Back
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 back injuries and conditions.
Back doctors are highly trained medical providers with the expertise required to treat back and spine pain with skill and accuracy. While many patients seek medical care because of chronic pain, others seek a back specialist specifically hoping for pain relief and pain treatment for a specific spine injury or condition.
These medical providers can treat patients who have back pain that is caused by a repetitive strain injury, or an injury where the damage progresses as the back is continuously or improperly used. Additionally, back doctors treat patients with arthritis, which not only causes pain but also affects a person’s ability to stand properly.
Another condition back doctors treat is degenerative disc disease, which is a spine condition that can affect any spinal disc in the spinal column. Doctors who specialize in spinal issues, as well as back pain treatment, can also help athletes who are dealing with spine or back pain due to a sports-related injury.
Sometimes, back doctors are also surgeons and perform back or spine surgery. Other times, back and spine specialists are able to help patients find pain relief by recommending nonsurgical methods, such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, assisting the patient with weight loss efforts, or physical therapy.
When It's Time to Seek Back Care
When you have back pain, it's important to pay close attention to your symptoms so you can give your doctor a more detailed description of your back pain when you go to your appointment, which in turn helps your doctor diagnose and treat you. Although every person experiences back issues differently, here are examples of common back symptoms you may be noticing:
- Aching
- Burning sensation
- Cramping
- Difficulty turning your torso
- Lumbar spine pain (low back)
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness
- Pain after lifting
- Pain radiating down to your legs
- Sharp pain that appears suddenly then gradually fades
Having any of the symptoms above may indicate one of the following common back problems or injuries:
- Arthritis
- Disc disorder (herniated, degenerative, etc.)
- Fracture
- Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint (sacroiliitis)
- Pinched nerve
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Spinal canal disease (spinal stenosis)
- Sprain
Taking good care of yourself means seeing a back 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 back doctors by calling (843) 353-3460 or scheduling an appointment online.
When you need the right care, right now for bone, joint, and muscle needs, walk into our orthopedic Urgent Care in Market Common or North Myrtle Beach seven days a week to get immediate help.
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.
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.
Our World-Class Back Experts
Experience World-Class Back Care at OrthoSC
At OrthoSC, our experts apply their medical knowledge and skills to treating you and your back 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 back pain.
Our board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeons, Dr. Erkan Alci, Dr. Zachary Bailey, Dr. 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 Mathern, Dr. Kimberly Purgavie, Dr. Scott Sauer, and Dr. Erin Watson, are highly skilled in their respected field of evaluating and treating back 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 back specialists are committed to pursuing nonsurgical options first, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or injections. At the same time, our back surgeons will recommend surgery if they believe that is the best option to restore proper function. Regardless of the treatment you ultimately receive for your back 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 back issue is normal. Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced back doctors or surgeons by scheduling an appointment online or by calling one of our convenient locations in Conway, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach – Carolina Forest, Myrtle Beach – Market Common, or North Myrtle Beach at (843) 353-3460. We’re ready to help restore you to better health.