# Spine - Link: https://carolinaona.com/orthopedic-spine-surgery/ - Published: 2026-05-08T05:59:12-04:00 - Author: jonfrye_admin SPARTANBURG • DUNCAN • GREENVILLE, SC # Spine Doctor Orthopedic Spine Treatment in South Carolina Comprehensive Spine Care [Schedule An Appointment](https://carolinaona.radixhealth.com/dash/self2/provider-search) ![Board Certified Specialists 1](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/ 05/Board-Certified-Specialists-1.png "Spine") #### Board-Certified Specialists ![Rapid Appointments 1](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Rapid- Appointments-1.png "Spine") #### Rapid Appointments ![Minimally Invasive Options 1](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/ 05/Minimally-Invasive-Options-1.png "Spine") #### Minimally Invasive Options ![247 Expert Access 1](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/247-Expert- Access-1.png "Spine") #### 24/7 Expert Access ##### OVERVIEW ## Advanced Orthopedic Spine Care #### **Our highly-trained subspecialists provide treatment for many types of spine disorders with Orthopaedic 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. # 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.  Living in pain and discomfort is not worth it when you can get long-term relief with orthopedic spine surgery and return to doing the things you love. Our board-certified spine physicians have extensive medical training and use a holistic approach to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate. Our specially-trained physicians provide advanced treatment, including: [Schedule An Appointment](https://carolinaona.radixhealth.com/dash/self2/provider-search) ![When do you Need Spine Surgery](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/ 05/When-do-you-Need-Spine-Surgery_.png "When do you Need Spine Surgery_") ##### CONDITIONS ## Common Spinal Conditions ![Back Pain](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Back-Pain.png "Spine") #### 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. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/back-pain/) ![Neck Pain](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Neck-Pain.png "Spine") #### Neck Pain Neck pain is a common type of pain that nearly everyone experiences at some point in their life. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/neck-pain/) ![Sciatica 2](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Sciatica-2.png " Spine") #### Sciatica Lumbar radiculopathy, which is commonly referred to as just sciatica, is inflammation and irritation of the sciatic nerve and accompanying burning pain. ![Cervical Radiculopathy](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Cervical- Radiculopathy.png "Spine") #### Cervical Radiculopathy Cervical radiculopathy is a pinched neck nerve.  [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/cervical-radiculopathy/) ![Herniated Disc 1](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Herniated- Disc-1.png "Spine") #### Herniated Disc Discs are shock absorbers that lie between adjacent vertebrae.  [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/herniated-disc/) ![Degenerative Disc Disease 1](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ Degenerative-Disc-Disease-1.png "Spine") #### Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease refers to vertebral disc changes with age.  [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/degenerative-disc-disease/) ![Scoliosis 2](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Scoliosis-2.png" Spine") #### Scoliosis Scoliosis occurs when the spine curves to the side. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/scoliosis) ![Spinal Tumors](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Spinal-Tumors. png "Spine") #### Spinal Tumors Tumors are abnormal tissue growths. Spinal tumors grow on the spine bones or the spinal cord.  [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/spinal-tumors) ![Facet Joint Syndrome 2](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Facet- Joint-Syndrome-2.png "Spine") #### Facet Joint Syndrome The facet joints are the joints that move the spine.  [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/facet-joint-syndrome/) ![Chronic or severe headaches](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ Chronic-or-severe-headaches.png "Spine") #### Cervicalgia Cervicalgia is neck pain that does not spread to the upper extremities.  [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/cervicalgia/) ![Pathological Spine Fracture](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ Pathological-Spine-Fracture.png "Spine") #### Pathological Spine Fracture A pathological spine fracture is a spine fracture that is caused by a disease rather than an accident or injury.  [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/pathological-spine-fracture/) ![Spondylosis 2](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Spondylosis- 2.png "Spine") #### Spondylosis Spondylosis is a disease in which the cartilage and bones in the spine wear down in a way that isn’t normal. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/orthopedic-spine-surgery/spondylosis/) ##### OUR SPECIALISTS ## Meet the Team That Gets You Moving Again Our spine and neurosurgery specialists take the time to find the right answer for you-starting with every option that isn’t surgery first. ![adkins img](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/adkins-img.jpg " adkins-img") ##### SPINE & NEUROSURGERY ## Jeremy Adkins, MD Board-Certified Fellowship-Trained Spine Minimally invasive Spine Lumbar Surgery Sports Spine Injuries Duncan Greenville [SCHEDULE WITH DR. ADKINS](https://carolinaona.radixhealth.com/dash/self2/provider-search) ![Dr Chittum](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Dr-Chittum.jpg " Dr-Chittum") ##### NEUROSURGEON ## Christopher Chittum, MD Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Fellowship-Trained Complex Spine Neurosurgery Nerve Dесompression Spartanburg Greenville [SCHEDULE WITH DR. CHITTUM](https://carolinaona.radixhealth.com/dash/self2/provider-search) ![Lim Headshot scaled e1691525246806](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/ 2023/08/Lim-Headshot-scaled-e1691525246806.jpg "Lim Headshot") ##### ORTHOPAEDIC SPINE SURGEON ## Chi Lim, MD Fellowship-Trained Spine Specialist Board-Certified Minimally invasive Spine Cervical Disc Replacement Spinal Disorders & Conditions Spartanburg Duncan Greenville [SCHEDULE WITH DR. LIM](https://carolinaona.radixhealth.com/dash/self2/provider-search) ![Sheilds Headshot](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheilds-Headshot. jpg "Schiff-CONA") ##### SPINE & NEUROSURGERY ## Donald Shields, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon Cervical Spine General Neurosurgery Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Spartanburg Greenville [SCHEDULE WITH DR. SHIELDS](https://carolinaona.radixhealth.com/dash/self2/provider-search) #####  TREATMENT OPTIONS ## **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 * 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. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/minimally-invasive-spine-surgery/) ##### 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. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/minimally-invasive-spinal-fusion/) ##### 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. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/discectomy/) ##### 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. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/cervical-fusion/) ##### 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. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/cervical-disc-replacement/) ##### 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. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/lumbar-disc-replacement/) ##### 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. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/laminectomy/) ##### 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. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/kyphoplasty) ##### 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. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/revision-spine-surgery/) ##### 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. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/Spinoplasty/) ##### Vertebroplasty Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive spine surgery that treats vertebral compression fractures. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialists are vertebroplasty experts. [Click To Learn More](https://carolinaona.com/vertebroplasty/) ![Symptoms of Spine Conditions and Disorders](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/ uploads/2026/05/Symptoms-of-Spine-Conditions-and-Disorders.png "Symptoms of Spine Conditions and Disorders") # 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 ##### PRE-SURGERY PREPARATION ## 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: ##### FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ## **Spine 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. # Move Forward Fast. Same-day appointments. Board-certified spine specialists. Free 24/7 expert advice. Don’t wait on your spine. [Schedule Now](https://carolinaona.radixhealth.com/dash/self2/provider-search) [Chat Now](https://www.swellbox.com/carolina-ortho-wizard.html) ##### WHERE WE ARE ## Find a Location Near You ![Modern CONA Medical Campus Aerial View 1 e1792595870653](https://carolinaona.com/ wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Modern-CONA-Medical-Campus-Aerial-View-1-e1792595870653. png "Modern CONA Medical Campus Aerial View") Spartanburg 1347 Boiling Springs Rd. Spartanburg, SC 29303 (864)583-CONA Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm ![Duncan Office CONA](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Duncan- Office-CONA.webp "Duncan-Office-CONA") Duncan 115 Deacon Tiller Ct. Duncan, SC 29334 (864) 583-CONA Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm ![Greenville Office CONA](https://carolinaona.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Greenville- Office-CONA.webp "Greenville-Office-CONA") Greenville 220 Roper Mountain Road Ext. Greenville, SC 29615 (864) 583-CONA Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm