Patient Testimonials

I had a great experience with Dr. MacKay and the team at MacKay Spine & Brain. Scheduling was easy, and the staff was incredibly personable and welcoming.

Dr. MacKay took the time to explain everything clearly, which made me feel comfortable and confident going into my procedure. I felt well cared for every step of the way and truly appreciated the compassion and professionalism of the entire team.

Highly recommend!

I am so happy with the results of my back surgery (fusion) by Dr. Mackay! I am back to life! I was in so much pain and was forced to quit my job because of it. My quality of life had depreciated and left me unable to do even the most minor household chores and could not even enjoy extracurricular activities with family or friends. After my recovery from surgery I now can do all the things I enjoyed before! I’m taking my dog for walks every day (sometimes 2x a day!) 1/4 mile or more, cleaning, baking, and have big plans for a garden this summer. I’ve also dropped about 15 lbs because I’m active again. I can’t say enough about Dr. Mackay and the staff in his office. Everyone is so friendly, caring, patient and listen to all concerns and questions asked.

Everyone at Spine and Brain are the best. The surgery Dr. MacKay did on my cervical spine was excellent. I don't have any more pain, numbness or headaches. I highly recommend him! The rest of the staff, Rrayann and Jamie are awesome assistants and do everything in a timely manner. Thanks again for everything!!!!

Dr. MacKay is an outstanding physician who provides excellent care to his patients. I had neck surgery with a spinal fusion in September 2025 and lumbar surgery with a laminectomy in October 2025. Both surgeries went very well and I had almost no postsurgical pain. My neck and back now feel great. I am so thankful that I chose Dr. MacKay to be my surgeon. I highly recommend him to anyone who is experiencing neck or back problems. He’s the best!

I had ALIF surgery with Dr MacKay in November 2024. The procedure went excellent, and it has given me back much of what I was missing pre procedure. Dr MacKay will go over all potential courses of action, both surgical and non surgical. He gives you the information on each so that the patient can make an informed, and best for them, decision on how to move forward. After surgery care was great as well, as I had my 12 month re-evaluation in November 2025. Dr MacKay, RaeAnn and the rest of the staff are extremely attentive and accessible with any questions, follow up care, etc. I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. MacKay for any type of back/spinal issues.

I met Dr MacKay in 2015 while looking for a surgeon consult. I had previous spinal surgery in 2002 at a facility far from home. I was having issues with the area above my L5S1 fusion . Dr MacKay was straightforward about what he could do for me and we scheduled a fusion for Feb 2016.. Here it is, almost 10 years later, I came to see him once more for advice I was having lots of neuropathy issues in legs and wasn't able to stand very long. After our consultation, we decided to do a trial of a medtronic spinal cord stimulator..What a game changer!. The trial went well so I had a permanent SCS put in on Oct 31, 2025.. had my post op appt today and we were both satisfied with the results . Dr MacKay is personable, extremely thorough with his exams, never hurried and will always be my spine specialist. If you need a good surgeon, schedule an appt..no referral needed. You will love him and his staff.

I had a great experience with Dr MacKay and his staff. I first went to bone and joint because I had a to have surgery and they wanted to make me wait for well over a month and I could hardly walk. Scheduled an appointment with Dr MacKay and he seen the pain i was in and got me into surgery right away. If it wasn't for him and his great staff I probably wouldn't be able to walk as good. Would definitely recommend if you have any back pain

Dr. Mac Kay has saved my life twice. The 1st time I went to see him it was a 2nd opinion for problems I was having with my balance, weakness in my hands, and numbness in my left foot. The 1st doctor told me there was nothing showing and I needed to adjust life to accommodate. Dr. Mac Kay discovered I had a bulging disk at C5 &C6. He performed my surgery and every symptom went away. He has since then done another procedure on my neck and a 3rd for carpal tunnel/ulna nerve. Dr. Mac Kay and his entire staff make me feel valued and they care for my health over anything else.

Dr. MacKay and his team are exceptional. I can't speak highly enough about his willingness to clearly explain my medical condition and to also offer me additional support after I needed a referral due to unexpected heart problems. Just when I thought there was no hope, he was there for me. Thank you Doc!

I meant to post this review a year and a half ago and didn’t so I’m finally doing it now. After I had some testing done by my family Dr, she saw I had some spinal stenosis, very sore neck and constant headaches. My family Dr referred me to Dr. MacKay as I told her I was looking to stay away the neurosurgeons that were affiliated with the 2 big hospitals here. (Wausau/Weston) Dr. MacKay is an independent neurosurgeon who did my neck surgery Sept 2023. During our consult he was very clear and easily explained what he sees in your test results.Dr MacKay is a down to earth kind of guy that will listen to your concerns and not be pushy about surgery. He lets you make the decision with the information that he provides you. After my surgery, the next day, it was the first time I was able to go up a step without an assistance. I was able to start walking better after two days. I never thought there was a chance that I would be able to not have so much pain while walking like I did before the surgery. The aftercare appointments are also easily explained to you, and he will answer all your questions. His office staff and assistants are absolutely amazing. They make doing the paperwork easy, they assist you if you need help filling it out and they truly make you feel like you are important. It is a very welcoming office. I highly recommend Dr MacKay and his office.

I had been seeing another doctor regarding my back for over 2 years and had only seen my back get worse and my pain level substantially increase. Dr. MacKay had been recommended to me by several people so I made an appointment with him.

From the very first visit with him, my wife and I were so impressed. He had reviewed my records so he was prepared to discuss my issues. He was very professional and super knowledgeable while still being friendly and easy to talk with. Right from the get go, he had a plan of how to proceed to confirm what he thought my issues were. Ultimately, surgery was what I needed. Dr. MacKay is great at explaining things and takes the time to answer questions. As a surgeon, I can honestly say I could not have had anyone more skilled. His follow-up afterwards was super as well. As a result, I came through it all with excellent results! It is also worth mentioning that his entire staff were cordial, helpful and knowledgeable.

All in all, this was a completely positive experience for me. I wholeheartedly, and without reservation, recommend Dr. MacKay to anyone!!

Dr MacKay and his staff are top notch! Although he is not affiliated with other clinics, he easily navigates and refers patients to the correct source for their needs! I have had major neck problems throughout the years and was able to reach out and receive care professionally, promptly and meticulously! I had a VERY serious infection two years ago and Dr. MacKay showed up on a weekend night to perform two surgeries that ultimately saved me! Their office support staff aren’t just “secretaries” they are knowledgeable, caring and thorough.

Dr MacKay is the best, he did a fusion on me in 2019 that I desperately needed and have been able to do whatever I want after recovery. I was so pleased with his thoroughness and professionalism that I recently brought my daughter to see him with her experiencing back pain. After trying other options with no success he was able to diagnose and discuss a plan to get her back to her every day routine. Dr MacKay is a great surgeon and will point you in a direction if he feels other options would be more beneficial. He will always be my go to doctor on anything pertaining to his field of expertise. Would highly recommend him.

When I started having problems with my back, I went to see a few Surgeons. They made me feel they were unsure of the procedures they were recommending. Then I went to Dr MacKay, after my tests and scans. My Daughters and I sat down with Dr MacKay, he explained the potential benefits and complications that could arise. It settled my feelings of being unsure. We made a plan for my surgeries. And we are following it. Overall I would recommend Dr MacKay. He made us feel that it was important to him that he was helping us. Thank you Dr MacKay for all you do!!

After 10 plus years of back issues, PT appointments, chiropractic care and cortisone shots, a physician friend gave me Dr. MacKay's name. I made an appointment and after an assessment and Xrays, a cervical laminoplasty and lumbar laminectomy was suggested. He explained the procedures very thoroughly and left me with the confidence that even at 80 years old, the surgery could alleviate the pain from pinched nerves. Dr. MacKay has a great and caring bedside manner, unlike other surgeons I've seen in the past couple of years. His staff, Rae Ann and Mary, were a delight to work with as well. Thank you Dr. MacKay, Rae Ann and Mary!

Dr MacKay at Spine & Brain was great. I was able to see him without a referral. He explained what was happening along with showing me what was wrong. I can’t imagine how I would be doing now without his help. My surgery was successful. Great bedside manner and follow up. He and his staff were wonderful.

My husband, Randy has had a very positive experience with Dr. Mackay and his staff. After having two low back surgeries and carpal tunnel surgery he is now able to pursue his passion for working outdoors as well as hunting and fishing. Dr. Mackay's diagnosis was spot on, thorough and concise. His attention to detail and complete assessment of my pre-surgery and post-surgery condition was exceptional.

Dr Christopher Mackay and his staff at Mackay Spine & Brain are truly awesome to work with. During a very painful and scary time Dr Mackay took the time to explain and answer every and all questions I had on an upcoming procedure. The staff was very patient and helped in all ways to make everything go smoothly. I can't say enough great things about the care I received.

If you’re having back pain or spine issues this is the Doctor to see. I was lucky to have found Dr.MacKay after suddenly having severe sciatica pain. I was able to get in to see him very quickly and found him and his staff to be caring and very thorough. Dr. Mackay was caring, informative, and eased my fears of having to have surgery. No one wants surgery, but i have absolutely no regrets, I had relief immediately and recovered quickly. I feel so lucky to have found such a talented surgeon and would recommend him to anyone.

Dr. MacKay has done two surgeries on me. One on my lower back for a disc issue there and a disc replacement on my neck. He is in my opinion the best there is. Each time I’ve gone to him he has talked to me in terms I would understand, to explain to me in great detail, what the issue is and how we can fix them. My recovery process was great and I was able to get myself back to where I wanted to be within a short amount of time with the great help of him and his team. They always made me feel like they cared and really had my health and success a priority. If I ever have issues down the road they will be the first I call. Dr. MacKay also did two surgeries on my brother. He would say the same thing I’m saying. You also don’t need a referral to talk to Dr. MacKay. Please, if you are having any issues that would be in the scope of Dr. MacKay, give them a call. You will not regret it.

My journey began about a year ago when my chiropractor Mark Ensweiler, who helped me greatly over the past 15 years told me he could feel a change in my spine that he could not treat and I needed to see a spine specialist. I went to see a specialist and after xrays and injections in my spine that did not work, I was told that I had a very unique spine--that of a man at least 15 years older than me. I am 73 years old. He told me there was nothing more he could do for me and I would have to just live with it and he would not recommend surgery as it would more than likely only make it worse. On my next visit to see Mark Ensweiler, I told him what I was told and he said do not accept that answer without seeing a surgeon. He recommended Dr. Christopher MacKay......Thank God!!! Dr. MacKay had the same response when I told him my story. He could not believe anyone would say such a thing to anyone let alone me. After exams and spinal tap with a cat-scan, Dr MacKay said he thought he could get rid of the pain that was shooting down from the right side of my waist down thru my butt, leg and foot. To do this he would need to remove some bone and insert a spacer to relieve the pinching of the disc and two nerves. By the time I had the surgery, I didn't much care if it helped or not, as the pain was getting so bad....I had to try something. Well now the surgery is done and I was hoping for some relief of pain but what I got was TOTAL RELIEF OF PAIN> My lower back pain is gone and after six weeks of being careful to let things heal--I repeat--NO PAIN or RESTRICTIONS. There is no way in my lifetime that I could praise and adequately thank Dr. MacKay and everyone else involved with my journey. I feel as I have been given a new lease on life-- THANK YOU Dr. MacKay........

My experience with Dr. MacKay was amazing. I had almost given up on finding a doctor that could help with my back issues, when Dr. MacKay was referred to me by a very close friend. I was able to schedule an appointment with Dr. MacKay rather quickly and after our initial meeting, I knew that he was the right doctor for me. He cared about my concerns as well as explained the potential risks and benefits associated with his recommendations. He immediately scheduled the necessary tests required to move forward and we were on our way. We then thoroughly discussed the procedure that was going to take place and the recovery process. Today I am 3 months post surgery and while I am still healing, my sciatic pain is entirely gone. I am hopeful that I will be able to return to enjoying the things that I haven't been able to do for a long time. I would 100% recommend Dr. MacKay.

Dr. MacKay is an excellent back surgeon. He performed a 5 1/2-hour surgery on my mother's back a number of years ago. She was in critical condition & he had to do a complete cage to rebuild her back. Before, during & after the surgery he & his team kept us informed & guided us through her 12-week recovery.

Dr. MacKay also did a micro discectomy on my daughter at the age of 21 after exhausting all other treatment options. The surgery corrected the back problem she was dealing with for 9 months. That was 13 years ago, and her back is still doing well.

He is now treating me for my back issues of scoliosis and arthritis which caused stenosis & always explains everything so well that my wife & I understand everything that needs to be done. I would rate him a 10 on a 1-5 scale for recommendations for anyone's back issues.

I can’t say enough positive thoughts about Dr. MacKay and his staff. I had a failed spinal fusion from a different provider, and then I found Dr. MacKay. He has completely given me my life back. Before, during and after my surgeries he has provided me with compassionate and exceptional care, and I have NEVER felt rushed by him with concerns or questions. He has taken the time to thoroughly explain everything to me in terms that I understand. His staff is on top of everything including insurance approvals and calls. I would not hesitate to refer him to my family and friends.

My back went out and I needed help badly. I had contacted two care providers just trying to get evaluated ASAP. My first consult had been tedious then I was evaluated shortly thereafter by MacKay Spine & Brain Group, which totally impressed me by their "genuine concern and immediate action" to create a plan to address my symptoms. The recommendations and services of Dr. MacKay and his staff were successful and I'm much better and healing well. Back injuries are serious and take time to heal and nurture the body back to health. MacKay Spine & Brain Group have spent that time with me and continue to monitor my progress. Truly caring professionals providing personal, positive results.

Dr. Mackay has been amazing for me. He has done spinal fusion surgery for me in the past with outstanding results. I was pain free for multiple years due to his excellent work. Unfortunately, I was in a car accident in January and am experiencing a great deal of pain from whiplash due to it. Dr. Mackay has helped me through this trauma. He has been extremely honest with directing me to other forms of treatment other than surgery. He has sent me to Physical Therapy and Pain Management clinics to get the best care that I can receive. I trust his direction even more since he cares for my recovery, and just didn't try to move right to surgery. If anyone has Spine or neck issues that need assistance with pain, I fully recommend Dr. Mackay to help relieve that pain and increase your standard of life!

When I came into the office for the 1st time I was so tired of being in so much pain and feeling like there was no one to help with. Then I met the team at the office. They all took time and listened and explained everything and made sure that I understood it all no rush. I ended up having surgery and dr MacKay was great he kept the family updated. Afterwards he and his staff were there for me .it has been 8weeks since surgery and am pain free I would say it was the best decision that I could have made. Thank you so much doctor and staff for all that you have done

Dr. MacKay and staff were nothing short of perfect. After a long thought process regarding back surgery I decided to pick a neurosurgeon over an orthopedic surgeon to have a once and done 8 plus surgery. The results were remarkable. The post op went well and his followup appointments have gone on without a hiccup. Couldn't be happier and healthier. Thanks to a dedicated professional and his staff.

My husband had the L3 & L4 vertebrae repaired. The operation was extremely successful, and the care he received was excellent. He calls this a textbook case. It resulted in an immediate reduction in his pain. Only one dose of pain medication was used as a precaution post-op, but no pain meds were needed upon returning home. We would recommend Dr. MacKay to anyone in need of spine care.

Dr. MacKay took amazing care of me when it was determined I needed back surgery to fix a herniated disc. I trusted him implicitly to only do surgery when he was sure it was the best option. Dr. MacKay has an incredible bedside manner and shows his caring and compassionate side along with his unbelievable knowledge and skill. His staff is amazing to work with as well. I trust Dr. MacKay and would recommend him to anyone needing spine or brain evaluations or surgery.

I was referred to Dr Mackay, who performed surgery on me after extensive review of xrays, MRIS and other tests. Dr Mackay was exceptionally thorough and informative thoroughout the entire process helping me make my own informed decision on surgery. After surgery he has been amazing with his caring and comforting demeanor when I have follow up check in appointments. I would highly encourage anyone to see Dr Mackay for any spine and brain issues. He has helped me immensely with my concerns and the bonus was his amazing bedside manner. He additionally has the best staff who have treated myself and my wife like they'd treat their own family. Thank you for all you have done for me!