Neurosurgeons in Myrtle Beach
Our multidisciplinary team provides specialized care for patients with neurological conditions, from acute back and neck pain to chronic diseases. Our specialists include neurosurgeons, neurologists, nurses, radiologists, physician assistants, rehabilitation specialists and medical support personnel.
Grand Strand Health has the only neurosurgery program in Horry and Georgetown counties. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including on-site magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to make accurate diagnoses and create treatment plans that meet each patient's individual needs.
For more information about neurological care at Grand Strand Medical Center, call us at (800) 352-6762.
Neurological conditions we treat
Living with back and neck pain can make every day a struggle, but the experts in our neurological centers can help. We treat a variety of conditions affecting the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Our goal is to help patients achieve and maintain their highest level of mobility. We perform traditional neurosurgeries, such as fusion, while also offering the latest minimally invasive surgeries and noninvasive techniques, such as pain management.
Back and neck pain
Back and neck pain is typically the result of a muscle strain or a soft tissue injury. While painful, it is not normally an indication of a serious medical condition. If pain lasts longer than 72 hours, however, it could be a symptom of a more significant problem.
Bulging disc
A bulging disc is a condition (usually affecting the lumbar or lower back) that occurs when a disc bulges through a crevice in the spine. Discs are the soft, gelatinous material that cushions the vertebrae. A bulging disc occurs when the disc shifts out of its normal area. This most often happens as a result of age.
Chronic neck pain
Chronic neck pain can result in degeneration of the cervical spine. Pain may range from mild to severe.
Degenerative disc disease
The discs between the vertebrae are shock absorbers, protecting the spine and keeping it flexible. The wear and tear on those discs is known as degenerative disc disease. The discs in the spine are made up of a great deal of water, which gives them that spongy quality to absorb shock. If the disc is degenerated, it is not as resilient. The tissue that holds the disc material in place may tear, which can lead to further damage.
Low back pain
Low back pain is common among adults. However, if it is persistent or stopping you from normal activity, a physician should be consulted.
Ruptured disc
A ruptured disc occurs when a small portion of the nucleus pushes out into the spinal canal. This can irritate a nerve and result in pain, numbness or weakness in your back and leg or arm. Pain can range from mild to severe.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine (either a C- or S-shaped curvature). Three common types of scoliosis are:
- Congenital (spinal deformities are apparent at birth)
- Idiopathic (resulting from no known cause)
- Neuromuscular (nerve abnormalities affect muscles in the spine, causing curvature)
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal cord, resulting in painful compression and pinching of the nerves. Some people are born with narrow spinal canals. Age, arthritis, spinal tumors, trauma or a previous surgery may also cause spinal stenosis.
Spine tumors
A spine tumor is a cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign) growth that develops within or near your spinal cord or within the bones of your spine.
Stroke
A stroke (cerebrovascular accident) occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced. To minimize the debilitating effects of a stroke, our emergency rooms (ERs) are specially equipped to provide stabilizing care as quickly as possible.
Diagnosing neurological health conditions
To diagnose neurological conditions, our spine and neuro team uses a wide range of imaging services. This includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electromyography (EMG) and evoked potential studies.
Neurological treatment
Neurological treatment starts by working with each patient to discover how pain affects their everyday activities. Then, we develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs. This may include follow-up appointments with specialists in physical therapy and rehabilitation, pain management and/or neurosurgery.
Neurosurgery
Patients who suffer from spinal disease should be aware of important warning signs, which may indicate a further issue. This includes:
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Constant, shooting pain along the neck or back
- Deterioration in fine motor skills, such as buttoning a shirt or writing
- Heavy feeling in the legs
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Pain radiating along the arms or legs
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call (843) 449-2336 to schedule a consultation.
Neurosurgeons at Grand Strand Health specialize in treating patients using minimally invasive surgery. Many benefits are associated with these procedures compared to traditional techniques, including:
- Greater accuracy
- Less postoperative pain
- Less scarring
- Less trauma to the patient's body
- Quicker recovery times
- Shorter hospital stays
- Smaller incisions