Dr. Derman changed my life! Starting in October of 2024 I had debilitating leg pain for several months. It started off small and progressively got worse every single day. By early January I couldn't sleep, work and most importantly I couldn't be a dad to my 18 month old son. Adding to this, I had twins due in less than 5 months. I was having to wait for the Surgeon, my PCP referred me to, for several months just to see him. I met with a chiropractor locally and he said the wait I was facing was too long and referred me to Dr. Derman. I called Texas Back Institute and was in within a couple of weeks. Upon meeting with Dr. Derman, he told me I had a huge herniation in my lumbar spine. During that first visit he provided me with hope that I did not have during these trying months. He gave me a path to improve my life and a Plan B if that path did not work. Plan A was injections into my spine and another visit with him after a month to see if I had improved any. When I tried scheduling a follow up appointment at the front desk the assistant advised me he didn't have any availability anytime soon. Dr. Derman heard this and immediately came to the front and made time for our follow up visit. I cannot tell you how much this impressed me. Again, he gave me hope when I had none! Two days after my injection I was feeling worse than prior to the injection. I called Texas Back Institute and they got me back in the next day to see Dr. Derman. He let me know that surgery was going to be the best route since the injection did not help. He walked me through the Minimally Invasive Lumbar Endoscopic Surgery, which would remove the herniation that was crushing my nerve and causing this horrible pain. I watched some of his work that he has posted on Youtube and was amazed at the downtime I would be facing after surgery which was very minimal. Fast forward to the day of the surgery and I was in more pain than I have ever experienced. Right before the surgery Dr. Derman came in and explained everything and assured me that I would be feeling much better in no time at all. Once waking up from the surgery I felt like a new man. I walked out of the hospital less than an hour after waking up. The days to follow, although being a little sore, I was able to do task that were not possible prior to my surgery. I was able to return to work just two days after. I just had my 6 week post-op appointment with Dr. Derman and all of my restrictions have been lifted and I am ready to welcome my twin boys into this world in just a couple short weeks. Thank you Dr. Derman and everyone at Texas Back Institute. You have changed my life and I am forever grateful! read more

I could not recommend Dr. Derman and his team more enthusiastically. Background: I had a repeat injury that led to a large disc herniation (right L5-S1). The herniation made sitting or standing for more than about three to four minutes excruciatingly painful. I experienced no meaningful improvement after rest and steroid injections. With surgery now necessary, I learned that the standard discectomy procedure would involve the removal of part of a vertebra (in order to get to the herniated disc material), which would destabilize my spine and likely necessitate a fusion within ten years. Dr. Derman is one of only a handful of surgeons in the country that performs a cutting-edge kind of minimally invasive version of the procedure. As a non-expert, I won't attempt to describe it and suggest that you take a look at some of his YouTube videos in which he explains the procedures in an informative but easily digestible way. I even watched a video of him performing the exact surgery he performed on me with voice-over commentary explaining the whole thing. Suffice it to say: There's a reason people fly in from around the country and the world to be treated by this amazing surgeon. In fact, in the waiting room ahead of my post-operative check-up, the two other patients were from Virginia and Australia. I'm instinctively hesitant and nervous about surgery, but I could not have been in better hands than with Dr. Derman and his team. Every single one of them was friendly, informative, and professional. And for a super-smart surgeon (just look at his credentials and publication record!) that does a sophisticated type of surgery for a living, I would normally have pretty low expectations for that person's bedside manner and interpersonal skills. Not so with Dr. Derman. In every interaction I've had with them, he has consistently had the exact kind of friendly and easy-going bedside manner that conveys that he actually cares about his patients as human beings. Several months after my surgery, I could not be more pleased with my recovery. To go from close to bedridden to essentially pain-free in the course of a 45-minute surgery is simply amazing to me. And Texas Back Institute's physical therapy team did a great job over the following weeks helping me work through my recovery to regain the strength, flexibility, and strategies I need to stay healthy. And while no surgery or medical treatment can guarantee that my back will stay in good shape forever, I am 100% confident that I got the best care possible for my injury and would recommend Dr. Derman to anybody who'll listen. read more

Exceptional Back Surgeon - A Beacon of Skill and Compassion Rating: I recently underwent spine surgery performed by Dr. Derman and I am compelled to share my overwhelmingly positive experience. As someone who understands the apprehension that comes with the prospect of back surgery, I hope my review provides reassurance to those navigating similar paths. From the initial consultation to the three-month post-surgery follow-up, Dr. Derman demonstrated an unparalleled level of skill, expertise, and compassion. The atmosphere in the clinic was calming, and the staff, from receptionists to nurses, exhibited genuine concern for my well-being. My surgery, which took place three months ago, targeted a longstanding back issue that had significantly impacted my quality of life. I am delighted to report that my recovery has been nothing short of exceptional. The pain relief and increased mobility I now experience are a testament to Dr. Derman's surgical prowess. What sets Dr. Derman's team apart is not only their technical proficiency but also their commitment to patient education. Before the surgery, Dr. Derman took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. This transparency fostered a sense of trust and confidence, alleviating many of my concerns. Throughout the recovery process, Dr. Derman continued to provide attentive and personalized care. His team was readily available to address any questions or concerns, demonstrating a level of commitment to their patients that goes beyond the operating room. In addition to the exceptional medical care, the post-surgery support, including physical therapy recommendations, further highlighted Dr. Derman's dedication to ensuring my long-term well-being. If you are in search of a back surgeon who combines surgical expertise with genuine compassion, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Derman. My journey to recovery has been transformative, and I am grateful to have had such a skilled and caring professional guiding me through the process. Dr. Derman is not just a doctor; he is a beacon of hope for those seeking relief from back issues. read more

First, I must say Dr Derman is extremely professional and down to earth. Always greets you with a smile. His staff follows suit. But that is not what makes him stand out, it is what he said he could do with confidence and he did. My L5/ S1 got screwed up 6 years ago in the gym. As of last year that occasional pain turned into extreme daily pain and lasted almost 14 months without a day of relief. When my PCP referred me to him he wasn't quick to offer surgery. He wanted to make sure I tried everything first-injections, physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, decompression therapy, etc... none of that work for me so 5 months later he performed robotic ultra minimally invasive surgery. The absolute best thing in my life besides God and my kids lol. My pain was reduced from a 10 to a 1 within one day after the surgery. Completely unlike other people I know that had herniated back surgery. They were down 4 to 6 weeks barely able to walk. I was walking before I left the hospital. 2 days later I walked a half a mile through my neighborhood, farther the next day and so on, no pain. I know people are scared to be cut on, so was I. I've never had a broken bone in my life or surgery and I promised myself I never would let anyone cut my back. I must say if you have the same issue he needs to be the "Guy" that does the cutting. Small precise incision and minimal downtime. You can continue with your life quickly and without the extreme pain. I've referred several people I know and strangers that have the same issue in which conventional methods are not working. If you're thinking about it give him a call a conversation never hurts. It would definitely be worth it. Coming from a skeptic of surgery trust me it means a lot. One thing I have learned is empathy for those with that type of pain. It pushed me past sympathy. I wish everyone great relief. Thanx again Doc. Clyde read more

I cannot express how amazing my experience was with Dr Derman and how unbelievable I feel post spine surgery. I have suffered with a herniated disc (L4/L5) for over 3 yrs, doing all the things (multiple rounds PT, spine injections, chiropractic treatments, etc) because the only surgical option I was presented was a disc fusion, which at 40 years old I just couldn't imagine doing. I stumbled upon Dr Derman when it finally sunk in that I needed to do something about my back if I still wanted to be doing things I love (riding horses) 20 years from now and I am so happy I did. He listened as I detailed the last 3 years of treatments and how I still was in pain and limited in what I could do; he explained all the various options we could consider and recommended me as a candidate for an artificial disc replacement rather than fusion and provided information and studies to show how it worked and how patients experienced less recovery time and could retain mobility and active lifestyles with this type of surgery. I felt thoroughly prepared for my procedure with what to expect videos Dr Derman made that walked through pre and post op and answered most any question I had. The day I had my surgery was one of the worst weather days we had all winter here in TX and Dr Derman and his team still trekked in so my surgery didn't have to be rescheduled. The surgery was without issue and I was even up and walking later that evening, my back pain was gone!! I am now 6 weeks post op and could not feel better, Dr Derman and his team have checked in on my progress multiple times between checkups and I cannot be happier about my experience and outcome after a major spine surgery. I recommend Dr Derman and his team 100%!!!!! read more

L5-S1 Bilateral Pars Fracture w/ Spondylolisthesis Dr. Derman and his PA, Jake Krek are great, and very relatable people, that care. They understand and endeavor to bring back the quality of your life. After a couple of years of leg pain and deteriorating immobility at age 41, I sought a second surgical opinion, seeking a more minimally invasive approach for my slipped disk. A neurosurgeon suggested that I needed a laminectomy and a fusion. When explained, this sounded like an extensive surgery for me. I scoured the internet and thankfully found Dr. Derman for a non-traditional approach. Immediately, he and Jake both identified with me. They both understood my mindset as if they had experienced it with me. Dr. Derman poised confidence that he could help me. He listened to all of my concerns and answered all my questions. After continued failure of PT and steroid injections, I decided to put my trust in him as my surgeon and delay no more. My condition was affecting my everyday life including cutting hours at work and no longer being able to play ball with my kids. In December of 2022, I underwent an ALIF with posterior instrumentation with his more minimally invasive approach. He prepared me very well with all expectations before and after surgery, and this really helped put my mind at ease. When I awoke from surgery, all of my leg pain was gone and I could finally bend my leg again. I was able to go home the following day and my recovery seemed to be quite rapid. I am now on week six of recovery and I continue to heal, gain strength and overall feel great. I would highly recommend Dr. Derman to anyone having back and leg pain (sciatica). read more

Hello all. I'd say I'm here to give a full blown testimony vs a simple "review". It's cliche to say that someone "saved my life" but in this case, for me it is true. Last November I started to have a dull left sided buttock pain. By Feb, it had become such severe leg pain that I had to take a medical leave. Walking had become sheer misery. MRI showed disc that was compressing the L5 nerve root. On some occasions I'd almost have to drag my leg because it just hurt so much to pick it up. I tried everything possible to get better: medications, PT, rest, massage, acupuncture, stubborn will, full blown begging prayers, etc. I'm in the medical profession and my work requires that I am quick and on my feet for 12h shifts. As you can imagine, I started to wonder what would happen if I could no longer do my job (or anything else for that matter). Life was getting rough quickly before I was referred to Dr Derman. We went through the paces.... Meds and more time/rest, etc. Happy to say that on March 18th I had a hemilaminotomy with microdiscectomy. I have literally had NO PAIN since the moment I woke up from anesthesia. I was walking around without a care in the world by that evening. Instant resolution of the nerve pain that was ruining my life. My incision was less than 1 cm (no joke) and since that day I've just gone back to normal. I have an entirely new appreciation for being healthy and the nightmare that back pain can be. If this message reaches anyone in a similar scenario, I'd say please let Dr Derman help you! Fix the issue so you can go be awesome :). read more

At 32 years old, I suffered an excruciating disc herniation that left me hospitalized in the worst pain of my life. Despite multiple epidurals and countless physical therapy sessions, I only experienced temporary, minimal relief. Local surgeons in South Florida suggested a laminectomy or even a fusion, which left me feeling hopeless that I was destined for a life of never-ending back pain and procedures. A physical therapist I had been working with mentioned Texas Back Institute, so I set up a video consultation with Dr. Derman. Within minutes, I knew that traveling for this ultra-minimally invasive discectomy was my best chance to get my life back. I was naturally apprehensive about spine surgery, especially since I had never had any surgery before, but Dr. Derman and his team put me at ease. They communicated clearly, answered all of my questions and helped ease any concerns that arose along the way. When I woke up in the recovery room...the relief was immediate. Within an hour, I was walking around the hospital room, and within two, I was walking to the car. I flew home a few days later (and could have the next day). There was tenderness at the incision sites, but I didn't need a single pain pill, muscle relaxer, etc. during my recovery. I am now six weeks post-op and living a very normal, fulfilling life. I walked four miles the other day, the most I had walked in over a year. I truly cannot recommend Dr. Derman enough, he gave me my life back and I have so much gratitude for him and his team. read more

I underwent endoscopic spine surgery with Dr. Peter Derman six weeks ago for a two-level procedure at L4-L5 and L5-S1, and I'm beyond grateful for the results. I've been dealing with chronic back pain since 2010, and after years of struggling, I finally decided to take action. I'll admit, I was really scared about having spine surgery--there are so many things you hear about long recoveries and complications--but after learning about the benefits of endoscopic spine surgery, I felt confident it was the right option. I even traveled from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Dallas to have Dr. Derman perform the procedure, and it was absolutely worth it. From the first consultation, Dr. Derman made me feel completely comfortable. He explained everything in detail, answered all my questions, and made sure I understood exactly what to expect. The surgery went smoothly, and I was walking the same day! I couldn't believe how little pain I had afterward--I only needed Tylenol to manage it, and the discomfort was minimal. My recovery has been much easier and faster than I could've imagined. Now, six weeks later, I feel like a brand new person. I'm able to do things I hadn't been able to do for years, like playing with my kids. I couldn't be more grateful for the chance to be an active parent again and enjoy my time with them. Dr. Derman is an exceptional surgeon, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone considering spine surgery. If you're nervous like I was, trust me, this approach works--and it can truly change your life. read more

I would like to not only thank Dr. Derman, but tell anyone that is living with leg numbness, tingling, and back pain that thinks it can't be fixed without major back surgery, look no more. I was living with these conditions for a couple of years and just pushed through. I couldn't shop or walk more than half a block without having to sit down or stretch my glute/hamstring to relieve the discomfort. There were actually times, my foot would go so numb, I would have foot drop and could barely make it back to my car. Long story short, I found out I had foraminal stenosis in my left side, L5 lumbar spine that was pressing on the spinal nerve. I was referred to Dr. Derman, he immediately saw that I was a candidate for his minimally invasive laparoscopic foraminotomy procedure. The procedure would only be 1 small incision at my waist/flank area on my left side, take approximately 2-3 hours, and I would go home that day. I had my surgery on a Thursday morning, I woke up with no pain, no numbness or tingling in my left leg, and was home by that afternoon. I never knew he did anything. I was up and doing my normal routine the next morning. I cannot say enough positive things about Dr. Derman, Jake his physician's assistant, and the office staff. They truly made what I thought was a very scary operation, a piece of cake! All of my nerve issues are GONE and I am so greatful for Dr. Derman and his expertise. read more

My son who is a spine surgeon in Ohio, referred me to Dr. Derman in Plano. My son told me he would take diligent care of me and said "dad, you will be able to run and jump like before after the surgery." Since my son told me that, I was looking forward to meeting Dr. Derman and getting his diagnosis. On our first meeting he prescribed therapy to see if that would help me and not rush into surgery. After the therapy and an MRI, we had a teleconference meeting. During our meeting, I told him that I still had the numbness in my legs and tightness. He prescribed an outpatient surgery that he said would take about an hour. I live about 650 miles from Dallas, and I made the trip for the surgery hoping that good things would happen. Instead, WONDERFUL things happened. Immediately after the surgery when I woke, I could stand and not feel any tightness in my body like I had the past two years, no numbness in my legs, and I could walk without any pain. Since the surgery I have not had any pain, numbness, tightness. Dr. Derman gave me my previous life back. I am deeply indebted to Dr. Derman, and I would recommend him to anyone who has any spine problems. He and his staff and the hospital treated me very well beyond what I was hoping for. The surgery was completely painless. The surgery was my life revival. I hope heaven has a spot reserved for him for what he did for me. read more

Considering Back Surgery? Are you living with back pain that's limiting your life?Does the thought of back surgery make you nervous or uncertain?Or are you simply curious whether surgery could finally bring you relief? If so, do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation with Dr. Peter Derman. He is, without question, one of the best spine surgeons in the country. Dr. Derman combines world-class medical expertise with something rare in modern medicine -- genuine care for his patients. He's not only incredibly knowledgeable and skilled in his field, but he also communicates in a way that makes sense to you as a patient. He's honest, thoughtful, and always focused on finding the right solution for your specific needs -- not just the fastest one. In addition to his unmatched technical skill, what truly sets Dr. Derman apart is his passion for his work and his compassion for people. He loves what he does, and it shows in every interaction. He takes time to listen, explain, and guide you through every step -- before and after surgery -- with empathy and excellence. Whether you're exploring your options or preparing for a procedure, you'll be in the absolute best hands with Dr. Derman. He's the kind of doctor who makes you feel confident, cared for, and hopeful again. Dr. Peter Derman is simply the best. read more

After suffering from two years of sciatica pain, I finally spoke with a back surgeon who made me feel very uncomfortable with the surgical route. After enduring two rounds of physical therapy, I finally tried pain management and opted for a rhizotmy, still no relief! Enter Dr. Peter Derman of Texas Back Institute. He is amazing! After visiting with him for just a short time, in which he thoroughly took the time to explain the problem and why an L4 L5 spinal fusion was necessary, I was willing and ready to do the surgery. Before the big day, I searched the web for information about the procedure and how "bad" it would be...I am here to say thanks to Dr. Derman and everyone of his amazing staff, my sciatic pain was gone immediately after the procedure, I was walking the same day and never used a walker or cane and am feeling great! Three weeks post-surgery, I am pain free and having a hard time remembering that I have to restrict my activities for awhile. The worst thing is that I didn't meet Dr. Derman two years sooner and would fully recommend anyone riding the fence on back surgery to meet with Dr. Derman to answer and address all your concerns and decide if spinal fusion is right for you. I have no regrets and am quickly getting back to my better self. read more

Dr. Derman is a miracle worker. Let me tell you how I know. I had herniated a disc, L5-S1, when I was in my early 20s and had undergone a microdiscectomy to correct it. It worked, but the recovery was literally several months long. Fast forward to earlier this year, I'm 49 and herniated the exact same disc. I endured a month of excruciating pain hoping it would fix itself. By the time I had gotten to Dr. Derman I literally had to stand during my consultation because it hurt too much to sit. I wasn't looking forward to months of recovery again, but I just wanted the pain to stop. However, he told me the technique he uses would cause minimal damage and pain to the muscle and that recovery would be much much shorter. The moment I woke up from surgery the pain was gone. I was walking within an hour or two, and was home shortly after that. I genuinely never even had any pain post surgery apart from some localized discomfort at the incision site. After 6 weeks of precautionary post-surgical instructions (e.g. don't lift more than 15lbs, etc.) I was cleared to resume my life. On week 7 my family and I flew to Europe (10 hour flights) for 10 days. I didn't think about my back once. That was a miracle. read more

I was apprehensive about having spinal surgery for an ongoing condition that I had lived with for 6 or 7 years. I went to several orthopedic/spine surgeons for opinions over the years and never felt comfortable about the procedure they proposed until I met Dr. Peter Derman. Dr. Derman very patiently explained my condition and the procedure he would utilize to correct my spinal issues. Dr. Derman made no promises other than to promise that he would use his minimally invasive procedure to stabilize my vertebrae and relieve the pressure on my nerves in my lumbar spine. I felt that the communication with Dr. Derman, his PA Jake, and his scheduling staff was terrific, and the procedure and subsequent overnight stay were very smooth and comfortable. Dr. Derman made certain to use very strong pain blockers at the conclusion of my surgery, and I had very little discomfort. I was walking pain-free for significant distances on the afternoon following my surgery, and I have had no recurrence of any of the pain that I experienced prior to surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Derman and his practice and would not hesitate to have another procedure by him or to refer my family members to him for care. read more

Highly Recommended After several years of pain in my left butt and the failure of epidural injections to provide any relief, I was recommended to Dr. Derman at the Texas Back Institute in Plano. He and his PA Jake were very thorough in explaining what they saw from my MRI which was spinal stenosis at the L3-L4 and L4-L5 joints. He was very patient and enthusiastic in explaining the problem and his recommended solution which was a laminectomy at the 2 joints using minimally invasive methods. The documents sent by Melissa were very informative and Dr. Derman was very thorough in his video explaining what to expect. The surgery was a success and Dr. Derman said that I should feel immediate relief because the nerves were very compressed. I was able to go home the same day and I did not have to take any pain medication after the surgery. After 2 days I was pain free! I have experienced pain intermittently in the following weeks but nothing to the level prior to the surgery. At 5 weeks I am still mostly pain free with some intermittent pain and I am just sorry that this was not done sooner. read more

Injured my back in Jan 2023. The possibility of another back surgery for me was daunting. But the pain and lack of mobility forced me to seek out options. Before Dr. Derman I was told more than once that with my condition... "all roads lead to spinal fusion". Scary! So my wife and I did more research and found the Texas Back Institute. So I went to Texas Back Institute and met Dr. Derman, what a difference in approach, attitude and confidence. He gave me multiple options, he gave me hope. The first option was for a minimally invasive orthoscopic procedure that he expressed significant confidence in. Absolute game changer! I went from crippling, debilitating pain to having zero leg/sciatic and lower back nerve pain. For me this was the answer to months of prayer and careful consideration of those options. Throughout the entire process from our first meeting, consult, pre and post op; Dr. Derman, his team and everyone at the Texas Back Institute provided the best, most professional care I could have hoped for. "Thank you!" will never be enough to express my gratitude. -J read more

Dr. Peter Derman and his team are nothing short of amazing. They differentiate themselves by offering expert and innovative care for back and spine issues. Dr. Derman has a very caring personality and spent time with me, going over my medical history before making his diagnosis. He will provide the best options for your personalized care plan and his team will guide you through the process. The communication I received was outstanding; from making the initial appointment, scheduling surgery and follow ups. He provides videos of what to expect before, during and after surgery. Dr. Derman communicated with my family during and after surgery, so they were kept current on my care. Dr. Derman truly cares about his patients. Once you are one of Dr. Derman's patients, you will always be one of his patients. I am forever grateful to Dr. Derman and his skilled hands in the operating room for giving me my life back. If you're reading this unsolicited review and deciding on quality care, I recommend Dr. Peter Derman and Texas Back Institute. read more

Prior to my December 26, 2025 surgery I had endured acute and sometimes excruciating pain for 8 weeks due to a herniated disc at my L5/S1. This pain extended through my right hip (try driving sitting sideways on your left hip to slightly reduce pain), hamstring, right knee (felt like red hot copper wire), right lower calf muscles (reduced muscle motor control) with numbness extending to the top of my right foot-- a real mess! I had IMMEDIATE relief after surgery. When I woke up at 8 AM at home the following morning, I had NO PAIN, NO SWELLING, needed NO PAIN MEDS, and had FULL MOBILITY. It doesn't get any better! I found Dr. Derman to be very detailed and empathetic with caring and compassionate nurse and staff who were very accommodating in helping to resolve my problem. Dr. Derman is indeed the 'guru' RESULTS surgeon with an impeccable and meticulous approach to minimally invasive spine surgery. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Derman to anyone suffering spinal pain. read more