Back, Neck & Spine

Back, neck, and spine doctors are specialty-trained medical experts whose medical practice focuses on diagnosing and treating injuries and conditions of the back, neck, and spine, such as scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and spinal cord injuries. While all of these spine specialists are able to offer spine treatments that are nonoperative procedures, some have also undergone extensive surgical training and have the skills required to perform surgery.

At Orthopaedic Associates, our spine surgeons, Dr. Dale Landry, Dr. Brandon Cook, and Dr. Garrick Cason, and pain management specialists, Dr. Jonathan Dunn and Dr. David Johnson, are recognized experts in the diagnosis and treatment of spine injuries and conditions, including back pain and herniated discs. Our experts have extensive training in the surgical and nonsurgical care of the spine and are dedicated to providing you with the specialized, compassionate care you need to become stronger.

Expert Back, Neck & Spine Care for a Stronger You

During an exam, our doctors will ask the patient details about their back pain or spinal problem. They may also request an X-ray or additional tests to better understand the injury. Once they determine the diagnosis, our specialists will create an individualized treatment plan specific to the patient's needs.

When our doctors and surgeons develop a treatment plan for a patient with a spinal problem, their first step is always to consider nonoperative treatment options, such as physical therapy. Although every patient is unique, oftentimes there is a nonoperative treatment that can improve or even eliminate neck or back pain. However, sometimes the patient's spinal issue will not respond to nonsurgical options or becomes so problematic that surgery is recommended as the best choice.

If spine surgery is the best option for you, our board-certified and specialty-trained spine surgeons will work with you to create a surgical treatment plan that is right for your spine injury or condition. Our surgical team is equipped with state-of-the-art technology as well as the knowledge and surgical skills needed to treat your neck or back pain and get you on the road to becoming stronger.

Having undergone extensive training, our surgeons, neurologist, and pain management specialists are highly skilled and are considered experts in the following spine surgeries and nonsurgical procedures:

• Anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis
• Anterior lumbar interbody fusion
• Cervical and lumbar medial branch blocks
• Cervical disc replacement
• Corpectomy
• Deformity correction
• Epidural steroid injections
• Laminectomy
• Minimally invasive spine surgery
• MIS lumbar microdiscectomy

Signs You May Have a Back, Neck, or Spine Injury

Common signs and symptoms you may be experiencing if you have a back, neck, or spine condition or injury include:

• Headaches
• Leg pain
• Lumbar (lower-back) pain
• Numbness and tingling
• Pain radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm, and hand
• Sharp neck pain
• Stiff neck
• Unable to turn or twist your torso

If you are experiencing any of the above for more than a few days or if any of them are getting worse, make an appointment to see a spine doctor or a doctor who specializes in treating back pain and neck pain. The doctor may diagnose you with one of the following injuries or conditions:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Fracture
• Herniated disc
• Kyphosis
• Pinched nerve
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Spinal deformity
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spondylolysis
• Whiplash

Orthopaedic Associates: The Strength of Experience

At Orthopaedic Associates, we are regional experts committed to providing patient-centered care. When you are seen by one of our experienced orthopaedic providers—from our spine specialists and sports medicine doctors to our physical therapists and physician assistants—you can rest assured that you are receiving treatment from an experienced provider who is highly skilled in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of the musculoskeletal system.

As a team, our goal is to help you, educate you, care for you, and treat you with the same high level of care and respect we would want for a member of our own family. Throughout your entire orthopaedic experience, we will be by your side for every step—from your first appointment to your last.

If you are ready to start your journey to a stronger you with less or no back or neck pain, take the first step by requesting an appointment online or calling one our five locations: Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Crestview, or Panama City.