Dr. Stephen Esses

Your favorite Spine Surgeon

Dr. Esses is an internationally recognized expert in the field of spinal disorders who has developed several new surgical techniques and implants for the treatment of spinal problems. Dr. Esses is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He has lectured throughout the world and published numerous articles and book chapters on spine-related problems. Dr. Esses is author of “TEXTBOOK OF SPINAL DISORDERS” which is a standard reference for spinal medical personnel

Our Services

Board Certification

American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

American Board of Spine Surgeons

American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review

Awards

Lillian Wadell Scholarship

L.V. Redman Prize

Galllie-Bateman Prize in Surgery

Medical Research of Canada Fellowship

North American Traveling Fellowship

R.I. Harris Award

McLaughlin Fellowship

North American Sine Society Video Award

The Toronto Hospital Award for Excellence in Teaching

Johnson and Johnson Traveling Fellowship

Cervical Spine Research Society Award

Houston Top Docs

North American Sine Society Best Poster Display

America’s Top Orthopedists by Consumers’ Research Council of America

Doctor’s Choice Award by Health and Fitness Magazine

Patients’ Choice Award

Compassionate Doctor Award

Education

Dr. Esses earned an M.S. and his M.D. from the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. After finishing his orthopedic residency there, Dr. Esses completed two years of fellowship training in spinal surgery, including one year at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, six months at Chiba University in Japan, and six months as a McLaughlin fellow in Europe.

Clinical Interests

Surgery of the Spine

Biomechanics of the Spine

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Coccygeal Pain

Editorial Board

Associate Editorial Board -Spine

Associate Editorial Board- The Spine Journal

Associate Editorial Board- Advances in Orthopedics

Affiliations

Former Board Member of:

American Back Society

Scoliosis Research Society

North American Spine Society

Active Staff

HCA Houston Healthcare Hospital

Elite Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery of Oakbend Medical Center

Townsen Memorial Hospital

Altus Baytown Hospital

Advanced Diagnostic Hospital -East

East Side Surgery Center

St. Lukes Episcopal Hospital

Surgery Specialty Hospital

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Stephen Esses, MD

4.7

Based on 242 reviews

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Mary Mason

18:30 28 Aug 22

Back in 2013 I had An attack from My Sciatic. From Feb till August I had Horrible pain. Could barely walk. Saw several pain mgmt Dr's. Chiropractor, etc... No help!Dr Esses saved Me. I had a Cyst growing in My spinal canal that Dr Esses discovered and then performed Surgery to remove it. When I woke up after Surgery I WAS FIXED. NO MORE PAIN... THANK YOU DR ESSES!!Best Dr. And Staff aroundGoing to See them again!!Very Good Dr.! Love his personality and the fact that he doesn't "Sugarcoat" anything he gets to the root of the problem!!

Julio Orta

23:22 02 Aug 22

I was very ill with chronic pain without being able to sleep in bed and only sitting on my sofa for more than two months, after visiting urgent cares & hospital I did not know that my disease was the cervical spine and I had the nerves, tendons and ligaments punctured and paralyzed by 90% my arm, hand and fingers and I knew all this thanks for visiting Dr. Esses !! I did a search on google and you tube, After making the appointment, he quickly set me up for surgery and here is the best of my testimony….. as soon as I woke up from surgery the pain was gone!!! Thank you Dr. Esses, what a shame I didn't hear from you earlier. So I hope that if anyone reads this testimony do not think twice and call the office quickly to make an appointment.Also, Dr. Esses office team work was so friendly & professional taking care in all I needed.

Sharen E Nichols

12:54 06 Jul 22

Dr Esses has performed 3 different back surgeries for me over the years. My latest was on my neck and like my previous surgeries when I came out the pain was gone and I just experienced soreness. I only took a few doses of pain medication. He told me in advance I may lose some right to left flexibility but the end result was I have full range of motion and no pain. I am 75 years old and so blessed to have found such a wonderful, patient oriented doctor who is not only a miracle worker in the or but amazing and honest person with his interpersonal communication skills. I have to be honest when consulting to make sure I knew what the worse case could be, be praise God I have Always experienced the best outcome. I would highly recommend him to anyone suffering extreme back pain.

Reginald Davis

01:51 06 Jul 22

Professional and very thorough were my impressions of Dr. Esses and his staff. I was impressed with him. He and his staff were courteous I still have a ways to go, but I would definitely refer anyone I know to him.

Brandon Gust

17:06 18 Mar 22

Dr. Esses did a L4/L5 fusion for me 3 weeks ago. I can not say enough great things about him and his staff. From making an appointment, through to following up after surgery, these people are absolute professionals and they do not waste your time. The operation went very well and recovery is going even better. I wish I wouldn't have waited so long to get the fusion.

Ramon Flores Jr.

01:53 21 Dec 21

I had to have lower back surgery and it was a HUGE success! NO MORE PAIN like I was in. Dr. Esses is an awesome person and a surgeon who knows what's he's doing. Even his staff is great! All were very friendly, extremely comforting and so caring. All the way from the receptionist to the nurses. I LOVE YOU GUYS! THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!

C Brown

03:29 29 Nov 21

Husband's surgery went well. No more pain. Excellent experience with Dr. Esses.

Melissa Evans

20:41 17 Nov 21

If you have any type of back pain or sciatica pain… go see Dr. Esses. I had a very sudden issue with my sciatica that needed immediate attention. Not only was I seen fast, but the front staff and medical team worked diligently for me to be seen, have testing done and ultimately surgery within a 2.5 week period. I completely trusted him through the whole process, especially since I have an infant. He can be short and to the point (and to some it may feel rushed), but if you have ANY questions he will stop and answer every single question you have without making you feel like you are “wasting” his time(and I had a lot!). He also doesn’t promote surgery first and foremost… in my case I just happened to need it (based on my injury) before trying PT and other rehabilitation methods. If for some reason you do need back surgery, you will not regret the expertise and experience of Dr. Esses. You are in good hands and I got my life back.

conrado ordonez

18:00 02 Aug 21

I had a terrible back pain, Dr Esses's office was contacted and a prompt visit took place. His office personal was very corteous, no mention Dr Esses, profesionalism that Led to a succesful lower back intervention. He explained and he was available, before and after the surgery.I recommend Dr Esses without reservations

Scott Rush

17:33 08 Jul 21

Very friendly and quality service and extremely professional

Nyle Sexton

13:01 28 May 21

What a fantastic doctor! 5 Years of suffering gone with one surgery. He and his staff are the best. I wish I could have him as my primary care doctor. I would give him more than 5 stars if it were only possible. Thank you, Dr. Esses, you literally changed my life and I will be forever grateful.

Dolores torres

22:25 30 Apr 21

I had Lumbar Fusion surgery a months weeks ago with Dr. Esses and he is an excellent doctor! He has been available to answer any questions I had regarding my surgery before and after the surgery. He is kind, caring, and patient. He explains thoroughly the procedures before the surgery and provides proper instruction for after the surgery (for recovery). I am really satisfied with Dr. Esses and I highly recommend him. Very professional service and care.

Jeron German

09:20 26 Mar 21

Dr. Esses already had a solution for me to have a corrective procedure on my back by my second visit. He relayed very detailed information on a scale that I understood what he was talking about. Haven't had the surgery yet but am confident in him.👍👍👍

Melissa G

16:25 17 Mar 21

Last year Dr Stephen Esses helped me with a former break in my T11 vertebrae. His staff worked me in so that I could get his next available appointment, and I followed him around town. (He rotates locations) His PA and entire staff are so friendly and compassionate. He's a doctor that will get you back to what you loving doing in life! His PA helped me with several good ideas on extra core exercises. Just a note: any hockey players should highly consider him. It's an unspoken bond and understanding that ya'll can speak about with love and passion while he's examining you.

Carole Fox

16:54 25 Feb 21

I am so thankful to Dr Esses for fixing my back. I was in pain for years. He is thorough and professional. He even called me after surgery to check on me. I saw him at the Baytown office and I appreciate that they are great at getting you in at your appointment time without waiting.

Trisha T.

00:43 26 Jan 21

I had Lumbar Fusion surgery a few weeks ago with Dr. Esses and he is an excellent doctor! He has been available to answer any questions I had regarding my surgery before and after the surgery. He is kind, caring, and patient. He explains thoroughly the procedures before the surgery and provides proper instruction for after the surgery (for recovery). I am really satisfied with Dr. Esses and I highly recommend him.

Danielle Banks

18:22 19 Jan 21

He did an amazing job I have no complaints on the surgery and office staff is very professional

Angela Griffith

20:08 13 Jan 21

Dr. Esses and his staff are absolutely wonderful. I've seen many Dr's in the past for my lower back with no luck. Dr. Esses performed surgery on my lower back and now I'm no longer in pain. I am so thankful 🙏

Dean Daffron

21:20 01 Jan 21

Dr. Stephen Esses is one of the best spine surgeons in the world. I was rear ended by a van doing 67 mph while I was sitting still. I had cracked disc in my lower back and was almost paralyzed. Thanks to Dr. Esses the surgery he performed allowed me to walk again. This was a very dangerous surgery and Dr. Esses did an outstanding job. I moved to Las Vegas several years ago and I am still so thankful to this day that you performed my surgery. You are the BEST! God Bless. Dean

Elisa Rodriguez

18:31 30 Dec 20

Worst doctor ever does not spend any time with you but a couple minutes, is it even is a couple minutes? I have a broken disc and gave me medication only for 7 seven day and requested therapy. I have been going to therapy and after 3 months I have requested a refill obviously I am not misusing my medication and can not even give me a refill without being seen. This is the worst ever just a waste of money. I do not see the point of being seen, I have a broken disc and there will always be pain. All they want to do is take your money.

Katy Girl

17:27 15 Dec 20

He is very knowledgeable and caring. I have not gotten my surgery yet but would trust Dr. Stephen Esses. India J.

21:01 19 Oct 20

I mean he's a world renowned surgeon and I can see why! Dr. Esses is a BLESSING to this planet!!! I highly recommend Dr. Esses! His staff is super intelligent and nice! He is the best Orthopedic Doctor in Texas! He truly cares about his patients. Dr. Esses is the best! Again, what a blessing Dr. Esses is to his patients! Written by India J.

Franky Lobo

17:03 02 Oct 20

There are no words to express how much Dr. Esses and his team have done for me. They provide the best care, honest and caring. Would recommend them to anyone. The only issue is the people who answer the phones in his office always seem to have an attitude and rude even if your pleasant with them. Aside from that the best Doctor and staff.

R Duke

16:30 30 Sep 20

Doctor Esses is an exceptional surgeon. He spent the time with me and was extremely knowledgeable of the condition I have and gave several options to go with. My surgery was a godsend. He called to check up on me after the surgery and if I needed anything to let him know. His staff was the best. I never had to wait long to be seen and all my questions were answered when asked. I would recommend Doctor Esses to all if you are looking for an excellent surgeon. He'll get the job done . Thank you for all you've done .

Lisa

18:59 25 Sep 20

If I could give you 5000 stars, I would!!!!! I’ve been seeing Dr. Esses for several years and he always goes out of his way to make sure I am listened to and all my questions are answered. He makes me feel like I’m the only patient there. I felt my entire career depended on his ability to perform the surgery on my neck. However, I was not worried the least bit. He is such a renowned surgeon, I knew I was in good hands. It has been 2 months post-op and I am back at work, doing and feeling excellent! Thank you, Dr. Esses, for being the best surgeon in the world!!

Rose Devlin

19:23 10 Sep 20

Dr. Esses is an answer to prayer. I had a back condition since the age of 17 (am 36 now). I started seeing Dr. Esses since 2017 and expressed my refusal to have surgery. I told him that I wanted to exhaust all other forms of therapy and he listened to my concerns. I tried everything and then I started noticing that I began to get worse. After trying multiple therapies, it was decided that a microdiscectomy at L4- L5 would really help me. I can honestly say that after almost 4 weeks of surgery, I am pain free. I can't believe it! Dr. Esses is wonderful.

Vanessa Daniels

16:35 04 Sep 20

Dr. Esses was very compassionate to my extreme neck pain. His staff was very nice and helped me get an MRI really fast! He sent me to physical therapy that helped so much!

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