Dr. Joseph James Illig, MD

BOTTOM LINE When choosing a surgeon, experience and skill matter! Dr. Illig has an abundance of both. I started with the conclusion. The following explains how I came to that conclusion.] My problem was pain in lower back/buttocks but it didn't radiate down my leg. I could only walk very short distances and couldn't stand more than 10 minutes. MRI showed herniated L4/L5 disc. I started with a orthopedic surgeon. "No leg pain so you don't need me - it can be handled with injections." 3 months of injections and no relief so I got an appointment. with UC Memorial neurosurgeon. "No pain down leg so I'm not convinced your bulging disc is the problem. We'll do the same injections again because Memorial "might" do them more accurately than Penrose.". That Dr. was fired. My GP Dr. said the top neurosurgeon in CSpgs was Illig and gave me a referral. Dr. Illig's diagnosis "80% chance it is your disc. You have an uncommon presentation of a very common problem. It is rare to not have leg pain but… in my 20 years of practice I have seen it before." I woke up in recovery and the debilitating pain I had suffered with for over a year was totally gone. Not reduced but GONE!

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN, THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY LIFE

Following a severe fall at home, I waited 36 hours before going to the emergency room where I was immediately x-rayed and informed that I was being transferred to the trauma facility at the parent hospital. After being transported by ambulance, I received a CT scan which revealed a break at the base of the C2 ondontoid. This break was actually a re-break of an older one which had not properly healed. Dr. Illig saw me at the hospital and I remained under his care for almost six months. It took cooperation on my part, but the entire process was made more palatable by the fact that Dr, Illig and his staff were so thorough in every aspect of my treatment. Explaining the why, wherefore and consequences of my injury in language and graphic demonstration helped me to understand the reasons behind the prolonged process of healing. As a result, I was able to avoid any type of surgery and was given complete and thorough instruction on continued health practices to avoid a repeat of the… condition. A bad back with accompanying scoliosis has been a big problem almost all of my life. I can only wish I had meet Dr. Illig years ago when much of the subsequent pain, suffering and damage might have been avoided.

Excellent bedside manner, extremely professional, incredibly responsive to critcal emergency surgery. Should you be lucky enough to get Dr.Illig, your in the best neurosurgeon hands possible.

VERY GOOD. TALS LOUD, ABLE TO HEAR AND UNDERSTAND. EXPLAINS THINGS IN DETAL.

I had a wonderful experience with the treatment I received from Dr. lIlig. He was so responsive to my questions, taking the time to help me understand any of my concerns. I have never had a doctor that allowed me so much time during each appointment. When I needed to get in surgery earlier due to severe pain, Dr.llig adjusted his schedule to make it happen within a couple of days. I can't say enough about my positive experience with the entire staff.

I was seen on time. Dr. was very precise and direct with his prognoses. And answered all of my questions.

Dr. Illig is a caring and very knowledgeable physician. He is conservative, in the sense that he focuses on what really needs to be done, avoiding any procedure that is unnecessary. I was allowed the latitude to first try steroid shots, which were only partly useful for me. Surgery became necessary, to prevent lasting damage to a nerve and compromise the use of my foot. My recovery is just beginning. But at this moment in time, success seems well within reach!! I'm grateful for his skillful care and the rest of the staff at CSNA.

Dr. Illig did my first spinal surgery and he was amazing! He is above the best and I could not imagine any other doctor doing my next surgery but him. Knowledgeable, caring and very confident that he could help me as be did the first time yet as the first time making sure I knew the risk as with any surgeries of this nature! My wife is very pleased as well and tells everyone who will listen she would not want anyone but Dr. Illig for my surgery or her if she ever needed it, she trust him and He listens to us. He goes above and beyond for his patients we believe. Thank you Dr. Illig!

Broke my neck almost a year ago and ended up with Dr. Illig. Excellent experience with him as my Dr., I always felt I was in the best of hands. He explained the injury in ways that made it easy to understand and also the procedures I was going to go through. I would recommend Dr. Illig to every one I know but I hope I never have to. He is the best, it was a pleasure having him as my Dr. I would have him as a personal friend. Thank you Dr. Illig