Back pain that won't quit. And surgery is not the only option.
If injections and PT haven't held, there's more to look at before fusion.
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- Tennessee Titans team physician
- USA Basketball team physician
- Previously, Boston Celtics
- Sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon
- Greater Nashville
The pain wakes you up. Bending hurts. Standing too long hurts. Sitting too long hurts. You've had PT. You've had epidurals or facet blocks. You've been told the next step is fusion, decompression, or "live with it."
I see this trap constantly. The injections quiet things down for a few months. Then the pain comes back. Or the surgeon hands you a fusion timeline you're not in for.
A lot of my back patients sit in that gap before the OR, looking for a clear next step that isn't surgery. You're not alone in it.
The approach
Most of the patients who walk into my office have already been told the same thing. Pills first. Then shots. Then surgery.
Surgery is not the only option.
I still operate, and I still take patients to the OR when the joint needs it. But for many of the people who come to me, the OR isn't the right first step. There's a body of advanced non-surgical orthopedic care worth trying before we get there. Care meant to help the joint heal, calm the pain, and get you back to what you want to do.
It's not magic. It's physiology.
For some patients it works. For some it doesn't. When it doesn't, we move to the next option, surgery included, if that's what you need. No promises and no miracle language. A clear read, a clear plan, and the step you're a candidate for next.
Why Dr. Kellum
A surgeon who'll tell you when not to operate.
- Sports medicine fellowship-trained. New England Baptist. Boston Children's.
- Team physician for the Tennessee Titans and USA Basketball. Previously the Boston Celtics.
- AOA member. Peer-reviewed.
- Still operates. Doesn't recommend it first.
What patients say
Treated as if I was his only patient.
The care given by the nursing staff is amazing. And Dr. Kellum is one of the best physicians I've had the pleasure of knowing. There is no rushing through the appointment. Treated as if I was his only patient. Also, phones are answered promptly and efficiently and again not rushed. The care that is given is superb.Donna M.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Dr. Kellum located?
Greater Nashville.
Do I need imaging before my consultation?
Not required to request. If you have X-rays or MRI on file, plan to bring them or have them sent. If not, we'll guide you through it.
What kind of patients do you treat?
Patients who've been told the OR is next. Patients who've tried PT or cortisone with limited relief. Patients looking for a second opinion before the OR.
Does insurance cover this?
Most non-surgical care is cash-pay. We'll be straight with you about cost on the qualification call. CareCredit financing is available if you want it.
What happens at the consultation?
Review of your imaging, history, and goals. Honest read on what you're a candidate for. Clear next step.
My MRI shows a herniated disc. Is non-surgical care still on the table?
Often, yes. A finding on an MRI isn't always a surgical verdict. We look at the disc, the nerve, what's actually driving the pain, and what you've already tried. Worth a consultation before the OR.
I've had multiple epidurals that didn't last. Does that rule me out?
No. A short response to injections tells me something about what's driving the pain. It usually means you need a different stimulus, not a stronger version of the same one.
I've already had back surgery and the pain is back. Can you help?
Often, yes. Post-surgical patients are a sizable share of who I see. We'll talk through what was done, what's hurting now, and what makes sense from here.
Is this for sciatica too, or only lower back pain?
Both. Sciatica is one of the most common reasons back patients come in. We'll talk through where the pain is and what's driving it at the consultation.