Dr. David Karl Ebelke, MD

My boyfriend had 3 herniated discs. After 2 months of physical therapy and 2 epidurals, he STILL cannot even lift a gallon of milk. He was cleared for "light duty" at work (which involves lifting up to 25lbs). When my boyfriend objected, this doctor told him his opinion "DIDN'T MATTER" and despite BARELY BEING ABLE TO WALK, he cleared him anyway. This doctor doesn't care AT ALL about his patients.

Was sent to this "doctor" by work comp due to pain and numbness from work injury. He basically told me it was in my head and he wouldn't contribute to drug dependency. He released me back to full duty. Couldn't return back to work b/c I failed d.o.t physical. So I paid for mri out of pocket. Found herniation at t7t8 t9t10 and l5s1 with tear and nerve pinch. Get a second opinion and a lawyer if dealing with him and comp

Don't be fooled by the other reviews. This man knows his stuff. He has a very tight philosophy with pain medications, and that is for a very good reason. Chronic pain patients should not be given open ended scripts for narcotics. He was referred to me for extensive surgery, and he did an amazing job. He's been helpful every step. If you'd like a doctor who doesn't sugar coat things, this is your guy. I didn't always like it, but I always appreciated his honesty and straightforward approach. Get beyond the bedside manner, and you'll have a great surgeon who takes good care of his patients.

Dr. Ebelke was referred to me by another doctor for PARS defect and possible fusion for the broken vertebrae. He had me bring my films and thoroughly went over my options with me. He does not seem like the kind of man that takes surgery lightly and perhaps that accounts for some negative reviews. I know weight and excersize are issues with the back and these are probably concerns of all spinal surgeons. He is a well respected surgeon among other doctors including my own general physician and everyone I spoke to said he is a conservative doctor and does not agree if he thinks a person should not have the surgery. After 3 months consideration I opted for the surgery. A lot is expected of Dr. Ebelke and in turn a lot is expected of the patient. I am 4 weeks post surgery and it is difficult I will not lie and harder than I expected. Dr. Ebelke wants me walking 5 miles per day within two months and I am up to 3 miles currently. (I am in my 50's). It has made me so much stronger and is… improving my overall health completely. I find him to be busy, kind, considerate and humorous. He listens to what I have to say and always shows me X-rays and my progression. He always gives his opinion. All that being said I am not looking for a surgeon with a charming personality, I could really care less as long as he or she is an excellent surgeon. The adjectives above are a bonus. He is a rock star in my book and even if the fusion does not take I know that he will be the doctor that continues to help me.

Totally arrogant, all that experience and can't even diagnos pinched nerves, needs to retire, behind the times in medical spinal treatment. Just practicing still to milk workers comp insurance companies for all he can get out of them. Doesn't listen, may need hearing aids at his age, even then that may not help him get past the arrogance to actually listen to the patient. Please retire Dr. Ebelke your way past your prime and behind the times in medical treatment. DO YOUR PATIENTS A HUGE FAVOR AND THROW IN THE TOWEL...

I have beenanurse for 16 years and dr. Ebelke is absolutely worst dr I have ever been around. He has the worst bedside manner, was very rude, and downright mean. He diagnosed me extremly wrong and another ortho dr told me exactly what was my problem which wasn't small . He is just a phony workers comp dr. I am glad I am being treated and starting to feel a little better with a lot of work. Shame on this dr for he has ruined many lives and should not practice medicine,l!!!

I'm shocked at the reviews I've read. Yes, Dr Ebelke is very conservative when it comes to pain meds. He too has pain everyday and tolerates it. This may be the reason for his poor bedside manner at times. I've done my homework and every nurse at NKC hospital says if they had back issues, this is where they would go. I've had two surgeries and I'm considering my third. He may not have the best personality but he is an outstanding surgeon and I feel safe with him. I have degenerative disc disease, sever arthritis and multiple bulging disc. He would not manage my pain medicine so my primary doctor handles that. It's not been a problem for me and I've been on some sort of pain medicine off and on for the last three years. I highly recommend him but also warn that if you are looking for someone who will be warm and fuzzy, this isn't the doctor for you. He is a great surgeon but a bit of a dry personality.

Was sent to Dr Ebelke by wc ,was a little scared by other reviews posted. To my surprise I was treated with much respect and recieved very good care.I would recomend him to friends and family alike. Testing was done and surgery done also .Improvements were made but not totaly resolved.

Having had a back problem for over a year and a half, I seeked Dr. Ebelke for a second opinion. He looked over previous MRI's which showed a slight disk herniation and after looking at those he recommended a spinal dye test and cat scan. He found fragments that were getting into my nerves and offered surgery which I was very terrified of. He had pointed out in every xray an abnormality. He had them marked out and had spent a lot of time doing this. He assured me he wouldn't let anything bad happen to me. His bedside manner was great. I even found him to have a sense of humor. He seemed very trustworthy and caring. I would see him again.

He was my daughter's surgeon and did a great job. It was a tricky diagnosis, but he was able to pinpoint the exact cause and repair the problem spots. She had immediate relief of pain and regained strength in her legs and feet.He spent time talking us through the procedure, and answering all our questions. Would use him again in a heartbeat.