Spine Surgeon for Fort Myers Patients: Dr. Nicholas J. Clark at HSS at NCH
If you live in Fort Myers and are dealing with leg pain that limits your walks, arm numbness that keeps you up at night, or a back that has not responded to therapy, an evaluation with an orthopedic spine surgeon can help sort out the cause and your options.
Dr. Nicholas J. Clark is an orthopedic spine surgeon who completed his spine surgery fellowship at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York. He sees patients at HSS at NCH, 11190 Health Park Blvd, Building 2-2102, Naples, FL 34110. There is no office in Fort Myers; all visits take place at the Naples office, and surgery, when needed, is performed at NCH, where Dr. Clark holds hospital privileges.
To schedule a visit, call our team at (239) 624-0306.
Why Fort Myers Patients Make the Trip to Naples
Patients who drive south from Fort Myers usually have a specific reason. The most common ones we hear:
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HSS at NCH and HSS training. HSS at NCH is a partnership between Hospital for Special Surgery and NCH in Naples, and Dr. Clark completed his spine fellowship at HSS.
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A minimally invasive focus. When surgery is recommended, Dr. Clark aims for the least invasive approach that accomplishes the goals of the operation safely. Many lower back procedures are done through small incisions with muscle-sparing techniques.
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Robotic guidance. For fusion procedures that use posterior screws, Dr. Clark uses the Globus ExcelsiusGPS robotic system to help guide posterior percutaneous screw placement. The plan is built from imaging, and the approach helps reduce X-ray exposure during surgery.
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A front-of-the-neck approach for many neck problems. For pinched nerves or spinal cord compression in the neck, Dr. Clark generally favors anterior approaches, such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or cervical disc replacement, when they fit the problem.
Getting to the Office From Fort Myers
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Take I-75 South toward Naples.
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Exit at Exit 111, Immokalee Road, and head west.
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Turn onto Health Park Blvd and follow campus signs to Building 2, Suite 2102.
Typical drive time is about 35 to 50 minutes, depending on where you start. US 41 (Tamiami Trail) is an alternative with more traffic lights. Winter and early spring traffic can add time on either route, so build in a cushion for morning appointments. Directions are also on our office information page.
Conditions We Evaluate
Fort Myers patients most often come in for:
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Spinal stenosis. Narrowing around the nerves in the lower back can cause leg heaviness, cramping, or pain that worsens with standing and walking and eases with sitting. Learn more about spinal stenosis.
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Cervical myelopathy. Pressure on the spinal cord in the neck can cause hand clumsiness, trouble with buttons or handwriting, dropping things, or balance changes. These symptoms deserve a prompt evaluation. Learn more about myelopathy.
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Herniated discs and sciatica. Pain that shoots down one leg, sometimes with numbness. See herniated disc and sciatica.
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Spondylolisthesis. A vertebra that has slipped forward can pinch nerves and cause back and leg pain. See spondylolisthesis.
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Symptoms after prior surgery. See revision spine surgery.
Treatment Options
Most spine conditions are treated without surgery first, through activity changes, medications, physical therapy, and sometimes injections. When surgery is the right next step, options include:
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MIS TLIF, a minimally invasive lower back fusion for stenosis with instability or a slipped vertebra
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Robotic spine surgery for accurate posterior screw placement
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Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for pinched nerves or spinal cord compression in the neck
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Cervical disc replacement, which preserves motion at the treated level for appropriate candidates
What to Expect When You Call
Most new patients are seen within about a week to 10 days. To make the first visit as useful as possible, Dr. Clark prefers that patients have:
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A recent MRI of the area causing symptoms, with the images and the report
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A course of physical therapy, which can be done close to home in Fort Myers
No MRI or therapy yet? Call anyway, and our team can help you plan. Symptoms such as progressive weakness, hand clumsiness, or balance changes should not wait for therapy to finish. You can also complete the patient registration form before your visit.
Referring offices can find referral details on our Referring Physicians page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Clark have an office in Fort Myers?
No. All visits take place at HSS at NCH, 11190 Health Park Blvd, Building 2-2102, Naples, FL 34110, and surgery is performed at NCH.
How long is the drive from Fort Myers?
Usually about 35 to 50 minutes via I-75 South to Exit 111 (Immokalee Road), depending on your starting point and traffic.
How soon can I be seen?
Most new patients are seen within about a week to 10 days.
Can I do physical therapy in Fort Myers instead of Naples?
Yes. Physical therapy can be done at a clinic close to your home, before or after your visit.
Does a visit mean I will need surgery?
No. Many patients are treated without surgery. The visit is about finding the cause and choosing the right next step.
Schedule an Evaluation
If neck or back symptoms are getting in the way of daily life, call our team at (239) 624-0306 to schedule a visit at HSS at NCH.