The Intersection of Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, & Rehabilitation for Comprehensive Spine Care

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Welcome to the

OrthoSouth Spine Institute

Managing back pain and neck pain requires a coordinated, patient-centered approach, and that's exactly what we offer at the OrthoSouth Spine Institute. Our highly skilled team of neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgeons, non-operative spine doctors, advanced practice providers, and physical therapists collaborate closely to deliver effective treatment for your back or neck condition. Unlike traditional spine centers located in a single clinic, our Spine Institute spans multiple OrthoSouth locations, making expert care for your back pain and neck pain accessible and convenient no matter where you are in Memphis or the Mid-South.

What to Expect

When You Visit OrthoSouth for Your Back Pain

At OrthoSouth, our spine team understands the unique challenges faced by patients dealing with back pain and neck pain. We are implementing specialized care pathways designed specifically to address back pain and related conditions. Our mission is to simplify your patient journey and provide you with confidence that you are on the best treatment path tailored to your individual needs, using our full range of expertise and advanced knowledge for your benefit.

Patients new to OrthoSouth should expect a 5-star patient experience - you deserve it! The OrthoSouth team is here to help you enjoy the smoothest and easiest care experience possible. Established patients should expect the same great care you've come to know with your OrthoSouth provider, as well as a few enhancements designed to take your visit to the next level.

All patients should expect personalized, empathetic care in a warm and friendly environment, a short wait before seeing your provider, and the most conservative treatments appropriate for your situation. Many patients will receive imaging at the initial visit, and often a referral for physical therapy after the consult.

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What if I Need Surgery?

Most patients with back/neck pain or spine conditions don't need surgery. The small group who do need surgery usually do not require surgery immediately, so an initial attempt at non-operative care is often recommended. When a spine problem does require surgery, our highly skilled and experienced surgical teams are ready to step in. At any point during your care, if you are identified as needing urgent surgery, you will be referred directly to one of our spine surgery specialists in the Memphis area.

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Spine Surgeons | Neuro & Orthopedic

The OrthoSouth Spine Center is the only single practice in the Mid-South where patients have access to both orthopedic and neurosurgical spine surgeons.

While most back pain and neck pain issues can be managed with physical therapy and other non-operative treatment, our highly skilled surgeons see patients across all of our clinic locations, with a focus on injuries or conditions that require surgical expertise. OrthoSouth spine surgeons have all undergone advanced fellowship training in spine surgery. Their broad experiences include, but are not limited to spinal deformity, spinal trauma, degenerative spinal conditions, complex spinal reconstruction, and minimally invasive spinal procedures.

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Raul Cardenas, MD, FAANS, MBA

Memphis - Briarcrest Germantown Southaven, MS Arlington

Areas of Focus

Patrick M. Curlee, MD

Germantown

Areas of Focus

John J. Eager, MD

Bartlett Germantown Memphis - Poplar

Areas of Focus

Spencer W. Hauser, MD

Bartlett Memphis- Primacy

Areas of Focus

Sam E. Murrell, MD

Memphis - Briarcrest Germantown Hernando, MS

Areas of Focus

Sam Schroerlucke, MD

Bartlett Memphis- Primacy

Areas of Focus

Stephen M. Waggoner, MD

Bartlett Germantown Memphis - Poplar

Areas of Focus

General Orthopedics
Hip & Pelvis
Joint Replacement
Hip Replacement
Knee Replacement
Robotics Assisted Knee Replacement
Knee
Spine
Spine (Orthopedic Surgeon)

Jason A. Weaver, MD, FAANS

Memphis - Briarcrest Germantown Southaven, MS

Areas of Focus

Non-Operative Spine Specialists and Physiatrists

Our non-operative spine specialists are qualified to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that cause back pain and neck pain. From physical medicine, to biologics, to minor interventions like spinal cord stimulation therapy our non-operative and physiatry providers use a holistic approach and conservative measures to manage and treat most back and spine injuries, without the need for surgery.

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Winfred B. Abrams, Jr., MD

Germantown Memphis - Briarcrest Southaven, MS

Areas of Focus

David J. Dowling, MD

Memphis - Briarcrest Southaven, MS

Areas of Focus

Judith R. Lee-Sigler, MD

Germantown Memphis- Primacy

Areas of Focus

Jonathan Stuart, DO

Bartlett Germantown

Areas of Focus

William Bill Clark, PA-C

Bartlett Memphis- Primacy

Areas of Focus

Connor Coalter, PA-C

Bartlett Germantown Memphis - Poplar

Areas of Focus

General Orthopedics
Hip & Pelvis
Robotics Assisted Knee Replacement
Knee
Spine

Melanie Hays, NP

Memphis - Briarcrest Germantown Southaven, MS

Areas of Focus

Spine

Amy Roskos, FNP-BC

Physician Assistant

Germantown

Areas of Focus

Spine

Bonnie Sauls, APN

Germantown Memphis - Briarcrest Southaven, MS

Areas of Focus

Spine

FAQs

What kind of doctor should I see for back or neck pain?

If your pain is ongoing, severe, or radiating down your arms or legs, you might consider seeing a spine specialist. Often, the first spine specialist you will see is a physiatrist. Physiatrists are considered the primary care doctor for the back, as they are wholly focused on diagnosing and using conservative treatment to address musculoskeletal issues. If conservative and non-surgical treatments fail, physiatrists may refer patients for consultation with a spine surgeon. (Note: If your initial visit is scheduled with a spine surgeon, that does not mean you are destined for surgery. Surgeons will also diagnose and recommend conservative treatment options - and may refer you to physiatry for the recommended treatment.)

OrthoSouth's Spine Institute includes physiatrists and other non-operative providers, orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, and physical therapists—all working together to provide the right care for your condition.

Do I need a referral to see a back specialist?

In most cases, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a spine specialist at OrthoSouth. However, your insurance plan may have referral requirements. Our scheduling team can help verify this for you.

What treatments are available for back and neck pain?

We offer a full spectrum of care—from conservative treatment with physical therapy, or spinal injections, to minimally invasive and complex spine surgery. Most patients find relief with nonsurgical treatments.

How do I know if I need spine surgery?

Surgery is rarely the first step. Our specialists consider surgery only when conservative treatments haven't worked or when nerve compression, instability, or structural issues require correction. If your provider thinks you could benefit from surgery, he or she will discuss the recommendation with you.

Where can I see a back doctor near me in Memphis?

OrthoSouth provides spine care at multiple locations across the Memphis area, including Germantown, Bartlett, Midtown, and Southaven. You can find a convenient clinic near you on our locations page.

Which specialist is best for back pain?

A doctor with special training in the anatomy of the back and spine is well-suited to diagnose and treat back and neck pain. There are quite a few types of specialists in this area, and the OrthoSouth Spine Institute includes them all: physiatrists, orthopedic spine surgeons, and neurosurgeons all working together to continuously improve the patient experience for patients with back and neck conditions.

an OrthoSouth doctor examing a patient's knee

At OrthoSouth, our Physical Therapy program is committed to providing exceptional rehabilitative care for a variety of orthopedic conditions, including back pain and neck pain. We take a collaborative team approach, uniting board-certified orthopedic surgeons with licensed physical and occupational therapists who possess advanced training and certifications in orthopedic rehabilitation. Together, your physician and therapist will create a personalized program designed to relieve your back pain and restore your mobility using the latest techniques, state-of-the-art equipment, and expert skills.

OrthoSouth physical therapists are conveniently located at 10 sites across Memphis and the Mid-South.

Meet Our Physical Therapy Team

At OrthoSouth, we are dedicated to integrating Orthobiologic science and techniques into our practice with a patient-centered approach. Our physicians actively engage in certification courses and continuing medical education to stay updated on the latest advancements, ensuring we focus on treatments that offer the greatest potential benefit. By collaborating in committee, we establish standards for our approach while tailoring individualized treatment plans for each patient.

Our orthobiologic specialists see patients at convenient locations across Memphis, Germantown, and Bartlett.

Meet Our Orthobiologic Medicine Team

At OrthoSouth, we are proud to serve Memphis and the Mid-South with comprehensive care tailored specifically to your back and neck pain. We understand the unique needs of our community and offer a full range of treatments—from physical therapy and conservative management to advanced surgical options when necessary. Our focus on orthopedics means we address the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, muscles, nerves, and supporting tissues that affect your comfort and mobility. Our experienced orthopedic providers are dedicated to diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of back and neck conditions and injuries, helping you regain function and improve your quality of life right here in the Mid-South.

Meet Our General Orthopedics Team

At OrthoSouth, we provide advanced imaging services, including MRI and X-ray, specifically tailored to diagnose and treat back and neck pain. Our state-of-the-art imaging technology allows us to accurately identify the root causes of your discomfort, ensuring you receive comprehensive, personalized care. This precise diagnosis is essential in creating effective treatment plans that guide you smoothly from evaluation to recovery.

MRI Service Information

Common Back Pain Conditions/Treatments

Additional Information

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Let's Get Back to What Matters

After Hours & Urgent Care

Schedule an Appointment Urgent Care

a woman hitting a ball with a tennis racket

Elbow

Our experienced upper extremity specialists offer personalized care and advanced treatments for a broad range of conditions and injuries related to the elbow, including cubital tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and more.

a man and woman running on a dirt path in the woods

Foot & Ankle

At OrthoSouth, we are dedicated to accurately diagnosing and treating foot and ankle injuries with the utmost care. Our skilled specialists develop personalized treatment plans to help you return to the activities you love.

General Orthopedics

At OrthoSouth, we prioritize patient-centered general orthopedic care tailored to your individual needs. Our experienced and empathetic physicians, along with their friendly teams, ensure that you have the best patient experience available in orthopedic care.

Hand & Wrist

The expert hand and wrist surgeons at OrthoSouth work closely with certified hand therapists, together bringing over 60 years of collective experience to your unique case. From minimally invasive carpal tunnel release, to complex fractures of the hand or wrist, and everything in between, the hand and wrist team has you covered.

Hip & Pelvis

At OrthoSouth, our expert hip specialists in the Memphis, TN area—including Germantown, Bartlett, Southaven, and Hernando—are dedicated to treating a wide range of hip and pelvic injuries. Whether you need conservative care or advanced procedures, our hip doctors provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs. From physical and occupational therapy to fracture repair and total joint replacement, we are committed to helping you get back to living the life you love with expert, compassionate care.

a person and a couple of kids fishing in a pond

Joint Replacement

OrthoSouth joint replacement surgeons offer more than a new hip or knee - they offer a warm and empathetic experience that helps you return to the activities and people you love.

Our capabilities include robot-assisted joint replacement, same-day outpatient joint replacement, and a variety of techniques and approaches, giving you the freedom to work with your surgeon on the best fit for your needs.

Knee

At OrthoSouth, our knee doctors in the Memphis, TN area—including Germantown, Bartlett, Southaven, and Hernando—provide comprehensive knee care to meet your needs. From conservative treatments for knee pain to minimally invasive procedures and total knee replacements, our knee specialists use the latest techniques and technology to make your experience as comfortable and productive as possible. We are dedicated to delivering personalized care designed to help you return to the activities you love with confidence and comfort.

Orthobiologic Medicine

OrthoSouth has taken a serious approach to integrating orthobiological science and techniques into our practice. We work in committee fashion to maintain rigorous standards in our approach while allowing for individualized treatment plans.

Orthopedic Oncology

At OrthoSouth our dedicated orthopedic oncology team led by Dr. Michael Neel treats tumors and cancers impacting bones, cartilage, fibrous tissues, muscles, nervous tissues, soft tissues, and vessels.

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Physical Medicine
& Rehabilitation

The dedicated PM&R staff at OrthoSouth focuses on non-surgical interventions for improving and restoring functional ability and quality of life in individuals with conditions impacting nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

a person's foot on a football ball in the grass

Podiatry

At OrthoSouth, our podiatry services focus on the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions. From plantar fasciitis to ingrown toenails and bunions, our caring and compassionate staff are ready to help you get back to the activities you enjoy.

Foot & Ankle