I recently developed an excruciatingly painful condition (a herniated L4-L5 disc and pinched nerve) in my lower back that rendered me unable to walk without crutches. We contacted Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) on a Thursday afternoon and described the condition. They were able to access my test data and arrange an appointment to see Dr. Eric Deal right away on Monday. After evaluating the situation, Dr. Deal patiently explained the condition and the possible treatment options. We decided on surgery, and they were able to schedule me right away on that Thursday at their Eagan location. The surgery went without a hitch, and I was able to walk almost immediately, only needing the assistance of a cane for balance for the first few weeks.

I can honestly say that working with TCO was the most positive medical experience I have ever had. Every member of the TCO staff was completely professional and genuinely caring at every step. The facilities were pleasant and modern, and most conveniently located. The anesthesiologist (Dr. Anderson) listened carefully to my concerns, and we were able to avoid any nausea or allergic reactions which have historically been a real problem for me. Dr. Deal and his team did an incredible job with the surgery and the aftercare. Following this rather complex procedure, I had almost no pain and required no medications beyond ordinary Tylenol. I simply cannot say enough good things about the technical expertise and genuine care this group provided, and I wholeheartedly recommend TCO without reservation for anyone needing orthopedic care.

I cannot thank Dr. Deal enough for the procedure he performed on me. I went to see him with sciatica pain down my left leg and into my foot. When I came to in the surgery center, the pain was gone. It felt like a miracle! I loved the staff at the surgery center as well. TCO is great!

Tomorrow I go in for my one year post-op appointment for neck surgery. I was beyond nervous but knew this procedure needed to be done. My experience was phenomenal from the very start. The anesthesiologist listened to my past experience and for the first time I had no stomach upset post-surgery. Dr. Deal was exceptional. He was straight forward and explained the entire process. The nurses who cared for me after the procedure were such a blessing. I was in good hands. If I ever have any spine problems, I know where to go. Go to TCO and Dr. Deal. Thank you so very much!

I had an absolutely amazing experience with Dr. Deal, Nathan Marcus, and Emily Harvey, as well as the team at the surgery center in Burnsville. An urgent surgery required quick scheduling and coordination over a holiday weekend. My situation was handled with the urgency it deserved, when other facilities may have pushed this out. At that moment, I felt as though I was the only patient in the TCO system that day. All hands were on deck, trying to help me get a pre-op appointment late on a Friday afternoon, getting the surgery scheduled for the day after a holiday, and making sure that I had everything lined up. I can honestly say that my experience with Dr. Deal’s team before, during, and after my surgery exceeded every single expectation I had. My husband and I are still in shock over the experience I had and I simply can’t express the gratitude I have for the TCO team.

After two years of chronic nerve pain in my lower back, Dr. Deal performed a F5-S1 TLIF surgery. I am one year post-surgery and it has been life changing for me. I went home from the hospital with zero nerve pain. The first two weeks were the hardest part of my recovery, but after three months I was able to get back to more normal activity. I am so thankful that I went to Dr. Deal. From the beginning to my last appointment, I felt listened to and Dr. Deal was so patient with all of questions. The follow up care was amazing and I felt that Dr. Deal and his team truly cared about my recovery. I can now walk four miles a day and stand up all day with no pain.

I had lumbar microdiscectomy in October 2023, performed by Dr. Deal. Everything went perfectly smooth from my first visit, to surgery and the follow up appointment. I was instantly pain free and only used Tylenol. No pain meds necessary after surgery.

I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Deal and TCO. Dr. Deal is a wonderful surgeon and I am so grateful that my sciatic nerve pain was gone when I woke up from surgery.  I had experienced that pain for nearly 6 months and to be relieved from it was such an amazing feeling for me.  He is also very personable, professional and courteous, and showed real concern for me. The physical therapy staff, particularly Leah, was the best. She is so kind and knowledgeable, and she showed great care in my recovery.  Thank you again for helping me on my health journey and allowing me to continue living my best life!

Dr. Deal and his PA-C, Nathan, took care of me in July 2023. I was having lower lumbar problems and they read the results of my MRI to me. I just want to thank them both for going over everything in detail so I could have a better understanding of what was going on. When I got back to Naples, Florida days later, I immediately started physical therapy again. And thanks to the physical therapist, he was able to alleviate most of the pain.

I am so looking forward to getting back to my daily morning walks and workouts at the club. Also, I just want to say that the entire TCO organization was a lifesaver for me when I needed it the most! When I hobbled into your facility early on a Friday morning with excruciating pain, I was seen immediately! I truly appreciated the work of those professionals! Everyone did an outstanding job, especially Joelle and Rachael in MRI Scheduling! Thanks again for your help.

There are no words that can adequately express my thanks and gratitude to Dr. Deal for restoring my “functional” life.  My pain badly affected my quality of life as I was unable to walk short distances or sit comfortably.  It took a leap of faith to agree to spine surgery, but 2 months post-op I was able to vacation in Florida and 3 months post-op, I traveled to Hawaii (all with the permission of my physical therapist).  This could not have happened without Dr. Deal’s surgical skills and expertise plus the care and compassion shown by him and the TCO medical team.  It is reassuring that they continue to be readily accessible should I have any future questions or concerns.

When I started having shooting pains in my hip and leg, I wasn’t sure where to go. Started with my family doctor and ended up at TCO talking to Dr. Deal. I had an MRI, which showed a pinching of nerves in the lower back from bone spurs. Went through an outpatient surgery within their facility and was back home within half a day. What impressed me the most was this was diagnosed and taken care of within 6 weeks. Just a great facility, fantastic people, and no more pain. I appreciate the process that made it as simple as possible for me, and the professionalism shown by everyone that helped me. Five stars!

Late in August I had debilitating pain in my legs making it impossible to walk. I saw Dr. Deal and he had me get an MRI. He saw the problem at T12/L1 of my spine. There was pressure being put on my spinal cord. He did numerous procedures to correct the problem ending with a spine fusion. The result was great and the pain was totally gone. I would recommend Dr. Deal and TCO to anybody and I do.

February of 2020 I began having significant pain in my back, hip and leg. I was unable to stand more than 30 seconds making shaving, showering, brushing my teeth among other things very difficult. I was also not able to walk more than 10 yards, missing out on walks with my wife and grandkids. I tried two injections from another provider with no success. I became sad thinking this was going to be my life. This lasted 6 months. When I met with Dr. Deal I was apprehensive regarding surgery. After our visit I was encouraged and confident in Dr. Deal’s diagnosis and plan. I had a lumbar laminectomy with microdiscectomy on July 29^th. Today I had my 3 month follow up…pain free. I am so happy, my life is back!!! Dr. Deal’s P.A., Nathan Marcus, is awesome. They make a GREAT team.

I met with Dr. Deal for pain and numbness in my neck, shoulder and arm. He was so thorough, scheduling a CT scan and EMG nerve test to rule out potential issues and really “see” what was going on. Dr. Deal performed a two-level fusion on my C4-C5 and C5-C6 at the end of June. I had relief from my pain immediately. The recovery was quite quick. I just had my three month follow up and I’m good to go. I am so grateful for Dr. Deal and the whole team at TCO. I would recommend them to everyone.

I would recommend Dr. Deal to any friend or family member. I had an L4-5 microdisectomy and Dr. Deal and his staff were supportive and experts throughout the process and my outcome was very positive!

August 19th marked my 3 month mark after ACDF surgery performed by Dr. Eric Deal. I have been released to perform most duties again, so I played golf! I took it slow but did great. This is 1 year and 3 months after a car accident that caused a disk herniation between my C6-C7. I spent (wasted) 9 months with various treatments and exams. Finally in January 2020 my family doctor finally ordered an MRI that showed the herniation. I was referred to a surgeon who recommended cervical disk replacement. I was unsure of the procedure so started doing research. I came across reviews for Dr. Deal, which were all very positive and many showed the same symptoms as I had. They also mentioned they had the ACDF vs. cervical disk replacement. More research on the two options and I decided a second opinion was needed so I chose Dr. Deal. I got right into the clinic within days. Dr. Deal performed a thorough examination and talked to me at length. He never seemed rushed or pushy to use him or his procedure. He laid out the facts/risks/process and explained it all. I was very impressed and decided to have Dr. Deal perform the surgery. I will tell you over a year after the accident, I was still in great pain. Covid hit right when my surgery was scheduled and had to be postponed several times. By the time I had my surgery in May, the only way I could get through the day was to live on Percocet. I had weekly refills for 4 months from my family doctor to cope with the pain prior to surgery and prayed I would not become addicted. The pain, fatigue, needles, numbness, I had it all. On surgery day, Dr. Deal came by in pre-op just to make sure I had no questions or concerns. I did not as I was prepped well with information. After I woke up from the procedure, I noticed immediate relief. I was in the surgery center a total of 18 hours. I felt like a champ the next morning. I actually walked 4 miles (1 mile at a time) the day after surgery and continued to walk daily. (Dr Deal said that was a bit aggressive :)). I would recommend Dr. Deal to anyone and have full confidence in his abilities. And not to be forgotten, Alyssa his care coordinator is a rock star. I could call her any time and I did, especially when my surgery was postponed 4 or 5 times due to covid. She never failed to answer or return my calls. Top notch customer/patient service.

Five years ago, when I first started having pain in my hip and leg I went to Twin Cities Orthopedics. I had been there before for hand surgery so I knew I’d receive good care. My diagnosis was spinal stenosis. The approach taken for my symptoms was a very conservative one. I had spinal injections, physical therapy and sometimes medication to help relieve the pain and discomfort. There was never any pressure to have surgery. It wasn’t until the winter of 2019 when I fell backwards on the ice that I knew I had come to the point where I wanted to go ahead with surgery. I made an appointment with Dr. Deal and we discussed my options. In helping to make my spine as sturdy as possible Dr. Deal suggested a L2-L5 fusion as the best option. I really appreciated Dr. Deal’s way of explaining the surgery and all the follow-ups we had. Dr. Deal is an excellent surgeon. His physician’s assistant, Nathan Marcus was also a wonderful part of the surgery team. I just had my 1 year check-up and everything is still in place. I’m glad I opted to select Twin Cities Orthopedics and Dr. Deal.

September 2019 I aggravated my lower lumbar region of my spine. The injury caused severe nerve pain in my lower right leg and foot drop. The MRI discovered significant stenosis at L3-4 and L4-5. The option I chose was L3-4 and L4-5 decompression and fusion.

An interbody fusion was also performed at L4-5. Dr. Deal and his team did an excellent job relieving my symptoms. I an now 6 months post-op and am recovering ahead of my expectations.

Dr. Deal did surgery on my L3-4 lumbar microdiscectomy. He is a great surgeon, since my surgery I don’t have any more pain in my back or down my left leg. It’s been 3 months since surgery. Dr. Deal is a great doctor.

I had fusion surgery, C7-T1, on February 27th. I was in a lot of pain over the last two years in my upper back and traveling down my right arm.

My treatment plan over the last two years was chiropractic care, therapy, and ibuprofen. My pain got so bad in early February this year that I was unable to work, sleep, or enjoy time with family.

I told Dr. Deal that I was ready for surgery. Dr. Deal and team were amazing to help get me scheduled sooner than later. My pain level leading up to and the morning of surgery was a 10+ in my back, arm, and fingers.

I awoke from surgery and had no pain in my fingers, arm, and back. Yesterday, was my 3 month follow-up appointment and when asked what my pain level is (0-10), I was thrilled to report “0” in all areas.

I wish I would have had the surgery earlier, yet am very grateful to Dr. Deal for walking me through the process and electing to have surgery on my terms.

I will recommend Dr. Deal and team at TCO to anyone. FANTASTIC experience!

Dr. Deal is a miracle worker! I experienced sciatic nerve pain coming from my lower back many, many years ago and lived with it for over 5 years. This time when I started getting that same pain, I knew something had to be done sooner than before. Dr. Deal and all the Twin Cities Orthopedics team knew their business and were awesome to work with! I am pain free (well other than old age aches) once again and have my life back. No more living on pain medications and trying everything in the book to alleviate the pain. I can walk, sit and sleep pain free again! Thank you Dr. Deal and the TCO staff!

This testimonial is long overdue. I recovered so quickly I couldn’t wait to get back to my normal life. I had been dealing with issues with my C6-C7 area for years after returning from a tour in Iraq. Within a year I had put myself in the ER twice with excruciating pain in my chest and back. An MRI revealed that either I medical out from my job and forget about getting back in the gym or chance it with surgery. After meeting with Dr. Deal and his team, I had confidence that there was a good chance of fixing the disc in my back – or replacing it. I had the procedure in August. I don’t think my experience was typical but after surgery I refused to take any pain medication, as I had little to no pain. The day after returning home I walked 2 miles. Two weeks later, I got cleared to go back to work on light duty with restrictions. At 6 weeks, I was cleared early with no restrictions and returned to the gym. Now, six months later, it is as if the surgery never happened. I have no scar and no pain. I can’t thank Dr. Deal and his team enough for their professionalism and dedication to their profession. Thank you!

In 2018, after an MRI showed a significant bulge in the disc at L5/S1, I received an injection which provided 100% relief. About 1 year later, after working under the kitchen sink on the garbage disposal, I woke up the next day and could barely move. Another MRI was taken and the disc bulge was now significantly larger, by my estimation at least 2x larger than it had been a year earlier. My family has a history of back problems and surgeries and I was doing all I could to prevent surgery, so we tried an injection again on both sides of the spine with zero result. In a short period of time, I was only able to move about in a wheel chair. Surgery was scheduled within a few days…and I have been pain free ever since. I could not be more pleased with the results. Dr. Deal and his team provided excellent care, answered all my questions and made me feel as if I was the only patient they had. I would recommend him to anyone having back issues. I suffered with debilitating back pain off and on for over 30 years and had always been able to stave off surgery with more conservative options. Dr. Deal helped me get over my fear of back surgery and was it ever a great decision. I’d trust him with my back anytime.

Can’t say enough positive things about Dr. Deal and my spine surgery. I had never been through surgery as an adult and it couldn’t have been smoother. Recovery was virtually painless and the results are spectacular. I have regained most of the function I lost pre-surgery and have no pain. Dr. Deal was easy to talk to and answered all my questions. Well done!

I first heard of Dr. Deal through a friend of mine, I was getting treatment in Mankato and I wanted a second opinion. My friend suggested Dr. Deal so my wife contacted his care coordinator, Allyssa, and she said if we could get my records to them by Monday she would be able to schedule an appointment that same day! I jumped at the chance, after two weeks of treatments that weren’t giving me any relief, Dr. Deal looked at my MRI and suggested surgery. I scheduled surgery for the first open date that I could. The surgery was a little more complicated than first thought but they were able to fix the problem that was causing all the pain. In two days I was able to move around almost pain free. I was just so pleased with his bedside manner and his P.A., Nate Schalmo, was just as courteous, answering my questions and concerns. Each follow up appointment was like the first, very in-tune to my questions and concerns. Today was my last follow up (3 months) appointment and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. I am virtually pain free! Thank you Dr. Deal and your entire team, I don’t believe I could have gotten better care anywhere else.

Thanks again,
M. M.

I came to Dr. Deal for a herniated disc with neurological deficits on my left side. After looking at my MRI he recommended a microdiscectomy. He was patient in answering all my questions, quick to explain pros and cons of surgery, and made me feel heard and understood. For 4 weeks prior to surgery all I was able to do was lie in bed, and the afternoon following surgery I was standing and walking around. Seeing Dr. Deal and following his recommendation for surgery literally changed my life.

I am an active person, usually not in significant pain. When I injured myself, my husband had to help me get out of bed, put on my shoes and help me walk. I had a ruptured disc involving the sciatic nerve, causing extreme pain down my left leg to my toes. I got in for an appointment quickly at TCO, had x-rays the same day and an MRI the next. When I saw Dr. Deal, he explained my injury which demonstrated weakness in my foot and toes, indicating probable nerve damage. He explained how this could very well become permanent if not dealt with soon, with surgery being the best fix. I had a discectomy with Dr. Deal about 10 days later. In pre-op, Dr. Deal and some of the surgical team stopped by to say hi and were very kind and reassuring. Since the surgery, my pain is gone and I have my life back. There is just a short, narrow scar along my spine. My surgery was August 20, 2019 and today is October 29th. Dr. Deal is a talented and concerned surgeon with his patients best interest in mind. He is also surrounded by capable and caring staff, especially his PA, Nate. You will be in good hands.

I met Dr. Deal in 2015 when I started having upper leg pain. An MRI revealed some compound areas to watch but we both agreed on physical therapy. Towards the end of 2018, I started having lower leg and back pain. A new MRI was completed with an additional result of a cyst on my spine. On April 9th, I had L3-S1 lower anterior lumbar fusion and L3-S1 posterior lumbar fusion along with the removal of the cyst. Dr. Deal was very patient with my many questions and explained the procedure in terms I could understand. He made me feel comfortable about having this major surgery. My back and leg pain are gone and I am getting my strength back. I am really enjoying walking again. Dr. Deal is a gifted and skilled surgeon. He is compassionate and caring. I would highly recommend Dr. Deal. Thank you Dr. Deal and your wonderful staff at TCO.

I saw Dr. Deal for extreme pain. Dr. Deal ordered an MRI and quickly diagnosed the problem I was having. Dr. Deal was very clear in his communications in a way that I could understand. He took the time to answer all of my questions and addressed my fears regarding surgery. My surgery went very well and the pain is 100% gone. I will go back to Dr. Deal with any future issues without any hesitation.

Dr. Deal was very respectful in explaining my procedure in terms that I could understand. He showed empathy, kindness, and the ability to make me feel very comfortable. He made me feel as though we were friends, and I was able to put my trust in him. After surgery, I was pain-free! I highly recommend Dr. Deal!!

During early September 2018 I awoke one day with severe neck pain. I went to the TCO Orthopedic Urgent Care and was treated. Within two days I was back at the TCO Orthopedic Urgent Care because the pain had now radiated into my right arm. They referred me to Dr. Deal and physical therapy. From the first time I met Dr. Deal, I knew that I was being listened to and that I could trust him. An MRI showed I had a large herniated disc with nerve root involvement. Within a few weeks after I met Dr. Deal I started loosing strength in my right arm and was noticing that I was having difficulty brushing my hair. The pain was not getting better. I was having difficulty with keyboarding as well, which was impacting my ability to work.

On October 9 2018, I underwent a cervical disc arthroplasty. Prior to the surgery my quality of daily life was declining and I was feeling frustrated and becoming depressed. When I awoke from the anesthesia my nerve pain was gone for the first time in one month. It was a relief.

Dr. Deal gave me back my quality of life. Post-operatively I attended physical therapy and regained my neck strength and almost my entire full range of motion.

I am grateful for Dr. Deal and blessed that I had wonderful staff at TCO and Minnesota Valley Surgery Center.

I experienced a herniated disc at L4-L5 that caused extreme pain in my lower back and down my right leg. The MRI revealed a significant disc protrusion irritating the nerves going down my leg. Dr. Deal performed a micro-discectomy to remove the protrusion, resulting in immediate pain relief. Several weeks of physical therapy following surgery has re-strengthened the muscles that atrophied in my right leg during the period prior to surgery. I could not be more pleased with the treatment by Dr. Deal and his excellent team.

I had cervical disc C6 & 7 disc replacement surgery January 29th 2019 . Prior to meeting Dr. Deal and his team, I had previously spent 7 painful months participating in non-surgical treatments in hopes of relieving a herniated disc. Dr. Deal is superior and his team is outstanding! Immediately after surgery, the pain in my arm and fingers were gone. 3-4 days after surgery, I was off pain medication for the first time in months! The entire experience exceeded my expectations! The knowledge and skill of Dr. Deal and the kindness of the staff were so comforting. The accommodations were VIP at the surgery center. I hope everyone who needs assistance with their spine issues has the same experience I have. Unfortunately, we don’t always have the same surgical results but the experience at Twin Cities Orthopedics is second to none.

I met with Dr. Deal on June 20th for a lower back pain assessment. Followed it up a week later after he was able to review an MRI which indicated spinal stenosis in the L2-L4 area. I had been in pain for several months and had an epidural injection that gave me minor relief of my symptoms. We were able to schedule surgery within a couple weeks of the diagnosis which was performed on an outpatient basis at Minnesota Valley Surgery Center in Burnsville. Dr. Deal’s Care Coordinator, Alyssa, was very helpful in answering my questions or getting the answers from Dr. Deal. I had relatively little pain and within 4 days was off heavy pain meds. Had a 2-week follow up appointment with Dr. Deal and I was able to walk and/or bicycle as much as I wanted. I am out 3 months from surgery and could not be more impressed with how this all turned out. I only wish I had gone in earlier to see Dr. Deal. I have and would highly recommend him.

Dr. Deal and his assistant are rock stars. After suffering through weeks of excruciating nerve pain radiating down my neck, shoulder blades, shoulder, biceps, forearm and extending into wrist, index finger and thumb on left hand I found immediate relief with Dr. Deal and staff. Just three days past the disk replacement surgery the pain is all but gone. Patient experiences through all phases of the process have met and exceeded my wildest expectations.

Dr. Deal is my hero. I suffered from a herniated L4/L5 disc which resulted in extreme lower back and left sciatic pain for nearly a year before working my way through the proper insurance channels to receive a discectomy. It was a very long road I traveled in seeing multiple doctors, x-rays, an MRI, ten weeks of physical therapy, an epidural injection and pain medication. After meeting with Dr. Deal he said that a discectomy was the best course of action, and the procedure was scheduled. The folks at Twin Cities Orthopedics (where the surgery was performed) couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. And the results of the surgery couldn’t have been better. I’m typing this three weeks following the surgery and I currently have ZERO pain, which is a huge difference considering a few weeks ago I couldn’t walk more than a few blocks nor could I stand still for more than a few seconds. In all sincerity the surgery by Dr. Deal was one of the best things to ever happen to me. I am very grateful for his services and I would recommend him to anyone. Thank you, Dr. Deal!

Dr. Deal did surgery on my back twice for herniated discs and he is the best. I was in so much pain for a pinched nerve that my leg wouldn’t even work right and for the second time I am pain free. I am thankful I found Dr. Deal because he did a great job getting me fixed from the worst time of my life. I would highly recommend.

I had the best experience with my back surgery with Dr. Deal. After 2 prior back surgeries this one was the best success! I have never felt better. Dr. Deal is the best doctor I have ever had. Thank you so very much!

I spent an afternoon reading bio’s and researching surgeon’s. Even though I live across town from the two clinic’s he works out of, I chose Dr. Deal. The whole experience to date has been extremely gratifying. He is a kind, caring and articulate gentleman. His Care Coordinator Alyssa is quick to respond with answers to my questions. The incision was stitched WELL. So far, a week out of surgery and I seem to be doing as he expected. Minnesota Valley Surgery Center, TCO and Dr. Deal – CALL THEM.

I had surgery for a synovial cyst on my spine in January 2017. I was quite miserable prior to the surgery, and the pain was gone after the surgery. Dr. Deal explained the proposed surgery in detail. I completed the physical therapy sessions after surgery. I was able to garden this summer and am able to do my household tasks. I am very happy with the results and thought Dr. Deal was very considerate.

Dr. Deal performed surgery on me this past August. It was a complete success due to his professional surgical skills. I was experiencing a lot of nerve and disc pain prior to surgery. After surgery all the pain was gone. I feel terrific. During and after the procedure, Dr. Deal and his staff kept my wife informed of every phase of the operation and treated us like VIP’s. My sincere thanks goes to Dr. Deal for improving my life in a big way.

For many years I suffered with lower back pain. After many sessions with my chiropractor she recommended I get a MRI done to determine what was going on with my back. Of course I waited so long that the pain was shooting down my left leg. The MRI showed I had a bulging disc. Dr. Deal was recommended from a good friend of mine. Dr. Deal is caring, knowledgeable and talks in terms anyone can understand. I’m very thankful for the work Dr. Deal did on my back, I’m pain free.

After 15 years of pain and numbness radiating down the back of both legs and into my feet Dr. Deal performed a spinal fusion on my back L4, L5. I woke up after surgery with very little pain. Every day was better than the day before. My only regret was waiting so many years to have my surgery. I also have anxiety and panic issues. Dr. Deal and his nurse gave me the calm and courage to proceed. At age 69 I, for the first time in many years, feel positive about my future. I can now stand to cook and bake for my family, pain free. Thank you kindly, Dr. Deal. What a wonderful gift you have.

Dr. Deal performed surgery on my neck (discectomy and fusion C5 and/or C6) in December 2015. I have degenerative disc disease, had a herniated disc, suddenly last year I was in total pain. My symptoms were getting worse (right arm was going numb, severe neck pain, headaches). They were making it hard to do any type of exercise or sports, even work was a struggle. My family is very athletic and outdoors. I was slowly missing out because of the pain. I cannot tolerate pain medication so that was not even an option. I couldn’t ride my bike more than a few minutes without my arm going numb. I couldn’t keep up with my children. However, Dr. Deal changed all that. I just had my 6 month appointment a few days ago and my x-rays look good. I was given the OK to start jogging again, along with anything else I want to do.

I have been pain free and have not had any numbness in my arm since the surgery. Yesterday I started jogging again. I did a slow, short jog with a friend. Afterward, he said, “Did you realize this is your first time out since last summer and you could go farther than you did last year?”. I realized YES! Truth! This is after no exercising for the last 6 months! A few stretches here and there, slow walking (no power walks). I am simply amazed by Dr. Deal’s work. He knew exactly what needed to be done to get me back to my previous state. I can bike with the kids and not have to stop due to numbness in my arm or pain. Our family is so grateful. Anyone living with chronic pain knows that it is a struggle to just get out of bed some days. When pain is inside the body but not noticeable to the outside world, life can be a struggle. People (even those closest to you) do not and cannot possibly understand. I am happy to say I do not have chronic pain anymore! I am still amazed at how I feel only 6 months after the surgery. My scar is hardly noticeable. I have more energy. Overall, I feel like a new person. Thank you Dr. Deal!

On April 28 I was operated on for a herniated disk by Dr. Deal. I was in severe pain and any movement would bring tears to my eyes and was making life unbearable. Thanks to Dr. Deal, after a few hours under his care I was able to walk and started on the road back to a normal life. I would highly recommend Dr. Deal if you want relief from back pain. Thanks again Dr. Deal.

I had neck surgery by Eric Deal on April 21st 2016. I had a herniated disc between # 6 and 7 vertebra. The pain was unbearable. I was taking pain medication every 4.5 to 5 hours just to be able to deal with the pain. The day of surgery, my arm had such pain that I couldn’t stop moving it around just to try and find a comfortable spot, which I couldn’t find. After the surgery, the pain was gone! Not most of it, ALL of it. I was amazed. I spent the night at the clinic to be watched by a nurse. They told me that I was the only one that night. The nurses came in special for me. The Twin Cities Orthopedics clinic fit me in their very busy schedule just because Eric saw the pain I was in, or that is the way I see it. Nurses came in special just to take care of me. I owe everything to Twin Cities Orthopedics, and their team of workers for the level of care they gave me, and I believe they must give every patient as well.
I would send everyone with neck, back, shoulder, or hip pain to them. I am so grateful that the surgery went so well. Now I am on the mend to full recovery, and have no pain at all.

Thank you Eric Deal and the complete staff at Twin cities Orthopedics for a job very well done!

Dr. Deal is fantastic! I was referred to him after an MRI indicated a herniated disc in my C5/C6 area and non-surgical procedures failed to alleviate the pain that radiated down my right arm.

During our first visit, he was patient enough to walk me through my options, his recommendation (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion), and the specifics of what all of that entailed… and he did it in a way that was easy to understand! It’s obvious that he is thoughtful in his practice and genuinely cares about his patients. Though he was patient enough to answer all of my questions during that visit, I think he realized I was anxious about the procedure and he personally returned a message with some additional questions I had left for his care coordinator. I thought that was pretty amazing and he has demonstrated that patience and commitment to my care in the post-op recovery visits as well.

I underwent the ACDF surgery in March 2016 and had immediate pain relief. I’m so grateful for Dr. Deal’s care and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of an orthopedic spine surgeon!

In October of 2014, I was rear-ended by a person who was distracted by his phone. Immediately I had neck and shoulder pain from the trauma. After months of treatment at Twin Cities Orthopedics on my shoulder, the pain continued and I was losing feeling in my right arm more frequently. After an MRI, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc in CS/C6 area of my cervical spine. I was referred to Dr. Deal for treatment. He spent a lot of time with me trying to avoid surgery (injections, physical therapy) but in the end surgery was needed. He worked within my schedule of upcoming international travel to get the surgery done and have me healed enough to travel.
Dr. Deal did a fantastic job with my surgery. I had instant pain relief from the surgery and needed very little pain medication. His staff and the nurses at the MN Valley Surgical Center were incredible. Dr. Deal spends the necessary time with you at all appointments to answer questions and also make sure that you are healing appropriately.
I would highly recommend him to anyone with Spine issues.

In February 2015, I was suffering severe pain from my lower back down to my feet in both legs and was in need of relief. That’s when I was referred to Dr. Deal and will be forever grateful. He diagnosed my problem after x-rays and a CT scan (I cannot have MRIs), explained his diagnosis in detail along with a plan. I was scheduled for surgery within a week; my problem was between L4-L5; he scraped away the arthritis and took out two cysts and placed a rod between L4-L5. Within 48 hours after surgery, I no longer experienced any pain in my back or legs. I could not believe it; it was so much more than I ever expected.

I would highly recommend Dr. Deal for anyone needing spinal surgery. He is competent, thorough and compassionate, everything you want in a surgeon.

Dr. Deal is truly the real deal! I had serious back issues. Dr. Deal diagnosed my issues with an MRI and X-rays. He then told me I was a candidate for surgery. I had been trying chiropractic and cortisone shots without relief. Dr. Deal took more than enough time to explain pre and post operation info. Everything he talked about was right to the point. Recovery from the pain was instant from the moment I woke up after surgery. I would highly recommend Twin Cities Orthopedics, Dr. Deal, and his staff. Thank you for giving me my lifestyle back!

Just had my one year checkup with Dr. Deal following surgery on February 17, 2015 to remove a synovial cyst at L4, L5 which included a spinal fusion. I highly recommend Dr. Deal to anyone with back/spinal issues. My surgery went very well, my recovery has been complete and I couldn’t be happier with my choice to have Dr. Deal as my orthopedic surgeon. I found him to be caring, competent, professional and very skilled.

I had surgery to repair a disk herniation that was causing a pinched nerve in June 2015. Dr. Deal had my condition quickly and properly diagnosed. His confidence in recommending the proper treatment put my mind at ease regarding the planned surgery. Prior to surgery I was unable to work, had great difficulty sleeping and was in extreme pain. Right away after surgery I was doing much better. Over the next three months while on restrictions I noticed a slow and steady improvement as lingering symptoms slowly disappeared. Now I am pain free and even small tingling reminders are becoming a rare occurrence. I could not be happier with the direction and outcome I received from Dr. Deal’s care.

My recent back surgery was very successful. I feel better than I have for several years; I am able to go up and down stairs without any pain. I am looking forward to being able to do things I have not been able to do because of my back issues and pain. I thank Dr. Deal and Twin Cities Orthopedics for the great work they do.

My name is Joy.  I had suffered with very bad back and neck pain for years and the pain and complications were progressively getting worse. Dr. Deal was recommended to me and I have to say I have been extremely happy and satisfied with my results. I was very fearful of the surgery, but Dr. Deal is not only a fantastic surgeon, professional  but also a truly caring and compassionate person. He answered all of my questions and treated me with respect and a kindness one does not as often these days find in the medical profession.  I highly recommend Dr. Deal. I have had a successful outcome after my ACDF surgery with no complications and all of my pain has been  eliminated and I have been recovering very nicely. Great care, great Doctor.

Dr. Deal performed spinal fusion surgery on me in February, 2015. I couldn’t have been more pleased with Dr. Deal and the result of the surgery. I found Dr. Deal to be very professional, caring, and thorough. He took time to explain the need for the procedure and any recovery issues, and answered all of my questions. I am a retired Registered Nurse and immediately felt comfortable with Dr. Deal’s knowledge and handling of my case. The surgery went very well and my recovery has been going great. I would highly recommend Dr. Deal as an experienced and competent orthopedic surgeon.