New York Spine Institute provides high-quality care and treatment for individuals suffering from Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy. With experienced professionals and offices throughout Greater New York City, we are here to help you on your way to recovery.*
New York City & Long Island’s Top Doctors For Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy or CSM is a neck condition that arises when there’s a pinching or compression of the spine, it’s very commonly found in people 55 years and older. As the disks dehydrate and reduce in size, signs of osteoarthritis can develop.
We have offices located throughout Greater New York City, Long Island, White Plains and Newburgh, NY. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose New York Spine Institute
Quality Care
At New York Spine Institute, our professional doctors pride themselves on giving high quality care and services to all our patients neck, back and spine issues.
Industry Leaders
Led by our medical director, Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D., FAAOS. Our team of experienced doctors have the expertise to treat your complex spine disorders.
Multiple Languages
Our staff speaks a multitude of languages including Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German and Russian to accommodate our patients of all backgrounds.
The Founder of NYSI Alexandre B. de Moura, MD, FAAOS
Patients know him for his empathy and confidence. Physicians refer to him for his judgment and results. Dr. de Moura has built his reputation on trust, precision, and outcomes that truly change lives.
Early Inspiration
Dr. de Moura's path began with his father—a pioneering orthopedic surgeon whose legacy deeply shaped his passion for spinal care. From a young age, he witnessed how expert hands and compassionate care could transform lives, setting the foundation for a lifelong mission.
World-Class Training
Dr. de Moura received elite surgical training at some of the nation's top institutions, gaining the technical skill and clinical insight needed to treat the most complex spinal conditions. His background combines academic excellence with hands-on expertise.
Founding NYSI
In 2000, Dr. de Moura founded New York Spine Institute to bring comprehensive, multi-specialty care under one roof. His vision was clear: make world-class spine care accessible, coordinated, and deeply patient-focused.
20+ Years of Experience
With over two decades of specialized practice, Dr. de Moura has performed thousands of procedures and guided countless patients through recovery. His deep experience allows him to deliver not just treatment—but true transformation.
Specialist in Complex Spine Conditions
From scoliosis to spinal deformities and degenerative disorders, Dr. de Moura is known for handling the cases others refer out. He's not just a surgeon—he's a problem solver, often sought out when options feel limited.
Understanding the Causes Of Your Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy is a degenerative disease meaning it worsens as you age. Although this condition is typically associated with older people, it can present itself in younger individuals as well. For most people, CSM doesn’t show any symptoms, however when symptoms do show, it’s typically a pain or stiffness in the neck. CMS can also be caused by other illnesses even if they don’t cause disc degeneration such as:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Injury, herniated disc.
Hyperextension
CSM is caused by the wear and tear that occurs in the spine as a person ages. As you age, the discs in your spine shorten and begin to bulge. As a result, the vertebrae move closer together. In response to this your body starts forming more bones (bone spurs) around your discs to strengthen them. These bone spurs can stiffen the spine and may also narrow the spinal canal through the pinching and compression of the spinal cord.*
One of our highly qualified doctors can properly diagnosis you through a thorough review of your medical history as well as an MRI through our imaging services. Since the spinal cord carries nerve impulses to various regions in the body, patients with CSM can experience a wide variety of symptoms that may include:
Pain and neck stiffness
Tingling, numbness and weakness in your arms, hands, legs or feet
Difficulty walking and worsening of coordination
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Loss or worsening of motor skills
After a review of your medical history and list of symptoms you will receive tests through our imaging services such as an MRI, CT and an X-Ray.
MRI: We will be able to determine if your symptoms are caused by damage to the soft tissue by viewing you the compression of your spinal cord.
X-Ray: An X-Ray shows the dense structures in your body. Our doctors will be able to see the the alignment of your vertebrae.
CT Scan: A CT Scan is a detailed view of the narrowing of your spine, and can determine if bone spurs have developed in your cervical spine.
Treatment Options For Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Depending on the severity of the case, CSM can be treated through various non-surgical treatments if symptoms aren’t relieved, surgery is an option.*
Non surgical treatment options include:
Physical therapy : exercises aimed at strengthening neck muscles and increase flexibility. In addition, physical therapy can
Medication such as oral (Advil, Ibuprofen), steroid injection, or narcotics for more extreme symptoms
If a non-invasive approach doesn’t relieve symptoms one of our doctors may suggest your surgical options. Patients with symptoms and tests consistent with CSM are recommended to have surgery if there isn’t relief. Depending on your symptoms, the location of your problem, and other factors, your doctor could recommend one of four possible procedures, you can also visit our surgeries page to learn more about the procedures and preparation.
The four surgical procedures commonly performed to treat CSM are:
Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion
Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion
Laminectomy
Laminoplasty
Make sure to set up a consultation with one of our doctors so you can be administered the best course of action.
Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion: Your doctor will fuse together the spine and remove any problematic bone spurs or discs, in most cases a plate is added to the front of the spine for stability.
Laminectomy: The doctor removes the bony arch that forms in the back of the lamnia, providing extra space for the spinal cord to drift backwards.
Laminoplasty: Rather than removing the bone, the lamina is thinned out on one side and then cut on the other side to create a hinge much like a door. This method also creates more space for the spinal cord, relieving pressure.
What Our Patients Have To Say Real Patient Testimonials
Dr. Roberts is the BEST and that’s my personal opinion. He is very hands on, compassion and understanding. I highly recommend his services.
—Anna Thomas
I worked with Dr. Macagnau and he was amazing! Extremely friendly and funny to match his knowledge and guidance with my injury. The rest of the staff was no different, I would high...
I worked with Dr. Macagnau and he was amazing! Extremely friendly and funny to match his knowledge and guidance with my injury. The rest of the staff was no different, I would highly recommend them to anyone with back issues.
—Juan Rolon
Dr. Passias is a very knowledgeable modern spine surgeon. not only is he the brightest in his field, he’s the future for this kind of surgery Made me feel comfortable that I ch...
Dr. Passias is a very knowledgeable modern spine surgeon. not only is he the brightest in his field, he’s the future for this kind of surgery Made me feel comfortable that I choose the right doctor. I Went to see Dr. Passias with 5 herniated discs, pain in neck, shoulder, arm and tangles fingers. Dr. Passias gave me the time to explain and tell him all what I feel about my pain and he was lesson to all off it he makes me feel friendly He is the doctor I can trust He take the pain away from me GOD BLESS Him
—Mohamed Haridy
“If I can help one person and say you’ll make it through this, go to them, they will help you. I would help you to let you see what it is like on the other side of the fence when s...
“If I can help one person and say you’ll make it through this, go to them, they will help you. I would help you to let you see what it is like on the other side of the fence when someone goes through so much injury and trauma and then in turn, feels like I do. If you can just meet one doctor, please meet Dr. de Moura.”
—Annette
“I was having severe chronic back pain daily. This went on for almost fifteen years. As soon as I met Dr. Macagno I said, “that’s the guy.” I eventually had a spinal fusion L4/5 an...
“I was having severe chronic back pain daily. This went on for almost fifteen years. As soon as I met Dr. Macagno I said, “that’s the guy.” I eventually had a spinal fusion L4/5 and S1. This was a ten-hour procedure. I exceeded both Dr. Macagno and the hospital staff expectations. Instead of walking a few steps, I easily walked the full length of the hospital halls and climbed stairs almost immediately after surgery. I am so happy to have met Dr. Macagno. I sing his praises every day and I always post on social media about how amazing I am doing every year on the anniversary of my surgery.”
—Gregg
“My reason for writing to you is to express my appreciation for the concern and encouragement you gave me following my surgery. Your visits to me early in the morning and your care...
“My reason for writing to you is to express my appreciation for the concern and encouragement you gave me following my surgery. Your visits to me early in the morning and your careful supervision of my recovery were a strong indication of the genuine concern you have for me. During my later years, I’ve had numerous associations with doctors and a variety of experiences. I can honestly say that I could not have received better treatment than I received from you.”
—L.B.
“Please accept my sincere gratitude for helping me overcome a very serious back problem that I’d had for many years. You were highly recommended to me, and you certainly lived up t...
“Please accept my sincere gratitude for helping me overcome a very serious back problem that I’d had for many years. You were highly recommended to me, and you certainly lived up to your reputation. My friend was right: You’re very good at what you do. Thanks again, and although you’re a very nice man, I hope never to have to see you again.”
—J.B.
“I want to thank you from my heart for all you’ve done for me at such a difficult time in my life. You gave me your time and your confident recommendation, and you even offered to ...
“I want to thank you from my heart for all you’ve done for me at such a difficult time in my life. You gave me your time and your confident recommendation, and you even offered to be at my side if and when surgery becomes necessary. You are a fine physician giving to those in need.”
—K.F.
“Dr. Macagno is the Best doctor! Professional and compassionate. Honest and knowledgeable. Worth every star and about 10 more!!!”
—M.C.
“Dr. Alexandre de Moura and New York Spine Institute are absolutely wonderful! I have personally seen the level of personal care and dedication when one of my seriously injured cli...
“Dr. Alexandre de Moura and New York Spine Institute are absolutely wonderful! I have personally seen the level of personal care and dedication when one of my seriously injured clients was treated there (I am a personal injury attorney). He had a terrific recovery and I credit Dr. de Moura and his staff with that.”
—A.Z.
Dr.v is a great doctor !!! From day one he has accessed and managed my pain while acknowledging me not only as his patient but as a person as well. Every Dr office should have a...
Dr.v is a great doctor !!! From day one he has accessed and managed my pain while acknowledging me not only as his patient but as a person as well. Every Dr office should have a Dr. V and the world for patients with pain would be a much better place. I haven’t had a Dr this great since Dr de Mourra who did my surgery In 2013. Thank you Dr de Mourra for referring me to a pain management dr who really cares for my needs as his patient. It has been a tough road . I can now honestly say the road I travel now as a pain patient is much smoother and manageable. Thank you Dr v and NYU.
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