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DR. MICHAEL W. CLUCK
EXPERT IN MINIMALLY 
INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY
Mary, Nancy, and Monique are 3 generations of women who all needed back surgery. While their surgeries varied (Lumbar Fusion, Microlumbar Decompression, and a Laminectomy) the results were the same: pain-free and loving life!
Restoring quality of Life

At Valley Spine Care we provide our patients with the highest level of care using sophisticated technology combined with empathy and compassion. Dr. Cluck, an orthopedic spine surgeon, is focused on diagnosing the problem, educating patients about their options and recommending an individualized treatment plan to achieve patient goals. We take care of the details so you can get back to enjoying life. Dr. Cluck is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and is thrilled to bring the best the Bay Area has to offer to Central Valley. 

ABOUT
Best Spine Surgeon San Jose

Michael w. CLuCK MD, PHD, FAAOS

Dr. Michael W. Cluck is a recognized expert in the surgical management of spinal disorders including herniated cervical and lumbar discsspinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, arthroplasty (disc replacement), and spinal stabilization and fusion for traumatic and degenerative spinal instability and deformity. 

In 2018 he received a faculty appointment with UCSF Department of Orthopedic Surgery as an Associate Clinical Professor, teaching fellows and residents. 

Dr. Cluck has performed over 3000 spine surgeries and has become a highly sought after expert in his field, speaking at national conferences, teaching minimally invasive surgery to other spine surgeons and consulting with medical device companies. 

Dr. Cluck received his Bachelor Of Arts with a double major in Physiology and Cell Biology from the University of California Santa Barbara. He then earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology while simultaneously earning his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Southern California, one of the most prestigious orthopedic programs in the country. Upon graduation, he completed a fellowship in complex spine surgery at Case Western Reserve University with Dr. Henry Bohlman, the "Father of Contemporary Spine Surgery", who was an innovator in the world of spine surgery. 

Meet Cluck

OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Cervical Fusion

NECK PAIN

Lumbar Fusion

SPINAL DEFORMITIES

Lumbar Spine Surgery

BACK PAIN

Minimally Invasive surgery

For years, traditional spine surgery involved making a large incision the length of the back to spread or “retract” the back muscles and access the spine. This open surgery technique provides easy access to the spinal anatomy, but retraction can damage spinal muscles and lead to significant post-operative pain. Open spine surgeries also result in more blood loss, a larger scar and longer recovery.

Open surgeries are still preferred in some cases, but many conditions can now be treated using advanced, minimally invasive techniques. Minimally invasive spine surgery allows Dr. Cluck to accomplish the same surgical outcome as more traditional open techniques, but without the need for large incisions and muscle damage.

 

Advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery include:

  • Reduced operative time

  • Less soft-tissue damage

  • Less painful surgical incisions

  • Reduced blood loss

  • Faster recovery with less post-operative pain

  • Shorter hospital stays

  • Cosmetically preferred with smaller scars

WHAT our PATIENts HAVE TO SAY

TESTIMONIAL
Testimonials

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FIRST

APPOINTMENT

INSURANCE INFORMATION

PATIENT 

RESOURCES

Board Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

CONTACT US

MERCED ADDRESS

315 Mercy Ave Suite 400

Merced, CA 95340

Phone: 209.564.3700 | Fax: 209.564.3799

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday: 9am-5pm

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