At OrthoSC, the Grand Strand's largest and most comprehensive orthopedic practice, our specialty-trained doctors​ are dedicated to providing world-class care for a variety of spine injuries and conditions.

A spine specialist is a doctor or surgeon who has extensive knowledge of the spine, back, and neck and offers many types of treatments to manage pain. Because of their high degree of medical knowledge and insights regarding the spine, a patient should seek out an experienced spine doctor to advise them on everything related to spine care, from minimally invasive spine management treatments to a complex orthopedic procedure like spine surgery.

These doctors sometimes treat patients with back pain due to arthritis, coming up with a customized treatment plan and offering spinal treatments that can reduce their pain. Examples of treatments can include different types of injections. If a patient has a sports-related condition, a nonsurgical spinal treatment may be available to help that patient. However, depending on the issue, spine surgery may be the best option. Spine surgeons have expertise regarding the spine and can perform spine surgeries such as lumbar disc replacement, cervical disc replacement, or other surgical spinal procedures. 

When It's Time to Seek Spine Care

When you have spine pain, it's important to pay close attention to your symptoms so you can give your doctor a more detailed description of your pain when you go to your appointment, which in turn helps your doctor diagnose and treat you. Although every person experiences spine issues differently, here are examples of common spine symptoms you may be noticing:

  • Back pain that radiates to the lower back and into the thighs
  • Back spasms
  • Cervical (neck) pain
  • Chronic lumbar (low back) pain
  • Numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation
  • Pain after lifting
  • Twisting or turning causes pain
  • Unable to sit up straight

Having any of the symptoms above may indicate one of the following common spine problems or injuries:

  • Deformity
  • Disc disease
  • Herniated disc
  • Lumbar spondylolisthesis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Pinched nerve
  • Sciatica
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Spinal deformity
  • Spinal stenosis

Taking good care of yourself means seeing a spine specialist when you suspect a problem and taking action sooner rather than later. In doing so, you may be able to avoid further pain or the need for surgery. You may also reduce the risk of having your condition worsen or developing severe problems, for instance, if the damage advances over time and you begin to lose mobility. To discuss your options, schedule an appointment with one of our spine doctors by calling (843) 353-3460 or scheduling an appointment online.

Photo: Spine Surgery Program

Spine Surgery Program

Dedicated to world-class spine care, our experts deliver guidance for you all along your journey through our spine surgery program. Access our resources now and get the detailed instructions and information you need before, during, and after spine surgery to help ensure your best recovery.

Access Our Spine Surgery Resources

Photo: Stretching, Strengthening & Proper Body Mechanics

Stretching, Strengthening & Proper Body Mechanics

Find relief and improve your mobility with our comprehensive booklet on proven stretches for back, neck, and spine injuries and conditions. Our guided stretches from OrthoSC experts can help alleviate pain, increase flexibility, and improve your recovery and overall well-being.

Download your free copy today and start incorporating these effective exercises into your routine.

View Our Booklet

Patient Education Center

At OrthoSC, we believe in partnership between patients and care providers. Our Patient Education Center is designed to provide you with the information you need to be an active participant in your healthcare journey. Our experts have put together convenient online guides for specialty care, surgical care programs, videos, articles, and more to guide you in recovery.

Learn More

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Our World-Class Spine Experts

Experience World-Class Spine Care at OrthoSC

At OrthoSC, our experts apply their medical knowledge and skills to treating you and your spine issue. They are dedicated to providing each patient with specialized orthopedic care and are equipped with the most advanced resources, which allows your specialist to focus exclusively on diagnosing and treating your spine pain.

Our board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeons, Dr. Erkan Alci, Dr. Zachary BaileyDr. Todd Cook, Dr. Gene Massey, and Dr. William Mills, and our specialty-trained pain management and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, Dr. Joshua Gore, Dr. Ryan MathernDr. Kimberly Purgavie, Dr. Scott Sauer, and Dr. Erin Watson, are highly skilled in their respected field of evaluating and treating spine injuries and conditions. A core component of their care is ensuring that every patient is educated about the pain-relieving treatment options that are available to them. Our doctors also consult with their patients, offering suggestions, listening to questions, and helping them decide which course to take. Finally, be assured that our spine specialists are committed to pursuing nonsurgical options first, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or injections. At the same time, our spine surgeons or physiatrists will recommend surgery if they believe that is the best option to restore proper function. Regardless of the treatment you ultimately receive for your spine pain, our doctors will make sure to educate you about your condition, treatment options, and what you can expect afterward.

Having questions or concerns about your spine issue is normal. Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced spine doctors or surgeons by scheduling an appointment online or by calling one of our convenient locations in Conway, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach – Carolina ForestMyrtle Beach – Market Common, or North Myrtle Beach at (843) 353-3460. We’re ready to help restore you to better health.