Our spine and neurosurgery specialists take the time to find the right answer for you — starting with every option that isn't surgery first. Currently seeing patients in Spartanburg, Greenville and Duncan.
DR. CHRISTOPHER CHITTUM Neurosurgeon
Dr. Chittum is a board-certified neurosurgeon trained at the Medical University of South Carolina under the chairman of Neurosurgical Surgery.
His training included seven full years of inclusive spinal treatments — unlike fellowship-trained surgeons who typically receive one year of spine training. He treats traumatic fractures, acute and degenerative disc problems, and incorporates all non-surgical therapies when appropriate.
As a fellowship-trained spine specialist, Dr. Lim focuses on treating spine conditions, injuries, and disorders using the newest operative and non-operative treatments available.
He completed his fellowship at the University of Wisconsin and his orthopaedic residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin — bringing subspecialty expertise exclusively focused on the spine.
Dr. Adkins subspecializes in neurological issues of the head and spine, spinal deformity, minimally invasive spine procedures, and spine and brain tumor treatment.
His expertise in peripheral nerve conditions adds a depth of neurological care that extends beyond traditional spine surgery.
Conditions We Treat
YOUR PAIN HAS A NAME WE KNOW HOW TO FIX IT
Our spine and neurosurgery specialists take the time to find the right answer for you — starting with every option that isn't surgery first. Currently seeing patients in Spartanburg and Duncan.
Herniated Disc
When a spinal disc ruptures or bulges, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, neck, arms, or legs. Often treatable without surgery.
Spinal Stenosis
A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Common symptoms include leg pain while walking, numbness, and difficulty with balance.
Sciatica
Sharp, radiating pain that travels from the lower back down through the leg — often caused by a herniated disc or bone spur pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Degenerative Discs
As spinal discs wear down, they lose their cushioning ability — causing chronic back or neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Lasting relief is possible with the right treatment.
Scoliosis
An abnormal sideways curve of the spine that can develop in childhood or worsen with age. Ranges from mild cases managed with bracing to severe curves requiring surgical correction.
Radiculopathy
Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by a compressed or irritated nerve in the spine — commonly felt in the neck or lower back. Highly treatable with the right specialist.
Your Treatment Path
SURGERY IS THE LAST RESORT RECOVERY IS THE GOAL
Our board-certified physicians use a holistic approach — exhausting every non-surgical option before recommending surgery. When surgery is the right choice, our minimally invasive techniques mean faster recovery and less downtime.
Non-Surgical First
CONSERVATIVE TREATMENTS
Most spine conditions can be resolved without surgery. We start here — always.
✓ Physical Therapy Targeted exercises to restore strength and range of motion
✓ Medications Anti-inflammatories and pain management
✓ Spinal Injections Epidural steroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation
✓ Bracing & Support Stabilization to promote healing
✓ Activity Modification Guided rest and return-to-activity planning
✓ Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Less tissue disruption, faster healing
✓ Discectomy Removal of herniated disc material pressing on nerves
✓ Cervical Disc Replacement Preserves motion vs. traditional fusion
✓ Laminectomy Relieves spinal stenosis pressure
✓ Lumbar Disc Replacement Artificial disc for lower back motion preservation
✓ Revision Spine Surgery Correction of prior procedures
Surgical Options
WHEN SURGERY IS RIGHT FOR YOU
When non-surgical treatments are exhausted, our minimally invasive surgical techniques offer lasting relief with faster recovery.
DR. DONALD SHIELDS Spine & Neurosurgery
A Spartanburg native, Dr. Shields is a board-certified neurosurgeon who completed his residency at UCLA and a postdoctoral fellowship in Functional Neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School.
He holds both an MD and a PhD from MUSC, and an MBA from the University of Tennessee — bringing a uniquely rigorous clinical and research perspective to his patients.
Our spine and neurosurgery specialists take the time to find the right answer for you — starting with every option that isn't surgery first. Currently seeing patients in Spartanburg and Duncan.
DR. CHI LIM Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon
Cervical Disc Replacements
Spinal Disorders & Conditions
Minimally Invasive Spine
As a fellowship-trained spine specialist, Dr. Lim focuses on treating spine conditions, injuries, and disorders using the newest operative and non-operative treatments available.
He completed his fellowship at the University of Wisconsin and his orthopaedic residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin — bringing subspecialty expertise exclusively focused on the spine.
I cannot recommend Dr. Chi Lim highly enough. He performed my laminectomy, and the care I received from him and his entire surgical team was exceptional. From the moment I arrived, they were kind, attentive, and reassuring, helping me feel calm and confident before surgery. Dr. Chi Lim is not only incredibly skilled but also genuinely compassionate. My recovery went very smoothly, and I felt supported every step of the way. If you need spine surgery, you’ll be in excellent hands with him and his team.
"
Brain Tumors
Spinal Disorders & Conditions
Craniotomy
Minimally Invasive Spine
Ulnar Nerve Injuries
Dr. Chittum is a board-certified neurosurgeon trained at the Medical University of South Carolina under the chairman of Neurosurgical Surgery.
His training included seven full years of inclusive spinal treatments — unlike fellowship-trained surgeons who typically receive one year of spine training. He treats traumatic fractures, acute and degenerative disc problems, and incorporates all non-surgical therapies when appropriate.
Dr Chris Chittum performed extensive surgery on my back 15 years ago. The surgery and his treatment plan for me was outstanding! I’ve returned to Dr Chittum again for some issues I’m having. I have complete and total faith in him that he will help me once again. He’s very talented.
Dr. Adkins subspecializes in neurological issues of the head and spine, spinal deformity, minimally invasive spine procedures, and spine and brain tumor treatment.
His expertise in peripheral nerve conditions adds a depth of neurological care that extends beyond traditional spine surgery.
DR. DONALD SHIELDS Spine & Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery
Epilepsy & Brain Stimulation
Minimally Invasive Spine
Spine & Brain Tumors
A Spartanburg native, Dr. Shields is a board-certified neurosurgeon who completed his residency at UCLA and a postdoctoral fellowship in Functional Neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School.
He holds both an MD and a PhD from MUSC, and an MBA from the University of Tennessee — bringing a uniquely rigorous clinical and research perspective to his patients.
Our spine and neurosurgery specialists take the time to find the right answer for you — starting with every option that isn't surgery first. Currently seeing patients in Spartanburg and Duncan.
Herniated Disc
When a spinal disc ruptures or bulges, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, neck, arms, or legs. Often treatable without surgery.
Spinal Stenosis
Sciatica
Degenerative Discs
Scoliosis
Radiculopathy
A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Common symptoms include leg pain while walking, numbness, and difficulty with balance.
Sharp, radiating pain that travels from the lower back down through the leg — often caused by a herniated disc or bone spur pressing on the sciatic nerve.
As spinal discs wear down, they lose their cushioning ability — causing chronic back or neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Lasting relief is possible with the right treatment.
An abnormal sideways curve of the spine that can develop in childhood or worsen with age. Ranges from mild cases managed with bracing to severe curves requiring surgical correction.
Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by a compressed or irritated nerve in the spine — commonly felt in the neck or lower back. Highly treatable with the right specialist.