Dr. Michael Dolphin, DO

My initial visit I had decided to take care of the issue with a different option but after thinking about it, changed my mind for a procedure. Went back to his office within an hour and he saw me right away so we could schedule the different procedure. He was very kind & supportive.

Dr. Michael Dolphin and his team were fantastic. From discovery meeting to surgery to post op. The entire team was professional and personable. I had anterior lumbar fusion on L5/S1 which went smoothly. I had frequent muscle spasms. Dr. Dolphin is very talented and provided the relief I hoped for.

Dr Dolphin diagnosed my leg pain I had for 9 months , did surgery with hardly any wait time. I feel great in less than 2 weeks! He’s great to talk to also! Thank you Dr Dolphin!

No amount of writing will be enough good to say about Dr. Dolphin. He is simply fantastic and I wish I would have found him sooner! He is personable, thorough, and will explain everything in simple, non-medical terms. I will recommend him to anyone and everyone!

I came to Dr. Dolphin on referral from a colleague after years of struggling with a herniated L5-S1 disc. I had a previous microdiscectomy 12 years ago and, over the past five years, tried every conservative treatment possible — injections, chiropractic care, TENS, physical therapy, medications — but nothing provided lasting relief. At the end of August, I developed sudden weakness, numbness, and extreme pain in my lower back and right leg. Imaging revealed a larger disc bulge. When I saw Dr. Dolphin two weeks later, he took the time to truly listen to me — man to man — as I explained that I couldn’t continue living like this and needed surgical repair. Despite my higher surgical risk due to BMI, Dr. Dolphin clearly explained those risks and still agreed to perform a microdiscectomy because of my worsening condition and inability to perform daily activities. I had seen five other spine surgeons since 2020, all of whom refused to operate because of my BMI. Dr. Dolphin not only agreed… to help me, but also offered practical weight loss strategies to work on with my primary care doctor, based on what he has seen succeed with other patients. I had surgery on October 10th, and the results were life-changing. My sciatic pain was immediately gone, strength returned, and sensation started coming back in my right leg right away. Two weeks later, I’m nearly symptom-free (just the occasional reminder nerve when I overdo it) and cleared to begin physical therapy. I can’t recommend Dr. Dolphin enough for giving me my life back and being willing to take a chance when others wouldn’t. Thank you, Dr. Dolphin, for your skill, compassion, and willingness to help when I needed it most.

Dr. Dolphin performed a bi-lateral Lamenectomy on my L3 & L4. The surgery went very smooth, I was walking out within a couple hours. Post surgery I needed some anti-inflammatory medicine to control some inflamed nerve endings, Dr.. Dolphins and his staff were right on this and within a couple weeks I was good to go. I would recommend dr. Dolphin and his staff to anyone needing back surgery.

Absolutely outstanding level of care from Dr. Dolphin and his team all across the board. Dr. Dolphin explains things well, has an excellent bedside manner, and treated me with respect and kindness. Had cervical spinal fusion and woke up pain-free for the first time in years! The nurses and all staff at the surgery center were kind, professional, and efficient. Also, I have had a number of surgeries before and this was by far my best experience. Even the anesthesia team was amazing - went to sleep and woke up without nausea, grogginess or confusion, which was a wonderful thing to be able to go home with a clear head and steady on my feet! I'm two weeks out and I feel better than I have in years!

Dr Dolphin is the best! Back surgery is a scary thought. But I can’t even put into words how much they helped make my experience. And best part, NO sciatic pain from the second I came out of surgery.

I am a recent back patient of Dr Dolphins. I was referred to him by many family and friends in the medical field from all over the QC Metro area. I am very particular about my medical providers and want only those recommended by others in the profession. Upon our initial office visit, I was impressed with his staff and Dr Dolphins bed side manner, knowledge, and the time he spent with us. He took the time to answer questions and put me at ease about my options. It was obvious patient care was a high priority to Dr. Dolphin and his staff. I knew at that point why he was so highly respected and recommended by so many in the Medical field. During my visit it was determined back surgery was needed. I am currently recovering and doing well. Surgery was a success! I am so grateful to Dr. Dolphin and his staff. I highly recommend them! Sincerely, TF

Words cannot possibly express how thankful I am for Dr. Dolphin and his team. They did an outstanding job with my spine surgery. For the first time in over eight years, I've been able to stand up straight without experiencing excruciating pain in my back. My surgery was done at Bettendorf Unity Point, where I received excellent care. Everyone on my care team was so incredibly kind, and made my recovery much easier. I highly recommend Dr. Dolphin to anyone in need of spinal surgery.