Dr. Russell Paul Nockels, MD

I recently had major corrective spine surgery with Dr. Nockles. After 3 years of suffering, I am now pain free. I am extremely grateful for his care and expertise - he truly changed my life.

Dr Nockels operated on my neck some 7 and half years ago after an accident that broke my neck in two places. My wife who has worked in the medical field said he left very little evidence of the surgery and my visits with him after leaving the hospital were very positive primarily due to his very personal character. His staff at the time at Loyola were extremely caring and helped me thru this trying time. He is an amazing surgeon and doctor and now I am looking to try and get his recommendation for a hip replacement doctor.

Dr. Nockles operated on me 25 years ago when he was at UCSF Mt. Zion in California. He was very professional and personable before surgery explaining about Chiari malformation and what the surgery would entail. He was realistic, yet kind, stating that the surgery was not a cure but it would help to stop the progression of my condition. I remember him telling me the I'll likely have '...some good days and good weeks and some bad days and bad weeks.' I can say that has absolutely been my experience. Having that surgery absolutely changed my life for better. My decompression surgery was comprised of 5 different procedures and took 9 hours to complete. I don't believe I could have had a better surgeon as Dr. Nockles. At the time I was a single parent of my 5-year-old daughter and at the initial consultation prior to surgery, I expressed concern for my wellbeing given the risks of the surgery. He stated with such confidence and not a hint of arrogance that yes, it is risky and that's why I… was sent to him. He said this is what he does and he's the top in his field. I believed him then and I believe my 25 year post-op success is because of his expertise. For that, I am eternally grateful.

I had serious osteoarthritis degeneration in my lower back. In 2009, Dr. Nockels performed surgery on me and did a wonderful job. I had not experienced such relief from pain in more than twenty years. Of course he explained it was 50/50 that I could be permanently mobility impaired after the surgery. But I wasn't! The past seven years have been great. Much appreciation to him always! GRATEFUL!

I had 2 crushed vertebrae which were not diagnosed .I had surgery at Henry Ford hospital with Dr.Nockels as lead surgeon.To this day I don't think I'd be walking if not for Dr.Nockels.I trust him with my life

I think Dr Nockels is a good surgeon, he doesn't communicate effectively with his patients about what he is going to do, until right before surgery. You have long waits to see him i mean like 3 hours sometimes. And his NP Erin, is out of touch with his patients and ordering PT, she is into stretching exercises, and doesn't believe in massage, heat, ice, etc..I think he should get rid of her, and hire one that is more up to date with spinal patients, and their needs.

Spend 5 min with patient :/ didn't even look at the MRI results. Prescribe treatment witch one don't work for many years.

Dr. Nockels' expertise in diagnosing and recommending a treatment plan resulted in me being able to sleep without pain...something I had not been able to do for longer than I can remember! Dr. Nockels performed a C4-5 corpectomy and fusion to address bilateral shoulder pain (I thought I had shoulder issues and he very quickly and aptly diagnosed a cervical spine issue). I was in the hospital for one day and back to walking my usual routine 3 miles the next day and back to working out shortly thereafter. He is kind, caring, compassionate, well educated and most of all, a skilled surgeon. Both my husband and I were well prepared for what to expect; Dr. Nockels met with us and answered all of our questions. His residents were also very knowledgeable and kind and Erin, his nurse practitioner, is nothing short of amazing...skilled, knowledgeable, compassionate, kind and caring. I am so grateful to Dr. Nockels!

I would recommend Dr. ockels to everyone I know. He is an excellent surgeon and extremely personable.

Dr. Nockles operated on me 11 years and and every year he follows me up. I have degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis. I had reached my breaking point and after every other form of treatment I (with a different Dr.)broke down and had surgery. He was very up front with me. He wa has great bedside manor and his residents are well trained to aid in your care. I am now facing a second procedure and he will be my surgeon yet again1