Orthopedic Spine Treatment in South Carolina
Orthopedic Spine Surgery in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC
Schedule An AppointmentComprehensive Spine Care
Our highly-trained subspecialists provide treatment for many types of spine disorders with Orthopedic Spine Surgery. Our board-certified physicians have extensive medical training and use a holistic approach in diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. This expertise in back pain, injury and overall spine care results in unprecedented recovery rates for our spine patients.
Spine discomfort often occurs from accidents, trauma, overuse, degeneration, arthritis, bad posture, and age-related wear and tear. It can cause poor sleep quality and reduce productivity. This is where Orthopedic Spine Surgery can help.
Spinal pain in the lower back and neck are common reasons people miss work. Nearly 65 million Americans have experienced recent back discomfort, with about 16 million adults suffering from chronic or severe back pain.
There are a variety of spinal conditions and disorders that our specialists treat with Orthopedic Spine Surgery. If you do not see a condition below, please contact our office and we will answer any questions you may have.
Common Spinal Conditions
Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common types of pain. Because the back helps stabilize and move the entire body, back pain can be a serious problem. An early diagnosis ensures effective treatment and pain reduction. Please make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialist as soon as you experience back pain.
Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common type of pain that nearly everyone experiences at some point in their life. A spine specialist should see neck pain that lasts more than a few days. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialists make accurate diagnoses and prescribe neck pain-reducing treatment plans.
Sciatica
Lumbar radiculopathy, which is commonly referred to as just sciatica, is inflammation and irritation of the sciatic nerve and accompanying burning pain. Sciatica is uncomfortable and unpleasant and will not improve unless it is properly treated. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialists prescribe treatment plans that ensure fast and long-lasting sciatica relief.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is a pinched neck nerve. Cervical radiculopathy symptoms range from mild to severe and present in the neck and upper extremity. Symptoms get worse when cervical radiculopathy is not properly treated. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialist should be made as soon as symptoms present.
Herniated Disc
Discs are shock absorbers that lie between adjacent vertebrae. A herniated disc is a disc that protrudes into the spinal canal and pinches a spinal nerve root. A herniated disc and accompanying symptoms do not improve on their own. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) should be made as soon as symptoms present.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease refers to vertebral disc changes with age. These changes include disc cracks, disc drying, and disc height decrease. Moderate to severe degenerative disc disease can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialist ensures quick and long-lasting symptom relief.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis occurs when the spine curves to the side. The condition is most common in adolescents and often goes undiagnosed unless it is severe. If symptoms are experienced, an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialist should be made.
Spinal Tumors
Tumors are abnormal tissue growths. Spinal tumors grow on the spine bones or the spinal cord. Skull tumors grow on the skull bones. Patients who experience tumor symptoms should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) tumor specialist as soon as possible.
Facet Joint Syndrome
The facet joints are the joints that move the spine. Facet joint syndrome occurs when arthritis damages joint bone and cartilage. Early facet joint syndrome treatment reduces symptoms and slows down or stops disease progression. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialist should be made as soon as symptoms present.
Cervicalgia
Cervicalgia is neck pain that does not spread to the upper extremities. The key to effective cervicalgia treatment is identifying the cause. A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialist makes an accurate diagnosis and prescribes a symptom-reducing treatment plan.
Pathological Spine Fracture
A pathological spine fracture is a spine fracture that is caused by a disease rather than an accident or injury. After a thorough evaluation, a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialist diagnoses the disease responsible for a pathological spine fracture and prescribes an appropriate treatment plan.
Spondylosis
Spondylosis is a disease in which the cartilage and bones in the spine wear down in a way that isn’t normal. It is a common cause of neck pain that doesn’t go away. After a thorough evaluation, a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialist can help you get on your path to treatment.
Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Back surgery or spine surgery is suggested only when all other options have been exhausted. Our Spine Center is dedicated to treating patients with the most effective course of treatment available.
Common Spinal Treatments
Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is spine surgery that avoids surgically traumatizing large spine muscles. Advantages MISS has over traditional spine surgery include less postoperative pain, less time spent in the hospital, better response to physical therapy, and quicker recovery. Most spine procedures are performed minimally invasively because of these wonderful advantages. Patients who would like to find out if they are a MISS candidate are encouraged to make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialist.
Spinal Fusion
Minimally invasive spinal fusion treats a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc. The procedure is an excellent alternative to traditional open incision surgery. The unique approach creates less surgical trauma while still accomplishing the same surgical goal. Spine and extremity pain are dramatically reduced shortly after the procedure.
Discectomy
A discectomy treats a pinched lumbar nerve. During the procedure, portions of nerve compressing intervertebral disc are carefully removed and the nerve is decompressed. Symptoms dramatically decrease shortly after surgery. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialists are discectomy experts.
Cervical Fusion
Cervical fusion treats a diseased or damaged neck disc that causes movement-related pain. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialists perform minimally invasive and traditional cervical fusion procedures.
Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement removes a diseased or damaged neck disc and replaces it with a new one. The procedure benefits many patients because it relieves pain and restores complete range of motion. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialists are cervical disc replacement experts.
Lumbar Disc Replacement
Lumbar spine or lower back pain is a common problem for many patients. A diseased or damaged disc is often the cause of lower back pain. Nonsurgical treatment options treat most diseased or damaged discs and their symptoms; however, surgery is sometimes recommended. Lumbar disc replacement is an excellent procedure because it treats the removes the disc and replaces it with a new one. Full range of motion is restored after recovery. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialists are lumbar disc replacement experts.
Laminectomy
Laminectomy treats a pinched nerve. During the procedure, the back part of the vertebra or lamina is removed and the pinched nerve is decompressed. Dramatic symptom relief occurs shortly after the procedure. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialists perform minimally invasive and traditional laminectomies.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spine surgery that treats vertebral compression fractures. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) kyphoplasty specialists perform in-office and outpatient procedures.
Revision Spine Surgery
Revision spine surgery is a rarely performed procedure that treats an unsuccessful spine surgery. Most revision spine surgeries are now performed minimally invasively so there is little to no post-procedure pain, recovery or downtime.
Spinoplasty
Spinoplasty is minimally invasive surgery that treats vertebral compression fractures. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialists perform in-office and outpatient Spinoplasty procedures.
Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive spine surgery that treats vertebral compression fractures. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialists are vertebroplasty experts.
Symptoms of Spine Conditions and Disorders
The symptoms can affect the spine anywhere from the neck to the lower back and may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stiffness or tightness
- Poor range of motion
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction
- Pain radiating in the arms or legs
- Problems with walking and balance
- Weakness in a hand, arm, foot, or leg
- Structural deformities in the shoulder or hip
- Numbness or tingling in the hand, arm, foot, or leg
- Sharp and stabbing, dull and aching, or burning pain in the back or neck
When do you Need Spine Surgery?
Most spine conditions can be relieved with nonsurgical treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medications, injections, and other conservative treatments. However, some spine disorders may not improve after these treatments.
You may need orthopedic spine surgery. Orthopedic Spine Surgery can help repair a damaged, degenerated, or diseased spine. It helps relieve pain and restore a free range of motion and function.
How to Prepare for Spine Surgery
The first thing is to see your primary doctor to be sure that there are no other medical conditions that need to be addressed before your surgery. If you are taking any medications or supplements, inform your surgeon because some of these medications can cause you to bleed during surgery.
Your surgeon may call for an X-ray, electrocardiogram, MRI scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, Biopsy, or a more extensive evaluation to safely perform your surgery. Make sure to follow the instructions on when to stop eating or drinking before your surgery to avoid choking on stomach contents during anesthesia.
If you smoke, you may want to stop because smoking can slow your healing and recovery. Try to shed a few pounds if you’re overweight.
Take note of things you need to do post-surgery. For example, what exercises can help with recovery? How long should you stay off work? Will changes in your diet be required?
At Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA), our board-certified physicians can help you get back to the things you love as fast as possible. Click the button below today to book an appointment at one of our locations.
Schedule An AppointmentSpine Surgery FAQs
Spine surgery is used to treat back pain caused by injury or disease. It can also be performed for cosmetic reasons.
Know what type of surgery you need.
There are several types of spine surgery, each with its own benefits and risks. If you are considering having surgery, talk to your doctor about the options available to you.
Choose a surgeon who specializes in the procedure you need.
A good surgeon will take the time to explain the pros and cons of each type of surgery so you can make an informed decision. They should also ask questions to help them understand your medical history and any other concerns you might have.
Ask questions about the procedure and recovery process.
It’s important to find a surgeon who has experience with the type of surgery you need. If you have had previous back injuries, you may not be a candidate for certain procedures. In addition, some surgeons specialize in one type of surgery while others perform several types. This means they may be better suited to treat your condition than another doctor.
Be aware of any risks associated with the surgery.
There are many different types of spinal surgery available. Each procedure has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Before choosing a particular treatment option, consider what kind of pain relief you hope to achieve, how much recovery time you expect, and whether you plan to return to work after the operation.
Understand how much it will cost.
It’s important to understand how much each type of surgery costs so you can make an informed decision. Surgery isn’t cheap, and it’s not something you should take lightly. If you’re considering surgery, talk with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of each procedure.
Physician Videos
Hear directly from our specialists.
Dr. Chittum — Orthopedic & Spine Care That Restores Your Life
Dr. Lim — Nervous Spinal Irritation
When is it Time to See a Spine Specialist? | Dr. James Behr
What Causes Sciatica and How Can It Be Treated Without Surgery? | Dr. James Behr
What is Degenerative Disc Disease and How Can It Be Treated? | Dr. James Behr
Is There a Difference Between a Bulging Disc and a Herniated Disc? | Dr. Christopher Chittum
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Read MoreNeed an appointment?
Fill out our appointment request form or call our office directly at 864-583-CONA. For sudden or urgent injuries and pain, visit our Orthopedic Urgent Care in Greenville and Spartanburg.