Dr. Davidson evaluates and treats neck pain, low back pain, sciatica, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, compression fractures, spinal instability, pinched nerves, surgical and nonsurgical traumatic spine injuries, and other degenerative spine problems. In addition to his expertise in spine care, Dr. Davidson treats head injuries and a range of general neurosurgical conditions. He also offers second opinions for complex cases.

Conservative care comes first. Many patients experience improvement with adjustments to their activity level, physical therapy, short-term medication use, and targeted spinal injections. When surgery is the best option, Dr. Davidson focuses on minimally invasive techniques that aim to reduce pain, protect muscle and soft tissue, reduce hospital stays, and expedite the return to daily life.

Dr. Davidson provides on-call neurosurgical care at MUSC Health–Florence Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina.

Neck or back pain that lasts longer than six weeks, pain traveling into the arm or leg, numbness or tingling, weakness, balance problems, or loss of hand dexterity should be checked. Seek urgent care for red flags such as fever with back pain, cancer history with new pain, trauma, loss of bowel or bladder control, or rapidly progressive weakness.

Not always. Many patients start with X-rays. If advanced imaging is required, we will assist in arranging an MRI or CT scan. If you already have recent imaging, bring the report and the images. Radiology reports alone are not enough. Images let us confirm the actual findings.

Injections can reduce inflammation and pain. They can make it easier to complete physical therapy. Some patients avoid surgery. Others use injections as a bridge to a well-planned operation. The decision depends on your diagnosis, goals, and response to nonoperative care.

Minimally invasive techniques utilize smaller incisions and specialized instruments to minimize damage to muscles and soft tissues. Examples include microdiscectomy for a herniated disc, minimally invasive laminectomy for stenosis, and tubular approaches for certain fusions. Benefits may include reduced blood loss, decreased post-operative pain, and a faster recovery. Not every problem is suitable for a minimally invasive approach, so the plan is tailored to each individual. 

All surgery has risks that can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, anesthesia complications, nerve injury, dural tear, need for more surgery, and no relief or recurrence of symptoms. Your consent visit will assess your personal risk based on age, health history, and the specific procedure.

Recovery depends on the procedure and your overall health. Many minimally invasive decompressions are outpatient or one night in the hospital. Walking typically begins on the same day in most cases. Desk work may be possible in 1 to 3 weeks. Heavier work takes longer. Fusion recovery is longer because the bone must heal. You will receive a written plan that covers activities, wound care, pain control, physical therapy, and follow-up.

The goal is safe, short-term use after surgery and as needed during nonoperative care. Many patients do well with scheduled acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory medications if they are appropriate for their health history. If stronger medicines are used, they are prescribed at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest time.