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 neck injuries and conditions.

Neck doctors are experienced medical specialists who have the skills and knowledge to treat both the neck and spine. When a patient sees a neck specialist due to an injury, that doctor or surgeon typically examines the entire neck, which is comprised of many cervical bones, ligaments, nerves, tendons, and muscles. An experienced neck specialist can diagnose a person with neck pain and advise them on everything from pain-reducing solutions at home and physical therapy to a surgical procedure.

Neck doctors work with people who have a wide range of problems, whether it is acute, like a nerve issue, a slipped disc, or whiplash after a car accident, or chronic, like arthritis or degenerative disc disease. These doctors can offer nonsurgical treatments that can reduce their pain. However, there are some cases where surgery is the most appropriate treatment solution, and neck surgeons can perform neck or spine surgery to eliminate pain and help improve a patient's quality of life.

When It's Time to Seek Neck Care

When you have neck pain, it's important to pay close attention to your symptoms so you can give your doctor or orthopedic surgeon 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 neck issues differently, here are examples of common neck symptoms you may be noticing:

  • Arm or hand tingles
  • Chronic neck pain 
  • Feeling of clumsiness when using your hand or arms
  • Grinding
  • Numbness
  • Pain when trying to adjust your posture or neck position
  • Spasms
  • Spinal pain
  • Swelling
  • Tension or tight muscles
  • Unable to shake or nod your head due to stiffness or pain

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

  • Cervical spine conditions, such as cervical kyphosis or spinal stenosis
  • Compressed nerve
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated cervical disc
  • Kyphosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Spondylosis
  • Sports-related injury
  • Sprain
  • Tumor
  • Twisted neck
  • Whiplash

Taking good care of yourself means seeing a neck 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 neck doctors by calling (843) 353-3460 or scheduling an appointment online.

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 Neck Experts

Experience World-Class Neck Care at OrthoSC

At OrthoSC, our experts apply their medical knowledge and skills to treating you and your neck 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 neck pain.

Our board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeons, Dr. Erkan Alci, Dr. Zachary BaileyDr. Todd CookDr. 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. Scott MayhewDr. Kimberly Purgavie, Dr. Scott Sauer, and Dr. Erin Watson, are highly skilled in their respected field of evaluating and treating neck 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 neck specialists are committed to pursuing nonsurgical options first, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or injections. At the same time, our neck 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 neck 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 neck issue is normal. Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced neck 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.