The DISC Team

Meet the Doctor

Meet the Doctor

Nima Salari, M.D., FAAOS

  • Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
  • Board-Certified

Dr. Salari is a Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Spine Surgeon with specialized training in the operative and non-operative treatment of pathologic conditions affecting the spine. His treatment philosophy exhausts all means of conservative care and less invasive surgical techniques before ever recommending spinal fusion.  He specializes in ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery and cervical artificial disc replacement. These surgical techniques are excellent spine fusion alternatives and have the highest patient satisfaction scores.  Spine fusion alternatives are usually ultra or minimally-invasive tissue-sparing approaches that allow for the fastest recovery times and minimize postoperative pain.  

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*photo credit to Steve Craft

Credentials

COLLEGE University of Pittsburgh
MEDICAL SCHOOL Temple University
RESIDENCY John Hopkins Hospital
FELLOWSHIP Stanford University

Download Curriculum Vitae

Spine Surgeon Spotlight – Dr. Nima Salari | DISC

More About Dr. Nima Salari

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Salari has been involved in various orthopedic research projects involving the musculoskeletal system. He has published numerous articles and book chapters on the topic of minimally invasive surgery. He has helped design surgical instruments and implants in use today for several international companies. He teaches national and international courses in the latest laser-assisted endoscopic techniques and image-guided surgeries. He serves as a contributing team physician for local collegiate and professional sports teams.

After spending his high school years in Germany, he enrolled in the Bioengineering program at the University of Pittsburgh. A University Scholar and on the Dean’s List, he graduated summa cum laude with honors in 2003. He then received his M.D. degree from Temple University and earned membership in the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Society in 2006. Dr. Salari completed his Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2012. He then went on to complete a fellowship dedicated to spine surgery at Stanford University.

He rapidly earned top marks with his patients (U.S.NewsHealthgradesVitalsRateMDsYelpWebMD) and peer recognition as a PHOENIX magazine “Top Doc” in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023, 2024. 

He received the most votes for “Top Doc” in Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine in 2022.

Dr. Salari is a member of many professional organizations, including the North American Spine Society, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

When not working, he enjoys travel, a variety of sports activities, and spending time with his family.

Dr Salari consulting patients

Patient Reviews

4.9
8,228 Reviews

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Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients of DISC are saying about their experiences with our highly-skilled spine surgeons.

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Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients of DISC are saying about their experiences with our highly-skilled spine surgeons.

Write a Review

Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients of DISC are saying about their experiences with our highly-skilled spine surgeons.

Write a Review

Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients of DISC are saying about their experiences with our highly-skilled spine surgeons.

Write a Review

Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients of DISC are saying about their experiences with our highly-skilled spine surgeons.

Write a Review

Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients of DISC are saying about their experiences with our highly-skilled spine surgeons.

Write a Review

Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients of DISC are saying about their experiences with our highly-skilled spine surgeons.

Write a Review

Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients of DISC are saying about their experiences with our highly-skilled spine surgeons.

Write a Review

In The News

Stay up-to-date with the latest News about our expert Arizona spine surgeons.

February 21, 2024

What Causes Herniated Discs?

Muscle Strain or Slipped Disc? How to Tell Where Back Pain Is Coming From
January 7, 2024

Muscle Strain or Slipped Disc? How to Tell Where Back Pain Is Coming From

tiny cameras are now taking center stage in spinal surgery
September 18, 2023

How Tiny Cameras are Now Taking Center Stage in Spinal Surgery

Dealing with back pain caused by disc degeneration and herniation has long been a challenge. For years, surgeons have been using various techniques to address these issues, with the operating microscope being a crucial tool. However, a game-changing evolution is happening in spinal surgery thanks to a device that’s been around for a while — […]

Myelopathy: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
August 19, 2023

Myelopathy: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Spinal injuries can wreak havoc on your life, impacting your organs, motor functions or senses. They must be handled with prompt medical attention to prevent lasting damage. Speak with your doctor if you notice any peculiar symptoms, such as those caused by myelopathy. Myelopathy is a common spinal cord condition that can limit a person’s […]

dual portal endoscopic spine surgery new state of the art treatment option
July 12, 2023

Dual Portal Endoscopic Spine Surgery – New State-of-the-Art Treatment Option for Back Pain Due to Spinal Stenosis

Traveling
February 28, 2023

Why You Should Consider Traveling for Spinal Surgery

Medical tourism is an ideal solution for those seeking more affordable and accessible health care. If you’re facing challenges in obtaining the orthopedic care or surgery you need, you may be able to find the appropriate treatment in another state or country.

Woman sitting with lower back pain
October 7, 2022

Best Exercises to Help With Back Pain

Back pain, especially lower back pain (LBP), is widespread. Almost everyone will experience back pain as an acute episode or chronic condition during their lifetimes. In fact, up to 23% of adults worldwide have chronic low back pain.

July 29, 2022

Top 5 Surgical Alternatives to a Spine Fusion Surgery

Have you recently seen a spine specialist who recommended spine fusion surgery? Did you walk away from the appointment asking yourself, do I need a fusion, and are there alternative, less invasive surgeries?

July 15, 2022

Back Pain Relief Tips for Long Road Trips

You may be planning a road trip as a fun excursion, envisioning the freedom of driving off into the sunset. Or, the trip may be a necessity to get from point A to point B. Either way, it’s important to prioritize back pain relief as you journey to your destination. In this article, you’ll find several tips for reducing lower back pain when sitting in a car.

Man with neck pain
May 13, 2022

9 Treatment Options for Pinched Nerves in the Back and Neck

There are numerous innovative treatments for pinched nerves in the back. Pinched nerves develop when excess pressure is placed on a nerve from surrounding structures, including herniated disc, cartilage or boney spurs.

Spinal x-rays
April 4, 2022

3 Reasons Why Patients Should Consider Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement – A Spine Fusion Alternative

Have you been suffering from neck pain, and your spine surgeon has offered to perform a neck fusion surgery or an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)?

Doctor showing a diagram of a spine
March 4, 2022

5 Key Points to Understand About Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)

Cervical artificial disc replacement or cervical total disc arthroplasty is an innovative surgical procedure that removes a damaged degenerative disc and replaces it with an artificial disc. The artificial disc was designed to preserve motion in your neck.

Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement (PCM)
February 25, 2022

7 Reasons to Consider a Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Over a Spine Fusion

Living with neck pain is never easy. Neck pain can severely impact our daily work and activities. Neck pain is the fourth leading cause of disability, with about 30 percent of people experiencing neck pain yearly. When conservative treatment fails to provide relief, there is good evidence that cervical neck surgery effectively relieves neck pain.

man holding neck with neck muscle diagram
January 21, 2022

Preventing Sports Injuries to Your Back and Neck

By Nima Salari, MD While sports provide an excellent way to stay active and exercise regularly, they can also pose the risk of injuries. Repetitive motions or recessive strain on the back and neck may increase a person's risk of developing an injury. Read our guide on common sporting accidents and how to prevent sports injuries.

woman holding back in pain
November 12, 2021

Tips on How to Relieve Sciatica Pain

By Nima Salari, MD Sciatica is a common condition causing pain, numbness and tingling sensations. It's a form of nerve pain stemming from the compression of the sciatic nerve. You may hear sciatica referred to as lumbar pain or lumbar radiculopathy. Learn how to identify sciatica and how to relieve sciatica pain with simple practices and stretches.

DISC replacement diagram
October 8, 2021

When to Consider an Artificial Disc Replacement

By Nima Salari, M.D. Chronic back or neck pain can develop due to numerous conditions. In many cases, unhealthy or damaged intervertebral discs cause chronic back pain. These spinal discs provide a layer of cushion between the vertebrae and help absorb pressure and stress placed on the spine. When these spinal discs experience damage during an accident or become unhealthy with age, the vertebrae may come into direct contact, causing discomfort. Fortunately, innovative treatments and artificial disc replacement surgery are available to improve these unpleasant symptoms.

September 29, 2021

What is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

By Dr. Nima Salari In this video, Dr. Nima Salari describes endoscopic spine surgery, its benefits, and why patients prefer these types of surgical procedures. Endoscopic spine surgery is the least invasive surgery category made up of endoscopic discectomy, endoscopic rhizotomy, and endoscopic foraminoplasty. Each of these procedures is performed through a 1/4 inch incision with an HD endoscope and attached camera. The surgeries can be achieved with the patient under conscious sedation.

March 23, 2021

Second Opinion Fusion Alternative: Minimally Invasive Microscopic Laminectomy

By Nima Salari, MD Lumbar laminectomy surgery is one of the most common decompressive spine surgeries performed daily in operating rooms across the world. However, not every laminectomy surgery is performed the same way by each surgeon. There are various developing techniques that we spine surgeons use to treat patients who suffer from back and leg pain. In my practice, I have listened countless times to how life-altering this pain can be on their work and active lifestyle. In the lower back, (lumbar spine) the spinal cord or dura within the spinal canal can become compressed causing significant pain. This is often referred to as spinal stenosis.

Caregiver talking with patient
July 31, 2020

Tips for Caregivers

By Nima Salari, MD When caring for a patient with neck or back pain, the caretaker faces emotional and at times physical challenges. It is difficult to watch a loved one experience pain symptoms. Many times being unsure of how to provide help can generate further anxiety about the situation. Know that as a caregiver you are not alone. In fact, statistically, a broad majority of long-term care for patients in the United States is provided by their family members. Know that you are appreciated and here are some tips to perhaps make the journey a bit lighter.

March 6, 2020

7 DOs and DON’Ts After Spine Surgery

Having surgery is a major step for any patient. Even with the shortest and simplest of surgeries, patients should follow instructions as discussed with their surgeon. This is a time to focus on healing and completing the plan set out with your care provider.

March 20, 2019

Preoperative Surgical Planning and Evaluation of Customized Instruments and Implants

By Nima Salari, MD As surgeons we are always looking for ways to improve the care we provide. An often overlooked yet equally important factor are the steps taken prior to even setting foot in the operative suite. Pre-operative planning is a factor that was stressed heavily during residency and fellowship, but as technological improvements are made in the implants and instruments, seldom has anyone sought to improve the way in which pre-op planning is performed. As trends have shown, patients today want individualized care, customized implants, and concierge medicine.

January 8, 2019

New guided approach to instrumented lumbar fusion evolved from earlier methods

By Nima Salari, MD The recent introduction of 3-D-printed and patient-matched pedicle screw guides has modernized spine surgery planning and procedures. The process for this patient-matched approach provides for an efficient and effective technique that reduces radiation exposure and can save hospitals and health systems on expenditures for capital purchases, such as navigation systems or CT-scanning technology. In addition, surgeons are less reliant today on free-hand techniques than they once were.

Woman doing physical therapy
February 20, 2015

Physical Therapy and Improved Health

By Nima Salari, MD Often patients ask me whether physical therapy is necessary before or after surgery. Although some conditions that cause severe debilitating pain may not respond to therapy right away, patients find a degree of relief in most cases. We typically do not exercise enough and when we do, many of us use poor form or do not do the correct exercises.

man holding back in pain
October 3, 2014

Is back or neck pain holding you back?

Is back or neck pain holding you back from golfing, biking, tennis, hiking, or some other fun activity? Dr. Nima Salari is here to help. Dr. Salari appeared on the Social Station Arizona to speak about how to treat your back and neck pain and when to consult a spine surgeon.

June 13, 2014

Dr. Nima Salari warns, “Don’t let technology get you off track!”

Dr. Nima Salari was interviewed by Channel 3 News on how our high-tech life can wreak havoc on our posture and our health and gives some tips on how to counter bad habits that come with increased phone and computer usage.

lower back pain
December 30, 2013

Three Ways to Avoid Low Back Injuries

By Nima Salari, MD One of the most common reasons for a doctor visit is low back pain. The majority of people experience pain in their lower back at some point in their lifetime. If you’re experiencing pain, you are not alone. Here are three tips to get you back into action.

September 5, 2012

Dr. Anthony Yeung to receive the 2012 Kambin Award

Congratulations to Dr. Anthony Yeung, who has been selected by the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) to receive the 2012 Kambin Award.

March 15, 2024

Dr. Salari Featured in Phoenix Magazine as Top Doc 2024

March 5, 2024

2024 Phoenix Magazine Top Docs

February 13, 2024

Congratulations to DISC’s surgeon Dr. Nima Salari – “Top Doctor for 2024” list. 

Dr. Nima Salari, Chris Yeung, and Justin Field
March 6, 2023

DISC Surgeons Named 2023 Top Docs

Congratulations to DISC’s surgeons, Christopher Yeung, Justin Field, and Nima Salari, for being chosen as Phoenix Magazine’s TOP DOCTOR in 2023.

Endoscopic Spine Symposium Blue Flyer
January 16, 2023

Join Dr. Nima Salari at Amplify Surgical’s 2nd Annual Endoscopic Spine Symposium

Register today for Amplify Surgical’s 2nd Annual Endoscopic Spine Symposium, featuring dualPortal™ and dualX® System on March 4, 2023. 

Dr. Nima Salari and Chris Yeung
April 11, 2022

DISC Surgeons take Phoenix – Top Doc Award in 2022

Dr. Salari received the most votes in the Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine category. Dr. Yeung received the award for the 10th consecutive year.

Dr. Nima Salari and Mark Wang
November 22, 2021

DISC surgeons participate in M.O.R.E. Spine Learning Center

DISC surgeons Dr. Salari and Dr. Wang participated as instructors in a recent M.O.R.E. Education Spine Program in Phoenix, Arizona on November 19-20, 2021. The M.O.R.E. Spine Learning Center offers surgeons the opportunity to attend cadaver labs, meet experienced surgeons and discuss the clinical, technical and economic aspects of new spine treatment technologies.

Spine Surgeon Spotlight - Dr. Nima Salari
September 14, 2021

Dr. Nima Salari Listed On Becker’s “50 Spine Surgeons To Know”

We are proud to announce that Dr. Nima Salari has been named to Becker's Spine Review "50 Spine Surgeons To Know." Written by Carly Behm | August 26th, 2021 Nima Salari, MD. Desert Institute for Spine Care (Phoenix). Dr. Salari was reportedly the first spine surgeon to implant Amplify Surgical's 12-degree hyperlordotic DualX interbody cage. His specialties include pathologic conditions of the spine and minimally invasive surgery.

March 26, 2021

Spine surgeon leader to know: Dr. Nima Salari

Nima Salari, MD, is a spine surgeon at Phoenix-based Desert Institute for Spine Care. He specializes in pathologic conditions of the spine and has expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery.

December 9, 2020

Dr. Nima Salari is first spine surgeon to implant new hyperlordotic dualX interbody cage

LAGUNA HILLS, CALIF. (PRWEB) DECEMBER 08, 2020 – Amplify Surgical, Inc., a medical device company focused on innovative dual-expanding technology for the lumbar spine, is excited to announce the launch of the dualX T/PLIF 12-Degree hyperlordotic interbody cages.

December 11, 2019

Dr. Nima Salari on Money Radio

Dr. Nima Salari was on the ‘Business for Breakfast’ show, on Money Radio, Monday December 9.

Becker's Spine Review logo
October 17, 2019

Amplify Surgical’s dualX hits 100-level use milestone

Amplify Surgical launched its dualX earlier this year and it has now been implanted in 100 surgical levels. Yong Kim, MD, performed the milestone case at NYU Langone Health in New York City. Ali Najafi, MD, a neurosurgeon in Fresno, Calif., and Nima Salari, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon in Phoenix, have also performed several

June 6, 2019

Dr. Salari explains the benefits of utilizing the 3D planning tools in Medacta’s MySpine MC platform

CASTEL SAN PIETRO, Switzerland – (BUSINESS WIRE)--Medacta International, an international company specializing in the design and production of innovative orthopaedic products and the development of accompanying surgical techniques, today announced its MySpine Midline Cortical (MC) platform has been recognized as this year’s “Best Healthcare Navigation / Robotics Solution” by MedTech Breakthrough.

an anatomic approach to minimally invasive spine surgery
April 3, 2019

DISC Physicians have book chapter published

Dr. Nima Salari, Dr. Christopher Yeung, and Dr. Anthony Yeung contribute a chapter in “An Anatomic Approach to Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery”, a widely acclaimed textbook that presents a diverse spectrum of current safe and efficacious procedures and future innovations in the field of Minimally Invasive Spine surgery. They share their expertise on endoscopic lumbar […]

Desert Institute for Spine Care logo
March 20, 2019

Dr. Christopher Yeung, Dr. Justin Field, and Dr. Nima Salari nominated as Phoenix Magazine’s 2019 Top Doctors

Congratulations to Dr. Christopher Yeung, Dr. Justin Field, and Dr. Nima Salari, for being nominated as Phoenix Magazine’s 2019 Top Doctors!

Dr. Nima Salari discusses new solution for neck pain
March 13, 2019

New Solution for Neck Pain

March 1, 2019

Dr. Nima Salari is featured in Phoenix Medical Professionals Magazine

Dr. Salari is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC). His specialized training is in the operative and non-operative treatment of pathologic conditions affecting the spine.

July 5, 2018

Dr. Nima Salari performs first U.S. spine surgery using Medacta International’s “MySpine MC” technique

DISC's own Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Dr. Nima Salari, was the first in the United States to perform a surgery utilizing Medacta International's "MySpine MC" technique.

September 14, 2017

Dr. Anthony Yeung Travels to Ningbo, China

Desert Institute for Spine Care logo
July 21, 2017

New Publication from the Surgeons at DISC

Drs. Anthony T. Yeung, Christopher A. Yeung, Nima Salari, and Justin Field of DISC, along with James Navratil and Harrison Maio, have recently published an article in the Journal of Spine, an Open Access, peer reviewed, academic journal that provides a complete and reliable source of information on the discoveries and current developments in all areas of the field.

Desert Institute for Spine Care logo
May 15, 2015

How high-energy spine surgeons start their day

How you start the day is important; it sets the tone for everything to follow. Dr. Nima Salari was recently featured by Becker's Spine Review's Laura Dyrda about how he, as a high-energy spine surgeon, starts his day.

October 17, 2014

Dr. Nima Salari named “Top 35 Spine Surgeons Under 40 To Know”

Congratulations to our very own, Dr. Nima Salari, for being named one of the top 35 spine surgeons in the country under 40 years old to know by Becker's Spine Review.

Desert Institute for Spine Care logo
October 11, 2013

Aches & Pains Interfering With Your Mobility?

Join us for a free orthopedic screening and educational event to find out how Scottsdale Healthcare can help get you moving again! Our certified physical therapists will provide a free one-on-one screening to help determine the cause of your pain and recommend follow-up treatment

August 5, 2013

Team DISC Expands!

We would like to welcome our newest team member, Dr. Nima Salari. He will be joining DISC in August 2013.

Desert Institute for Spine Care logo
October 11, 2012

Dr. Anthony Yeung Accepts 2012 Kambin Award

Congratulations again to Dr. Anthony Yeung, who was selected by the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS) to receive the 2012 Kambin Award. Dr. Anthony Yeung’s son, Dr. Christopher Yeung, accepted this award on his father’s behalf at the SMISS Annual Meeting on Sunday, September 23. The Kambin Award was established by SMISS last year in collaboration with […]

Desert Institute for Spine Care logo
February 28, 2012

Minimally Invasive Spine Care

As published in the Arizona Republic Two years after an auto accident smashed two discs in her spine, Patti Nellesen, then 51, was still bedridden and sedated around the clock with painkillers. Doctors considered back surgery too risky due to her history of polio and scoliosis.