at George Washington University School of Medicine and trained in neurosurgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, where he was chief resident.
He has served as Chairman of Neurosurgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida and Chief of Neurosurgery at Jacobi Medical Center, taught at UCSF and the University of Miami, and has been a Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at New York Medical College since 2016. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, has completed more than 2,000 cases and holds multiple U.S. patents in disc repair and neurosurgical implants.
Learn more about Level One Neurosurgery.
An Evaluation Is Not a Commitment to Surgery
Coming in doesn’t mean you’ll be scheduled for an operation. Dr. Zahos looks at your symptoms, your exam and your imaging, then tells you honestly what makes sense next: keeping an eye on it, non-surgical care, more testing or surgery.
What Patients Value About Dr. Zahos
Patients describe Dr. Zahos as thorough, calm, honest and compassionate. Above all, they say he explains their MRI and their options in a way they actually understand.
“I had a great experience with this doctor. He explains everything in a way that’s easy to understand, which I truly appreciate. Not only is he highly knowledgeable in his field, but he also takes the time to guide you through what to expect next and makes sure you understand the treatment plan. His professionalism, patience, and willingness to answer questions made me feel informed and confident in my care. I highly recommend him.”
Shynell Mccall
Patient Experiences
Back Surgeon in Paramus Serving Bergen County Patients
Our office at 140 Route 17 North is easy to reach from Ridgewood, Hackensack, Fair Lawn, River Edge and the rest of Bergen County, as well as northern and central New Jersey, so you can see an experienced back surgeon in Paramus without traveling far from work or home.
Many people come to us when pain hasn’t improved, when an MRI shows something they don’t understand, or when another doctor has recommended surgery. Dr. Zahos treats these visits as a chance to get clear answers, not a done deal. He connects what your imaging shows to what you’re feeling and tells you what should happen next.
Spine Procedures Available in Paramus
When surgery is needed, Dr. Zahos plans it around your specific problem and what you want to get back to doing.
Minimally Invasive and Lumbar Procedures
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Smaller incisions and less disruption to muscle and tissue, when your problem can be treated this way.
- Lumbar Spine Surgery
Decompression, laminectomy, microdiscectomy or stabilization for the lower back, depending on your diagnosis.
Reconstruction, Fusion, and Complex Care
- Complex Spine Surgery
For problems across several levels of the spine, instability or anatomy that is harder to treat.
- Spinal Fusion Surgery
Recommended only when your spine truly needs to be stabilized, based on your exam and imaging.
- Spinal Deformity Surgery
Carefully planned surgery to correct abnormal curves, instability or problems across several levels.
Second Opinions and Spine Tumor Care
- Second-Opinion Spine Surgery Evaluation
Confirm your diagnosis, understand your other options and get your questions answered before you decide.
- Spine Tumor Surgery
Care from a surgeon who has directed brain tumor and surgical neuro-oncology programs at major hospitals.
Spine and Nerve Conditions Evaluated Near You
Back, neck, arm and leg pain can come from many parts of the spine. Dr. Zahos uses your history, a neurological exam and your imaging to find out whether a disc, nerve, joint, the spinal cord or instability is to blame.
Disc and Nerve Compression
- Herniated Disc Treatment
Depends on where the disc is, which nerve it’s pressing on, how severe your symptoms are and whether you have weakness.
- Spinal Stenosis Treatment
Care for a narrowed spinal canal often starts without surgery, with decompression considered when it’s needed.
- Sciatica Treatment
We find what’s causing the pain running down your leg, instead of just treating the pain itself.
Degeneration, Instability, and Spinal-Cord Symptoms
- Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment
We check whether the disc changes on your MRI are actually what’s causing your pain.
- Spondylolisthesis Treatment
Based on how far the vertebra has slipped, your symptoms, your exam and how it affects your day.
- Myelopathy Treatment
Needs a prompt exam, because pressure on the spinal cord can affect balance, strength, walking and use of your hands.
Back, Neck, and Pinched-Nerve Symptoms
- Back Pain Treatment
Starts with finding the source: a disc, arthritis, a nerve, the structure of the spine or a muscle.
- Neck Pain Treatment
From disc disease and arthritis to instability, a pinched nerve or pressure on the spinal cord.
- Pinched Nerve Treatment
Guided by which nerve is affected, what’s pressing on it and whether you have pain, numbness or weakness.
Imaging Review and Advanced Spine Technology
Dr. Zahos reviews your MRI, CT, X-rays and nerve testing (EMG/NCS) when they’re relevant to your case. When surgery is needed, he uses minimally invasive techniques, navigation-guided and robotic-assisted instrumentation, and advanced cervical and lumbar fusion. The technology supports his judgment. It doesn’t replace it.
Understanding Insurance and Payment Responsibilities
Our team can walk you through appointment requirements, your insurance benefits and what you may owe before your visit. Coverage varies by plan, so call the office for details on yours.
Questions for a Spine Surgeon in Paramus, NJ
When should I see a spine surgeon for back or neck symptoms?
It’s a good time to be seen if your pain isn’t going away, your imaging shows a spine problem, pain travels into an arm or leg, or you notice numbness, weakness, balance problems or trouble with everyday tasks.
Does seeing a spine surgeon mean I will need surgery?
No. Dr. Zahos starts with non-surgical care and recommends surgery only when it’s medically necessary.
Can I request a second opinion in Paramus?
Yes. We’ll review your imaging, confirm the diagnosis and go over the surgery you were offered and any alternatives.
How much does a spine evaluation cost?
It depends on the visit and your insurance benefits. Call the office and we’ll go over it with you.
How soon can a new patient be seen?
Availability changes, so call or send an appointment request and we’ll find you the next open time at our Paramus office.
Get Clarity About Your Brain or Spine Condition
Meet with board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Peter A. Zahos for a personalized evaluation, imaging review, or trusted second opinion.