Back and Spine
Specialists in
Rhode Island
We combine the expertise of board-certified neurosurgeons with the personalized attention only a private practice can offer. Rapid access to care, without unnecessary delays.
Diagnosis first.
Surgery last.
Most patients who come to us with back or neck pain do not need surgery. What they need is an accurate diagnosis. That is where treatment begins.
Dr. Sumit Das is a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 25 years of experience serving patients across Rhode Island. He founded the Brain and Spine Neurosurgical Institute to deliver something most large hospital systems cannot: the time and attention to find the real source of your pain before deciding how to treat it.
Neurosurgeon
Meet Dr. Sumit Das, founder of the Brain and Spine Neurosurgical Institute
Dr. Sumit Das is a board-certified neurosurgeon and the founder of the Brain and Spine Neurosurgical Institute, proudly serving patients across Rhode Island. He also serves as Chief of Neurosurgery at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital.
With over 25 years of experience in brain and spine neurosurgery, Dr. Das specializes in advanced treatments for back pain, spinal conditions, and neurosurgical disorders. Patients trust Dr. Das for his compassionate care, his expertise as a neurosurgeon, and his commitment to improving quality of life.
Whether you are searching for a spine specialist in Rhode Island, a neurosurgeon near you, or expert guidance on your MRI results, Dr. Das and his team are here to help.
Read the full biographyThe people who
will treat you
You will be seen by a named clinician, not routed through a system. Every provider below practices across our five Rhode Island offices.
Start by understanding
your symptoms
Most spine conditions can be treated without surgery. Rhode Island patients start their care at BSNI by understanding what is causing their pain.
Brain Tumors
A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in the brain or nearby structures that may be benign or cancerous; symptoms depend on the tumor's location, and…
Read moreCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve at the wrist that can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and…
Read moreCervical Disc Herniation
A cervical disc herniation occurs when disc material in the neck pushes beyond its normal boundary and irritates or compresses a nerve root or the spinal cord, causing…
Read moreDegenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease means one or more spinal discs have worn down, lost height, or changed with age; it is common, does not always cause symptoms, and treatment…
Read moreHydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles that can increase pressure or affect brain function; it is usually managed rather than cured, with treatment…
Read moreLumbar Disc Herniation
A lumbar disc herniation occurs when inner disc material in the lower back pushes past the disc's outer layer and irritates or compresses a nearby nerve root, often…
Read moreMyelopathy
Myelopathy is dysfunction of the spinal cord, most often in the neck where canal narrowing compresses the cord, and it can affect hand coordination, balance, walking, and leg…
Read moreSpinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve openings in the neck or lower back that can irritate nerve roots or compress the spinal cord, causing…
Read moreUlnar Neuropathy
Ulnar neuropathy is irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve, most often at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome) or the wrist, causing numbness or tingling in the small…
Read moreThe full spectrum
of care
From targeted injections to minimally invasive surgery, every treatment path begins with an accurate diagnosis.
Surgery is recommended only when conservative treatment has not provided sufficient relief and the clinical evidence supports an operative approach.
Epidural Steroid Injection
An injection that places anti-inflammatory medication near irritated spinal nerves. Used for selected patients with arm or leg pain caused by nerve inflammation from conditions such as disc…
Read moreAnterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion (ACDF)
ACDF is neck surgery performed from the front of the neck to remove a cervical disc contributing to nerve root or spinal cord compression, then support fusion at…
Read moreAnterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
ALIF surgery is a lumbar fusion performed from the front of the body: a damaged disc space is prepared and an interbody implant and bone graft are placed…
Read moreCarpal Tunnel Release
A procedure that reduces pressure on the median nerve at the wrist by releasing the transverse carpal ligament. Considered when carpal tunnel symptoms persist despite nonsurgical care or…
Read moreDiscectomy
Surgery to remove herniated disc material that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord. Considered when symptoms, exam findings, and imaging all point to the…
Read moreLaminectomy
Surgery that removes part or all of the lamina, the back part of a vertebra, to create more space for nerves or the spinal cord. Considered for selected…
Read morePosterior Cervical Fusion
Posterior cervical fusion is a spine operation performed through the back of the neck to join selected cervical vertebrae so they can heal as a more stable segment.…
Read morePosterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
PLIF is a lumbar fusion procedure performed from the back of the spine. The surgeon removes a damaged disc and helps join two vertebrae so the treated segment…
Read moreUlnar Nerve Decompression
Ulnar nerve decompression is surgery intended to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve. When the compression is behind the inside of the elbow, it is usually called cubital…
Read moreIn their words
Reviews published on Healthgrades by patients treated at our Rhode Island offices.
It was life changing for me. I had been living with terrible leg pain for several years. I am now pain free. Dr. Das and his entire staff are amazing.
Healthgrades Patient Review, June 2025
I received a call only hours after my referral was sent over and was in office for my first visit the following day. Wait time was minimal and staff was super friendly and warm. I was scheduled for my first injection less than a week later and that appointment went smoothly and quickly.
Healthgrades Patient Review, February 2026
Dr. Das has been excellent at clearly explaining my situation and outlining the steps needed to correct my issues. I felt well informed and confident in the care I am receiving. The office staff is also very friendly and punctual, which makes every visit smooth and stress free.
Healthgrades Patient Review, September 2025
Five locations
across Rhode Island
We also partner with Performance Physical Therapy and RICBT for outpatient rehabilitation and behavioral health services.

Johnston
1526 Atwood Avenue, Suite 200
Johnston, RI 02919

Cumberland
2138 Mendon Road, Suite 203
Cumberland, RI 02864

Middletown
1077 Aquidneck Ave, Unit A
Middletown, RI 02842

North Kingstown
420 Scrabbletown Road, Building H
North Kingstown, RI 02852

East Providence
450 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Building 8D
East Providence, RI 02914
Understand your spine
Plain-language explanations of the conditions and decisions patients ask us about most.

How to Read a Back MRI Report
The terminology radiologists use can be confusing. Here is what the language in a lumbar or cervical spine MRI actually describes.

Tend to Your Garden, and Your Spine, This Season
Gardening should be a source of joy, not discomfort. By moving mindfully and giving your spine the care it deserves, you can enjoy a pain-free planting season.

How Biking to Work Benefits Your Spine (and Your Day)
Cycling encourages gentle, rhythmic movement. As you pedal, your core activates and your back gets a break from the compression of a car seat or office chair.
Frequently asked
questions
Do most spine conditions require surgery?
No. At Brain and Spine Neurosurgical Institute, less than 6 percent of patients require surgery. Most spine conditions respond well to non-surgical treatments such as spinal injections, physical therapy, and targeted pain management.
What happens at a first appointment?
Your first visit focuses entirely on diagnosis. Dr. Das or a member of the clinical team will review your imaging, discuss your symptoms, and perform a thorough evaluation. You will leave with a clear understanding of what is causing your pain.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
We offer same-day and next-day appointments across our five Rhode Island locations. Many patients are seen within 24 hours of their referral or initial call.
What non-surgical treatments do you offer?
We provide epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, SI joint injections, nerve blocks, trigger point injections, and physical therapy referrals. Dr. Das has performed over 30,000 spinal injections.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans. A specialist copay is typically required. Please call (401) 404-2975 and our team will verify your benefits before your visit.
When is surgery recommended?
Surgery is only recommended when conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief. Dr. Das specializes in minimally invasive techniques with smaller incisions and faster recovery.
Get clarity about
your spine
Tell us what is going on and we will get you in front of a clinician. We will identify the source of your pain and walk you through every option, starting with the least invasive.
- Same-day and next-day appointments across five Rhode Island locations
- Fewer than 6 in 100 of our patients require surgery
- Most major insurance plans accepted, benefits verified before your visit
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