Dr. Lynn Nelson, MD

I have had 2 pretty extensive spinal surgeries in 2 years, both from Dr. Nelson. ( upper and lower spine). I could barely walk and the pain both times were preventing me from doing the things I love. I am so glad I met Dr. Nelson! He was friendly, to the point, explained my situation in terms I could understand and always took time to show me scans and answer all my questions. He made me feel comfortable and confident in him. I am happy to say both surgeries were a great success and I have my life back doing everything I love to do and pretty much pain free! I refer everyone to him and I wouldn’t want anyone else for my spinal issues!

Q: Would you recommend Dr. Nelson to your family & friends? A: No. Absolutely not. Respectful and thorough care was, however, discovered elsewhere.

Rude, Rushed, Dismissive, Arrogant, Didn't Listen and Barely even examined me or went over my chart and referral records. Wouldn't even listen to my symptoms...

After six months of being in a great deal of pain, Dr Nelson has now enabled me to resume my lifestyle pain free . ACDF surgery was performed In March with a successful outcome. What a caring and exceptional surgeon. Very patient in listening to my concerns. Extremely thorough explaining the surgery and healing process. Dr Nelson’s staff were just as professional and compassionate. I can’t begin to thank Dr Nelson and his team enough. I am grateful to have found such a knowledgeable and skilled doctor.

I moved and was given Dr Nelson as a referral from a neuro-surgeon, however I was given my (non)diagnosis based on the previous doctor's notes. Said there was no surgery he could do. Guess he only does surgeries and doesn't counsel patients? He never even saw me in person. Who does that!

Dr. Nelson explained my procedure thoroughly and answered all of my questions patiently. Great office staff.

L4 to S1 spinal fusion. He broke a pedicle screw during instrumentation and took months to admit to it. I woke up from surgery with leg pain that was new, felt like foot was being sliced open by glass for most of a year. Still have pain/sensitivity in entire leg. I feel movement/pain where he "fixed" me. I feel like I'm fused crooked/twisted slightly, like my torso isn't right now. My doc said he labeled me as drug-seeker (yeah, I'm in pain & don't want another surgery). Can't recommend!

I have had chronic back (spine) problems for the past 20 years. I have severe arthritis in my spine. I've had 6, 2 neck and 2 lower back, spine surgeries, since 1998. All of these were performed by Dr. Lynn Nelson of Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons. I'm retired now. The first 5 spine surgeries were performed while I was employed and after those surgeries, I was able to return to work after recuperation. Dr. Lynn Nelson is a great surgeon. He's sure helped me and I would recommend him to anyone!

I had my entire lumbar spine (L1-L5) fused by Dr. Nelson in March 2017. I am not 100% pain free, but I am definitely "pain BETTER". The literature Dr. Nelson's office gave me said it was possible there might be NO improvement, and if there was, to expect about 80% improvement. I have definitely reached that. Dr. Nelson's P.A. was exceptionally patient, willing and able to answer my questions, which were numerous. His office staff was also helpful. I have no complaints, and am grateful.

I had a disc replaced by Dr. Nelson in November. He and his team did an excellent job from the initial consultation through my post-surgical follow-ups. I talked with three people who had been his patients and all have had good outcomes. I appreciated his very direct and professional personality. He provided thorough explanations and addressed all my questions until I was confident I wanted to move forward. I would definitely work with him again.

My husband saw Dr. Nelson in 2014 at the age of 33 for surgery to fix spondolethesis. He had a surgery in the front and two days later a surgery in the back. My husband was in excruciating pain & could barely walk prior to surgery. Dr. Nelson gave him his life back. He's able to be active with our children & live life fully. He is a very matter of fact doctor, which we both appreciated. We highly recommend this Dr. to everyone for back surgery. The best! Thank you Dr. Nelson!

Totally arrogant and rude. I can't believe he gets away with acting like such a jerk to his patients. I will never go back.

Thank you Dr. Nelson!!! Before surgery taking a walk with my wife was impossible because of the severity of the pain. Now we can enjoy our walks and activities again!

He did my fusion. The worst experience of my life. He is back/spine surgeon. Told me know more he can do. Had spine surgery 4 days ago. Doing well. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. I have an attorney. He made my life, and families life miserable. It was my DAD'S last Christmas.

Dr Nelson did an amazing job! The sciatic nerve pain was I was experiencing was gone. Recovery is ahead of schedule. Only wish I would of had it done a year and half ago when I originally went to Dr Nelson and he said it would get worse.

Dr. Nelson is very professional and a great surgeon. I was terrified to have my surgeries, to the point that I delayed it for a year and a half. The surgeries were very serious and major surgeries. Dr. Nelson was excellent. I was up and walking after only three hours of coming out of recovery. He made my experience very positive and really anti-climatic to my fears.