Spine care

Spine specialists in Myrtle Beach

Spinal cord injuries and diseases can affect anyone at any stage in life, causing debilitating pain and limiting your ability to lead an active lifestyle. If nonsurgical options have not been successful, the spine specialists within the Grand Strand Physicians medical group are here to help.

We have experience in a wide range of spine surgeries, from minor procedures like spinal fusion to complex surgeries needed to fix traumatic injuries. Our team will be the backbone of support you need before, during and after surgery.

To learn more about our spine care services, please make an appointment with a specialist.

Spine conditions we treat

Many conditions can cause back pain. Some of these are congenital, such as scoliosis, but often back pain results from an injury or trauma. Common causes of back pain include muscle strain, bulging or herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, sciatica or pinched nerve and sacroiliac joint inflammation.

We specialize in treating a wide range of spine disorders, including:

Cervical and spinal strains and sprains

Injuring the muscles, tendons and ligament in your neck and spine can cause severe pain. This condition is very common and can be caused by a fall, heavy lifting over the head or from trauma during a car accident.

Compression fractures

Compression fractures occur when a portion of a vertebra (a type of bone in the spine) collapses or cracks. While sometimes caused by trauma, compression fractures are usually a result of osteoporosis, a disease that causes bone loss and is most common in older women. Weakened bones can be fractured by lifting a heavy object or even simply from sneezing.

Degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease is a general term for back pain that has lasted for more than three months. It is caused by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.

Herniated or bulging discs

A herniated or bulging disc, sometimes referred to as a slipped disc, occurs when part of the intervertebral disc bulges out into the neural canal. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs.

Myelopathy

Myelopathy is a broad term that applies to any type of damage caused to the spinal cord from injury, existing neurologic problem or a condition resulting in inflammation of the spine.

Sacroiliac joint pain (arthritis)

Inflammation in the sacroiliac (SI) joint can cause pain in the lower back and buttocks. The pain often radiates into the leg. SI joint pain responds well to nonsteroidal medications and physical therapy. Injections into the joint space may be necessary at times to completely alleviate pain and dysfunction.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back and down both legs and sciatica occurs when it is pinched by a slipped disc or other spinal condition. A common symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates along the nerve down one side of the body.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, causing a "C" or "S" shape. Scoliosis usually occurs by the teen years and is often treated with a brace. Adults can be affected by scoliosis due to degeneration of the spinal discs and/or arthritis of the facet joints.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. The narrowing puts pressure on the nerves, causing leg and lower back pain. The pain can worsen with standing or walking. Sitting, steroid injections, and therapy can provide relief. If pain continues, some of the bone in the spinal canal can be removed for relief.

Spine surgeries and treatments we offer

We understand that needing spine surgery can cause fear and trepidation. Our surgeons are committed to taking the safest yet effective approach to treatment and perform minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. Our team will discuss the best treatment options based on your condition and goals and will be by your side the entire way, from diagnosis through recovery.

Some of the surgeries and treatments we offer include:

• Artificial disc replacement (spinal fusion)
• Anterior cervical fusion
• Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)
• Injections
• Interspinous fusion
• Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF)
• Lumbar discectomies
• Lumbar fusion
• Posterior cervical fusion
• Treatment of spine trauma
• Treatment of spine tumors