Dr. Sam A. Haider, MD

I knew I've had spine problems for some time, saw a spine surgeon several years ago who recommended L3-S1 fusion surgery. I wasn't willing to undertake something that big after hearing about the risks and recovery. My insurance changed and I ended up seeing Dr. Haider at Banner and boy am I glad. My symptoms of leg pain had gotten worse and I had the pain constantly making it hard to sleep even. Dr. Haider went over the MRI and showed that even though there were lots of arthritis, he thought my problem was from one particular nerve only-- L3. He did a minimally invasive nerve decompression on L3 and I went home the same day, without leg pain for the first time in years. I really appreciate how he listened to what was bothering me and took the time to make the right diagnosis instead of just fusing my whole spine. I'm really thankful for meeting Dr. Haider and wish I had this option sooner since the recovery from this 1 inch incision has near immediate -M

I was recently treated by Dr. Sameah Haider after years of chronic neck pain and headaches along with a worsening numbness in my arms and hands. What impressed me most from the very beginning was his thoughtful, patient-first approach—unlike many specialists I’d seen before, Dr. Haider didn’t rush to recommend surgery. He conducted a thorough evaluation and reviewed my imaging in detail, taking the time to walk me through what he saw and what my options were. In addition to looking at my spine, he diagnosed me with carpal tunnel. Rather than jumping straight to an operation, he recommended a combination of physical therapy and non-medication options. It was clear he genuinely wanted to help me avoid surgery if there were other effective paths. The physical therapy provided some additional exercises that will give me relief when I have a flair up. Dr. Haider was open to questions and provided honest, clear feedback. He made it clear that surgery would be a last resort—not a first… response. To me, that level of integrity, expertise, and patient care is rare. I felt heard, and not pressured. It's reassuring to know that if I do ever need surgery, I can trust him to make that call with my best interest at heart. I recommend Dr. Haider to anyone looking for a neurosurgeon who prioritizes conservative treatment.

Dr. Haider is an incredibly kind, caring and approachable neurosurgeon. He spent a lot of time listening to my history, my symptoms, previous treatment and level of pain, before he went over my MRI results, discussing my possible treatment options (medical vs surgical), his own professional recommendations and a step by step plan on what he would do in potential surgery to relieve my severe sciatica. His discussion with me was very professional, respectful and very detailed. My decision was to have spinal surgery. Dr. Haider visited me in hospital pre-surgery and twice after surgery to check on my comfort level and level of pain. My surgery was 100% successful in relieving all of my symptoms almost immediately and I returned to yoga, light gym workouts, and physiotherapy within 2 weeks of surgery. I have the utmost respect for Dr. Haider's neurosurgery skills and his care for his patients. As a Veterinary Neurologist and Neurosurgeon myself, I highly recommend Dr. Haider, without… reservation.

Attentive, inquisitive-- he approached my problem more thoroughly than any prior surgeon I've seen. He also gave me the range of treatment options with emphasis on my education/understanding.

This individual who doesn't deserve to be called doctor told my cousin who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor : " you have a very bad disease, to be honest it's one of the worst ". Mind you she was already told by her competent and compassionate neurosurgeon about her diagnosis, but was transferred to henry ford from rehab to evaluate her for CT scan findings, and this resident saw her in the ER. Out of nowhere he asked her: " what do you know about the nature of your disease?" she said " I know it's a progressive disease" he then slammed her with the most insensitive opinionated statement. He got being blunt WRONG! This is not honesty, this is cruelty. A dying patient doesn't need to be constantly reminded that they're dying. The extent of insensitivity amongst some conceited surgeons blew my mind. He wouldn't have appreciated that being said to a relative I have no doubt, in fact he'd be the first one to attempt to hide such a fact. They should teach surgeons compassion… before anything because they often forget that they're humans. That night was the night she just gave up, and cried for the first time despite her being so strong throughout a rough journey from surgery to rehab. What difference did this individual make? He truly only caused harm.