Quality and Comprehensive Spine Care in the Lowcountry

Hilton Head Regional Healthcare provides comprehensive treatment for back, neck and spine problems to help you feel better and return to a more active lifestyle. Let’s get you back in motion with experienced and compassionate care.

If you've been suffering from chronic back or neck pain and have not found lasting relief with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications or steroid injections, you can count on our advanced spine care team to provide quality and personalized care while helping you explore conventional or minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery specific to your needs and condition.

Although most back and neck pain go away with pain medications and lifestyle modifications, you should talk to your doctor to better understand your symptoms. We have an extensive network of healthcare providers to attend to your needs. Fill out our request referral form, and we'll connect you to our dedicated staff to provide helpful information about our doctors and assist you in making an appointment.

What is the Spinal Cord?

The spine plays a crucial role in supporting and keeping your head, shoulders and upper body upright and gives you the flexibility to bend and twist. Understanding how your spine works can help you better understand some of the most common conditions that cause spinal problems or back pain.

The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves that extends from the skull to your lower back and travels through the middle part of each vertebra and ends in the lower back and continues as nerve roots. The vertebrae are small bones stacked on top of one another, creating the back's natural curves.

When viewed from the side, the spine has three segments that form its natural curves, namely:

• Cervical spine – "c-shaped" curves of the neck
• Lumbar spine – also called lordosis and is found in the lower back
• Thoracic spine – "reverse c-shaped" curve of the chest called kyphosis

What Causes Spine Pain?

Various spine diseases, such as the following, can change the structure of the spine or damage the vertebrae and surrounding tissue, which often cause spinal pain and limit a person's movement:

• Infections
• Injuries, such as spinal concussions
• Tumors
• Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis and scoliosis
• Bone changes that come with age, such as spinal stenosis and herniated discs

How Serious Is Narrowing of the Spine?

Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spine that creates pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. The narrowing usually occurs gradually over time and may involve one or more spine areas. Spinal stenosis usually develops in the lumbar spine and cervical spine.

The chances of developing spinal stenosis increase with age, but it can be present in younger people born with a narrow spinal canal or who have an injury to the spine. People with severe spinal stenosis may have problems with bowel function, bladder function and sexual function.

What Can I Expect from a Spine Specialist?

Spine specialists are trained professionals who detect and treat conditions affecting the spine, back and neck. They use various tools to diagnose or rule out spine conditions.

To help determine if an injury, aging or an underlying condition is causing your symptoms, your doctor will ask about your medical and family history, followed by a physical exam to check the following:

• If you have limited movement
• If you have pain or symptoms while doing certain movements, such as bending backward or bending forward
• Neurological function, such as sensation, muscle strength and reflexes in the arms and legs
• Your balance
• How you walk

Your doctor may also recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography, to help develop an effective treatment plan.

How Can I Improve My Spinal Health?

The following tips may help prevent low back pain and improve your overall spine health:

• Do crunches or engage in abdominal-muscle strengthening exercises, such as swimming, stationary bicycling and brisk walking. These aerobic exercises provide more stability in your spine and generally do not put extra stress on your back.
• Don't bend and lift. Use proper lifting and moving techniques, such as squatting when lifting heavy objects.
• Maintain correct posture when you're sitting and standing.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking increases your risk of developing atherosclerosis, which can cause lower back pain and degenerative disc disorders.
• Be mindful of your stress levels. Stressful situations can cause muscle tension.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess fat around the midsection can put a strain on the lower back.

Why Choose Hilton Head Regional Healthcare for Your Spine Health?

Most back and neck problems go away with rest and medication, but some back and spinal disorders may require lifelong pain management and rehabilitation therapy. The role of Hilton Head Regional Healthcare is to help you navigate your spine care journey through personalized and compassionate care. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan, including making timely appointments and referring you to additional doctors, should they be required.

Hilton Head Regional Healthcare offers:

• Robotic-assisted spine surgery using Globus ExcelsiusGPS™
• Experienced spine care services with hundreds of spinal procedures performed annually
• Pain management
• Comprehensive rehabilitation program

Watch this short video to learn how Hilton Head Regional Healthcare can help you navigate your journey to feeling better.

Insurances Accepted and Payment Plan Options

Staying on top of your spine health means making important healthcare decisions. Hilton Head Regional Healthcare provides all the information you need upfront, including financial obligations, to begin your journey to better spine health. Go to our payment portal and learn about payment options available in our facility near you.

We accept various insurance plans and offer flexible payment plans for most treatments and procedures, including but not limited to back procedures, to help make it easier for you to get safe and quality care. Check out our list of participating insurance plans here. To learn more about our extended payment plans, please call 833-850-5053 or watch this short video.

Our dedicated staff is ready to address your questions and help make financial arrangements. Go to our patient financial resources page to learn more about our insurance, billing, payment plans, pricing information and estimates. For questions about your coverage, contact your insurance provider directly.

Find a Back and Spine Doctor in the Lowcountry

The spine plays an essential role in your ability to move. People with spinal diseases may suffer from limited movement and chronic pain. Let's help you relive the days before back pain. Now is a good time to see a spine doctor at Hilton Head Regional Healthcare.

Our experienced and dedicated spine care team is here to help you every step of the way from diagnosis to rehabilitation. We commit to providing compassionate care combined with advanced technology and procedures.

How's your back today? Let's get in touch and help find ways to make you feel better. Please call 833-383-3744 or find a back and spine doctor here near your location. If it's an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.