Dr. Ben Burch
Dr. Ben Burch is a double board–certified orthopaedic spine surgeon at Atlanta Spine Institute specializing in both surgical and non-surgical care for a wide range of spinal conditions. With advanced training in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery, he is recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts and is among a select group proficient in both uniportal and biportal techniques, allowing for highly personalized treatment. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Burch is actively involved in research and surgeon education, helping advance modern spine care while focusing on precise diagnosis, tailored treatment plans, and faster patient recovery.
Dr. Ben Burch is a double board-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon at Atlanta Spine Institute. He specializes in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of spinal disorders in adults and adolescents. His practice focuses on advanced minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery techniques.
Dr. Burch treats a wide range of spinal conditions, including disc herniations, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, spinal deformity, tumors, infections, and traumatic injuries.
Dr. Burch is board-certified by both the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) and the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).
Education and Training
Dr. Burch earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Economics from the University of Alabama in 2010. He completed a Master of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Alabama in 2012. He received his Medical Doctorate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2016.
He completed his Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the Missouri Orthopaedic Institute from 2016 to 2021, followed by a fellowship in Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at the Brown University Alpert Medical School, which he completed in 2022.
Professional Involvement
Dr. Burch remains involved in research, having authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters. He continues to participate in ongoing research projects focused on advancing spine surgery techniques. He is an active member of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS), the North American Spine Society (NASS), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), and the AO Spine Organization.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Dr. Burch has extensive experience in endoscopic spine surgery, an ultra-minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions (often only a few millimeters) to address many spinal conditions. He is proficient in both uniportal and biportal endoscopic approaches. This dual training allows him to tailor the surgical technique to each patient’s specific anatomy, pathology, and treatment goals.
Commitment to Surgical Education
Dr. Burch is actively involved in training other spine surgeons in endoscopic techniques. He regularly teaches advanced endoscopic methods, helping to expand access to these procedures for patients nationwide. His commitment to teaching reflects a core belief: patients deserve access to these advanced procedures, and that begins with training other surgeons to perform them.
For Our Patients
Endoscopic spine surgery can offer several potential benefits compared to traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, reduced blood loss, less postoperative pain, and faster recovery. Many procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Above all, Dr. Burch is committed to providing every patient with a thoughtful, personalized treatment plan — surgical or non-surgical — built around their individual condition, goals, and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dr. Ben Burch accepting new patients in Sandy Springs?
Yes. Dr. Ben Burch is accepting new patients at Atlanta Spine Institute, 5667 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE, Suite 220, in the Doctors’ Center at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Sandy Springs, GA. He sees patients from Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Roswell, and across metro Atlanta. A physician referral is not required for most insurance plans. To schedule a new patient visit, call (404) 252-2422 or use the appointment request form on this page. Patient parking is available in the Doctors’ Center garage.
What is endoscopic spine surgery, and how is it different from minimally invasive spine surgery?
Endoscopic spine surgery is among the least invasive forms of spine surgery available today. Dr. Burch uses a high-definition camera and instruments passed through an incision smaller than a shirt button to treat herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and nerve compression, sparing the muscles and bone that traditional and even “minimally invasive” tubular surgery must cut through. Most patients go home the same day, and many patients return to normal activity in days to weeks. Dr. Burch is fellowship-trained in both uniportal and biportal (UBE) endoscopic techniques and also performs endoscopic spinal fusion.
Does Dr. Burch treat herniated discs and sciatica without surgery?
Yes. Most patients with a herniated disc, sciatica, or spinal stenosis do not need surgery, and Dr. Burch’s first goal is to find the least invasive path to relief. Treatment usually begins with a precise diagnosis, targeted physical therapy, medication, and image-guided injections. Surgery is discussed only when those measures fail or when there is progressive weakness or nerve damage. If surgery is needed, Dr. Burch offers endoscopic discectomy and endoscopic decompression, which treat the problem through an incision smaller than a shirt button, often with same-day discharge to home.
What insurance does Dr. Burch accept, and does he treat workers’ compensation injuries?
Atlanta Spine Institute accepts most major commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and workers’ compensation. Dr. Burch treats work-related back and neck injuries and works directly with employers, adjusters, and case managers to provide prompt evaluations, clear treatment plans, and timely return-to-work guidance. Expedited workers’ compensation referrals can be sent to [email protected]. Because plan participation changes, please call (404) 252-2422 and our team will verify your specific coverage before your first visit.
Can I get a second opinion from Dr. Burch before having spinal fusion surgery?
Yes. Dr. Burch regularly provides second opinions for patients who have been told they need spinal fusion, laminectomy, or disc surgery. As a double board-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon with fellowship training in advanced and minimally invasive techniques, he reviews your imaging and examination to determine whether a smaller endoscopic procedure, or no surgery at all, could achievethe same result. Bring your MRI or CT images and any prior reports to your visit. Second opinion appointments can be scheduled by calling (404) 252-2422.
