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919-784-7550
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(919) 784-1410

Comprehensive Care

We are committed to working with you to determine the best care plan for each individual condition. Call 919-784-7550 today to make an appointment.

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Nikhil R. Nayak, MD, MHS, FAANS
Nikhil R. Nayak, MD, MHS, FAANS
North Carolina Neurosciences & Spine Care welcomes Nikhil R. Nayak, MD, MHS, FAANS, a board-certified neurosurgeon serving patients in Raleigh and across North Carolina. Dr. Nayak specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, complex spine conditions, and brain tumor surgery, offering advanced treatment options to relieve pain, restore function, and improve quality of life. Trained at Yale and the University of Pennsylvania, with leadership experience as Chief of Neurosurgery and Director of Neurotrauma, he combines surgical expertise with a patient-centered approach to care.
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Prahar Shah, M.D.
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Meet Prahar Shah, M.D.

Compassionate and dedicated Interventional Pain Medicine Fellow with residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). I specialize in a comprehensive approach to pain management focused on musculoskeletal diagnostic precision, lifestyle education and counseling, multimodal medication management and judicious patient selection for interventional procedures when necessary. Proficient in ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided techniques, spinal cord stimulation, and advanced minimally invasive procedures, I am committed to enhancing patient outcomes by restoring function and improving quality of life through patient-centered, evidence-based care. I am searching for a long-term position in a collaborative environment where I can contribute to the growth of the practice as well as the wellbeing of the surrounding community.

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Neurosciences & Spine Center

About Us

At Neurosciences & Spine Center, we leverage advanced technologies to maximize stroke treatment outcomes and rely on an expert team to ensure the highest quality of care- collaborating with neurohospitalists, neuroendovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation medicine to treat patients.

Our highly skilled team relies on digital imaging technologies (CT, MR, and X-ray) as communication tools, increasing precision and accuracy in diagnoses and treatment options. We ensure safe, efficient, and effective outpatient and office care for all our patients, and pride ourselves on effective communication, not only within our treatment teams, but also with patients and families.

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Healthier U + Healthier NC: Back issues

Back problems are common among us but the severity is different from person to person. Learn more on what to look for in our conversation with Dan Ingram from the Neurosciences and Spine Center. Find more information at UNCHealthTalk.org. #StrengthInThePack | UNC Health Rex

Posted by NC State Athletics on Wednesday, June 11, 2025
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Care + Treatment

Our primary goal at Neurosciences & Spine Center is to provide the highest quality of care for our patients every step of the way. We maximize patient satisfaction by offering the most up to date technologies, treatments, and analysis, to make sure that each patient receives the time and attention they require.

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Back Pain Care

North Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Specialists provide specialized care for individuals dealing with back pain, tailoring treatment solutions to suit each patient’s unique needs.

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Nerve Disorders & Injuries

Nerve disorders and injuries encompass disruptions in the transmission of signals between the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and skin.

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Spinal Injuries

Spinal injury arises from accidents, injuries, or conditions affecting the spinal cord’s surrounding bones, tissues, or blood vessels.

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Patient Testimonials

Nat Lambeth
I am a former patient of Dr Koolevelt, hate he retired am of the opinion he is a great doctor. I had a very good result from my surgery last April. I have encountered a new problem. I called and got an appoint ment to see Daniel Ingram he to is great. He listen to my complaint(s), then examined me. He sent me for xrays, and gave me a recomended treatment plan. Within hours of having my xrays he called me back with the preliminary results. He said he would get me seen for an injection to rule out possible other issues. He is a warm friendly professional. Great bedside manner. You don't find medical professionals of his quality in every practice. UNCRex Neuroscience is lucky to have him.
Dennis Hlad
Everyone was pleasant & efficient. Daniel Ingram, PA went over the previous MRI showing me where the problem is. Then we discussed the options. He suggested if the symptoms changed to contact him.
Jill Schade
I have known Dr Koeleveld and his team over 19 years and due to the nature of my back history L5/S1. There is NO one else I would trust but Dr K, Dan, Judy and his wonderful team. I should have written this sooner as I am 2 years post fusion and doing wonderful. Their expertise, care and compassion is second to none.
Katy TwoJsMom
Amazing. Mom needed nerve ablation on the back. She has a pacemaker and these folks were wonderful.
Kristian Brock
Best experience I had even Surgery went great, Dr.Lacin knew exactly what needed to be done.
Catherine Raspet
When I had stenosis quite a while ago, he performed surgery,and I woke up with no pain. What an extreme relief.
Raymond Baule
Great job Dr. Buttram!
Whitney Moore
John A. Engler, MD was amazing! I've been having back pain for years (had surgery in 2011) and was good for awhile. However I started going to a pain management clinic 3 years ago when it started up again. After an incident that cause me to go the the ER I was referred to Dr. Engler. He was extremely nice and informative. He took the time to explain everything to me. Extremely satisfied with the care I received will update after everything is said and done.
Mary Roby
I am now pain free and well on my way to a full recovery thanks to Dr. Lacin. Both he and his staff are knowledgeable, compassionate, caring and professional. Dr. Lacin performed back surgery on me as well as my mom and we will both be forever grateful.
Jeff Wiblitzhouser
Dr. Lacin's skill and dedication gave me a new lease on life. As a designer and builder of custom homes and remodels, I depend on my ability to get in and out of houses, tight spaces, etc., and my back had gotten to the point where the pain was intolerable. I didn't hire Dr. Lacin to tell me what I wanted to hear, I hired him to help me regain functionality. Thank You Dr. Lacin and your staff!!
Joann
My primary care doctor referred me to Dr Engler for a second opinion. First, I would like to say I would highly recommend seeing Dr Engler. He was patient, very thorough, and really took the time listening to me when I explained the pain I been experiencing. I was so relieved when he immediately pinpointed the cause of my pain. Dr Engler not only told me my options, but he explained them in-dept to me, and answered all my questions. I was truly satisfied with my visit. I Couldn't have asked for a better doctor.
Sharon Greene
Superb care from Dr Lacin and staff. Dr Lacin repaired my cervical disc, and with each visit I felt as if my care was most important to him and he Treated me like I was his only patient. Great bedside manner and Excellent surgeon. Highly recommended!!!
Brooke Weisner
Dr. Buttram was amazing, he helped me recover from a severely herniated disc, which ultimately had to have surgery on. his staff is super sweet and friendly, I would recommend him to anyone who is having back pain.

Patient Testimonials

Nat Lambeth
I am a former patient of Dr Koolevelt, hate he retired am of the opinion he is a great doctor. I had a very good result from my surgery last April. I have encountered a new problem. I called and got an appoint ment to see Daniel Ingram he to is great. He listen to my complaint(s), then examined me. He sent me for xrays, and gave me a recomended treatment plan. Within hours of having my xrays he called me back with the preliminary results. He said he would get me seen for an injection to rule out possible other issues. He is a warm friendly professional. Great bedside manner. You don't find medical professionals of his quality in every practice. UNCRex Neuroscience is lucky to have him.
Dennis Hlad
Everyone was pleasant & efficient. Daniel Ingram, PA went over the previous MRI showing me where the problem is. Then we discussed the options. He suggested if the symptoms changed to contact him.
Jill Schade
I have known Dr Koeleveld and his team over 19 years and due to the nature of my back history L5/S1. There is NO one else I would trust but Dr K, Dan, Judy and his wonderful team. I should have written this sooner as I am 2 years post fusion and doing wonderful. Their expertise, care and compassion is second to none.
Katy TwoJsMom
Amazing. Mom needed nerve ablation on the back. She has a pacemaker and these folks were wonderful.
Kristian Brock
Best experience I had even Surgery went great, Dr.Lacin knew exactly what needed to be done.
Catherine Raspet
When I had stenosis quite a while ago, he performed surgery,and I woke up with no pain. What an extreme relief.
Raymond Baule
Great job Dr. Buttram!
Whitney Moore
John A. Engler, MD was amazing! I've been having back pain for years (had surgery in 2011) and was good for awhile. However I started going to a pain management clinic 3 years ago when it started up again. After an incident that cause me to go the the ER I was referred to Dr. Engler. He was extremely nice and informative. He took the time to explain everything to me. Extremely satisfied with the care I received will update after everything is said and done.
Mary Roby
I am now pain free and well on my way to a full recovery thanks to Dr. Lacin. Both he and his staff are knowledgeable, compassionate, caring and professional. Dr. Lacin performed back surgery on me as well as my mom and we will both be forever grateful.
Jeff Wiblitzhouser
Dr. Lacin's skill and dedication gave me a new lease on life. As a designer and builder of custom homes and remodels, I depend on my ability to get in and out of houses, tight spaces, etc., and my back had gotten to the point where the pain was intolerable. I didn't hire Dr. Lacin to tell me what I wanted to hear, I hired him to help me regain functionality. Thank You Dr. Lacin and your staff!!
Joann
My primary care doctor referred me to Dr Engler for a second opinion. First, I would like to say I would highly recommend seeing Dr Engler. He was patient, very thorough, and really took the time listening to me when I explained the pain I been experiencing. I was so relieved when he immediately pinpointed the cause of my pain. Dr Engler not only told me my options, but he explained them in-dept to me, and answered all my questions. I was truly satisfied with my visit. I Couldn't have asked for a better doctor.
Sharon Greene
Superb care from Dr Lacin and staff. Dr Lacin repaired my cervical disc, and with each visit I felt as if my care was most important to him and he Treated me like I was his only patient. Great bedside manner and Excellent surgeon. Highly recommended!!!
Brooke Weisner
Dr. Buttram was amazing, he helped me recover from a severely herniated disc, which ultimately had to have surgery on. his staff is super sweet and friendly, I would recommend him to anyone who is having back pain.