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“The real challenge is determining whether surgery should be performed, what type of surgery is best for a given situation and navigating the patient and their family through the stresses associated with an operation.”

– Dr. Michael G. Kaiser

MD, FACS, FAANS

Cervical and Lumbar Surgery

Spinal Cord Compression and Myelopathy

Cervical Stenosis and Herniated Disc

Lumbar Degenerative Disease

Lumbar Stenosis and Herniated Disc

Artificial Disc Replacement/Arthroplasty

Spine and Spinal Cord Tumors

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Ridgewood

Bone&Joint award 2021
See all my awards

About Dr. Michael G. Kaiser

Dr. Michael G. Kaiser’s path to becoming a neurosurgeon began with a single moment — witnessing a cranial procedure in medical school that ignited his passion for the neurological sciences. Now based in Ridgewood, New Jersey, Dr. Kaiser transforms lives through both complex and advanced spine surgery, treating conditions like cervical spondylotic myelopathy and spinal deformities using state-of-the-art techniques for optimal recovery.

Meet Dr. Kaiser

Dr. Michael G. Kaiser is a nationally recognized, board-certified neurosurgeon practicing from the Ridgewood office in New Jersey. Known as one of the leading cervical spine specialists in the field, he specializes in complex spinal procedures, surgical innovation, and the treatment of spinal tumors.

Dr. Kaiser’s approach centers on helping patients reclaim their quality of life through personalized care. Whether recommending non-surgical treatments or advanced surgical interventions, his focus remains consistent: reducing pain, restoring function, and helping patients return to their daily activities.

He treats patients with diverse spine and nervous system conditions, including:

  • Cervical spondylotic myelopathy and degenerative cervical disease
  • Cervical radiculopathy with nerve compression
  • Complex spinal deformities and spinal tumors
  • Lumbar degenerative conditions, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis
  • Lumbar radiculopathy with nerve compression
  • Advanced conditions requiring specialized surgical techniques

Dr. Kaiser utilizes advanced surgical procedures, such as ACDF surgery, posterior cervical techniques, cervical fusion, and lumbar microdiscectomy, to provide precise treatments that minimize tissue disruption, reduce post-operative discomfort, and accelerate recovery times.

Training & Education

Dr. Kaiser received his undergraduate degree from New York University, where he graduated summa cum laude as a Farr Scholar and Biology Representative for his class. He was class President and awarded his doctorate from the Yale University School of Medicine. At Yale, Dr. Kaiser was an American Heart Association Research Fellow. He also won The Peter F. Curran Thesis Award.

He completed his internship in the Department of Surgery and his residency in the Department of Neurological Surgery at College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University. Dr. Kaiser also completed a comprehensive spine fellowship at Emory University.

Dr. Kaiser has been engaged in clinical research throughout his training. While at Yale medical school he received the American Heart Association Research grant to study cerebral blood flow physiology and was awarded the Peter F Curran thesis award. During his residency at Columbia University, he was engaged in novel treatments of brain tumors and authored several book chapters on spine surgery. During his spine fellowship at Emory University, he conducted cutting edge clinical research on patients undergoing both cervical and lumbar fusion procedures and published these results in leading peer reviewed journals. Dr. Kaiser specializes in treatments for cervical and lumbar degenerative disease, complex cervical spine reconstructions, spinal cord and nerve tumors, spine tumors, and minimally invasive spinal procedures. The ability to assist patients suffering from a neurological deficit has been a focus of his career.

Activities

Dr. Kaiser has been an active member of numerous national neurosurgical societies including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), Society of University Neurosurgeons (SUNS), and the AANS/CNS Joint Section of Spine and Peripheral Disorders. He routinely presents and moderates courses, teaching his fellow neurosurgeons, at annual meetings of the AANS and CNS. He has served on the editorial board for the AANS Journal of Neurosurgery:Spine, completing his 5 year term in 2017, and has served as a guest examiner for the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS). He has been an ad-hoc reviewer for other peer reviewed journals including Neurosurgery, The Spine Journal, and Neurosurgical Focus. He has also been a member of the medical advisory board for the Alan T. Brown Foundation to cure paralysis.

His publications are numerous, having authored over 70 peer reviewed articles, 16 textbook chapters, and recently served as lead editor on a textbook describing the surgical care of patients with cervical degenerative disease. Finally, he has been a major participant in the development of national guidelines pertaining to cervical and lumbar degenerative disease and thoracolumbar trauma, providing his fellow neurosurgeons with a foundation to provide appropriate care for patients suffering from such conditions.

In addition to his work with Neurosurgeons of New Jersey, Dr. Kaiser is a former Associate Professor of Neurosurgery with the Department of the College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia University.

Hospital Privileges

In addition to working out of our Ridgewood office, Dr. Kaiser has the ability to treat and admit patients at the following area hospitals.

  • The Valley Hospital
  • St. Barnabas Medical Center
  • St. Joseph’s Health
Valley Hospital Logo Main

Publications

Insurances

  • Aetna Medicare
  • Aetna Meritain & Assure
  • Aetna Signature (1199 & GEHA)
  • Aetna Whole Health
  • Clover Medicare – Case by Case exception
  • Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (Blue Card/Suitcase/PPO)
  • Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ (commercial)
  • Horizon Braven Health (PPO, HMO-POS)
  • Braven Medicare Choice PPO
  • Braven Medicare Freedom PPO
  • Braven Medicare Group HMO-POS
  • Braven Medicare Access group HMO-POS
  • Medicare (Part A and Part B)
  • No Fault (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Accidents Only)
  • Omnia (tier 1)
  • Oxford Garden State Health Plan
  • Oxford Health Plan
  • UHC under Empire/NYSHIP plan
  • United HealthCare (commercial, including All Savers) UMR
  • Worker’s Comp- NJ Only

Dr. Kaiser received his undergraduate degree from New York University, where he graduated summa cum laude as a Farr Scholar and Biology Representative for his class. He was class President and awarded his doctorate from the Yale University School of Medicine. At Yale, Dr. Kaiser was an American Heart Association Research Fellow. He also won The Peter F. Curran Thesis Award.

He completed his internship in the Department of Surgery and his residency in the Department of Neurological Surgery at College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University. Dr. Kaiser also completed a comprehensive spine fellowship at Emory University.

Dr. Kaiser has been engaged in clinical research throughout his training. While at Yale medical school he received the American Heart Association Research grant to study cerebral blood flow physiology and was awarded the Peter F Curran thesis award. During his residency at Columbia University, he was engaged in novel treatments of brain tumors and authored several book chapters on spine surgery. During his spine fellowship at Emory University, he conducted cutting edge clinical research on patients undergoing both cervical and lumbar fusion procedures and published these results in leading peer reviewed journals. Dr. Kaiser specializes in treatments for cervical and lumbar degenerative disease, complex cervical spine reconstructions, spinal cord and nerve tumors, spine tumors, and minimally invasive spinal procedures. The ability to assist patients suffering from a neurological deficit has been a focus of his career.

Dr. Kaiser has been an active member of numerous national neurosurgical societies including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), Society of University Neurosurgeons (SUNS), and the AANS/CNS Joint Section of Spine and Peripheral Disorders. He routinely presents and moderates courses, teaching his fellow neurosurgeons, at annual meetings of the AANS and CNS. He has served on the editorial board for the AANS Journal of Neurosurgery:Spine, completing his 5 year term in 2017, and has served as a guest examiner for the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS). He has been an ad-hoc reviewer for other peer reviewed journals including Neurosurgery, The Spine Journal, and Neurosurgical Focus. He has also been a member of the medical advisory board for the Alan T. Brown Foundation to cure paralysis.

His publications are numerous, having authored over 70 peer reviewed articles, 16 textbook chapters, and recently served as lead editor on a textbook describing the surgical care of patients with cervical degenerative disease. Finally, he has been a major participant in the development of national guidelines pertaining to cervical and lumbar degenerative disease and thoracolumbar trauma, providing his fellow neurosurgeons with a foundation to provide appropriate care for patients suffering from such conditions.

In addition to his work with Neurosurgeons of New Jersey, Dr. Kaiser is a former Associate Professor of Neurosurgery with the Department of the College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia University.

In addition to working out of our Ridgewood office, Dr. Kaiser has the ability to treat and admit patients at the following area hospitals.

  • The Valley Hospital
  • St. Barnabas Medical Center
  • St. Joseph’s Health
  • NYU Langone Health
Valley Hospital Logo Main
  • Aetna Medicare
  • Aetna Meritain & Assure
  • Aetna Signature (1199 & GEHA)
  • Aetna Whole Health
  • Clover Medicare – Case by Case exception
  • Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (Blue Card/Suitcase/PPO)
  • Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ (commercial)
  • Horizon Braven Health (PPO, HMO-POS)
  • Braven Medicare Choice PPO
  • Braven Medicare Freedom PPO
  • Braven Medicare Group HMO-POS
  • Braven Medicare Access group HMO-POS
  • Medicare (Part A and Part B)
  • No Fault (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Accidents Only)
  • Omnia (tier 1)
  • Oxford Garden State Health Plan
  • Oxford Health Plan
  • UHC under Empire/NYSHIP plan
  • United HealthCare (commercial, including All Savers) UMR
  • Worker’s Comp- NJ Only

Honors, Awards & Recognition

See what Dr. Kaiser has accomplished over the years.

Accomplishments

  • Current Secretary/Treasurer for the Society of University Neurosurgeons, 2023-2025
  • Member of the Editorial Board for Neurosurgery, 2022-Present
  • Served on the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine editorial board, 2013-2018

Awards

  • Bergen County Top Doctors 2023
  • Castle Connolly America’s Top Doctors (2012-2020)
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctors: New York Metro Area (2011-2020)
  • New York Magazine: Top Doctors (2014, 2017-2023)
  • Vitals Patients’ Choice Award (2010, 2011, 2014-2018)
  • Vitals Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2010, 2014-2018)
  • Vitals on-time Doctor award (2014-2018)
  • Best Doctors in America ® (2009-2020)
  • America’s 50 Best ™ (2015, 2014, 2013)
  • Press Ganey Recognition (2015)
  • America’s Top Doctors (book series) (11th Edition, 12th Edition, 13th Edition, 14th Edition)
  • Castle Connolly America’s Top Doctors (digital guide) (2016 – 2021)
  • Top Doctors: New York Metro Area (book series) (14th Edition, 15th Edition, 16th Edition, 17th Edition, 18th Edition)
  • Jersey’s Best Magazine Top Doctors (2020 – 2023)
  • Top Doctors New York Metro Area (digital guide) (2016 – 2023)
Bone&Joint award 2021

Patient Stories

Meet One of Dr. Kaiser’s Patients

One day while gardening, Helena began to experience tingling in her hand, and eventually shooting pain through her arm and shoulder. Eventually, Helena was diagnosed with cervical stenosis…

Listen to how Dr. Kaiser got Helena back in the garden!

Ask the Doctor

What is the Best Treatment for Cervical Stenosis? – Dr. Michael G. Kaiser

Dr. Michael G. Kaiser is a nationally recognized neurosurgeon practicing out of our Ridgewood office. Dr. Kaiser specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine surgeries.

Spinal Cord Compression: Not Necessarily an Emergency – Dr. Michael G. Kaiser

Dr. Michael G. Kaiser is a nationally recognized neurosurgeon practicing out of our Ridgewood office. Dr. Kaiser specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine surgeries.

What Causes Numbness and Tingling in Arms and Hands? – Dr. Michael G. Kaiser

Dr. Michael G. Kaiser is a nationally recognized neurosurgeon practicing out of our Ridgewood office. Dr. Kaiser specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine surgeries.

What Causes Cervical Stenosis? – Dr. Michael G. Kaiser

Dr. Michael G. Kaiser is a nationally recognized neurosurgeon practicing out of our Ridgewood office. Dr. Kaiser specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine surgeries.

What is ACDF Surgery? – Dr. Michael G. Kaiser

Dr. Michael G. Kaiser is a nationally recognized neurosurgeon practicing out of our Ridgewood office. Dr. Kaiser specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine surgeries.

What is Recovery Like After ACDF Surgery? – Dr. Michael G. Kaiser

Dr. Michael G. Kaiser is a nationally recognized neurosurgeon practicing out of our Ridgewood office. Dr. Kaiser specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine surgeries.

What is the Best Treatment for Cervical Radiculopathy? – Dr. Michael G. Kaiser

Dr. Michael G. Kaiser is a nationally recognized neurosurgeon practicing out of our Ridgewood office. Dr. Kaiser specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine surgeries.

What is Cervical Myelopathy and How is it Treated? – Dr. Michael G. Kaiser

Dr. Michael G. Kaiser is a nationally recognized neurosurgeon practicing out of our Ridgewood office. Dr. Kaiser specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine surgeries.

Recent Videos

New Director of Spine at Valley Hospital: Dr Michael Kaiser

Spine Surgery Patient : Brian Teter

Brian Teter is an active father of two twin boys. He began to feel a tingling sensation in his left arm, which lasted up to 6 months.

He noticed this complication was preventing him from performing everyday activities. He met with Dr. Kaiser of Neurosurgeons of New Jersey, where he performed routine physical assessments, which led to an MRI. His nerve was being crushed between two vertebrae, which caused weakness in his left arm. He was then scheduled for surgery to fuse his neck. At eight months post-op, Brian has regained strength in his left arm and a sense of normalcy.

Read Dr. Kaiser’s Blog Posts

Call Dr. Kaiser today at 201-327-8600.

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