Lin NormanIf you’ve ever winced while tying your shoes or felt that familiar bolt of lightning shoot down your leg just from sneezing, you know the drill.
Back pain demands your attention like a demanding full-time job that constantly drains your battery.
Finding a doctor often feels worse. You usually get five minutes of face time, a quick prescription for painkillers, and a brochure for a surgery you aren’t even sure you need.
We got tired of the runaround, so we dug deep into the local medical scene to find professionals who value motion over medication. We found clinics offering rare money-back guarantees alongside surgeons who advise against operating.
Here are the best spine specialists in Nashville who can help you get your life back.
How much does a spine specialist cost in Nashville?
The cost of spine care varies wildly depending on what you need.
If you are just going in for an initial consultation with a specialist or chiropractor, expect to pay between $85 and $200 out of pocket. Some clinics even offer free initial consults to see if you are a good fit.
For more involved treatments like spinal decompression, sessions can range from $50 to $150 each. If surgery is on the table, the numbers jump significantly.
A spinal fusion in Tennessee can average around $39,000 before insurance kicks in.
Always check your insurance coverage first, as copays and deductibles will dictate your final bill.
1. Colin Crosby, MD (Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics Midtown)
Website: https://www.eliteorthopaedic.com/providers/colin-g-crosby-md/
Address: 2004 Hayes Street, Suite 200
Contact: (615) 324-1600
Schedule: Mon-Fri 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What I like about Dr. Colin Crosby is how he avoids rushing patients into surgery. One of his specialities is the preservation of spine motion. This is to keep you moving naturally, instead of fusing everything immediately.
When you visit him, you’ll notice he actually listens to the “why” behind your pain. He explains complex spinal issues in plain English. This strips away the confusion often associated with specialist visits.
Athletes and active individuals frequently choose him to return to their sport without losing mobility. On top of that, the clinic environment is also professional but warm, ensuring you don’t feel like just another number on a chart.
However, booking a slot with this top-tier orthopedic specialist often requires patience. But once booked, his conservative approach can be a breath of fresh air.
That is, if the idea of going under the knife scares you.
Customer Reviews:
Great and caring staff and Dr Collin Crosby is most knowledgeable
Great and caring staff and Dr Collin Crosby is most knowledgeable and compassionate neck and spine doctor ever. He listens well to determine his plan of care and therapy to help recovery be as pain free to return to normal activities as soon as possible.
- Stan | Google Review
I highly recommend Dr. Crosby
I came to Dr. Crosby for a second opinion and I am glad I did. The course of treatment will change substantially based on the imaging he did in office. I a nurse practitioner and I was truly impressed with his knowledge and the time he took with me to explain what was going on with my spine and his plan. He gave me the why, which was huge. I highly recommend Dr. Crosby.
- Lena Gokey | Google Review
2. The Upper Cervical Spine Center Nashville
Website: https://uppercervicalspinecenternashville.com/offices/nashville
Address: 82 White Bridge Pike
Contact: (615) 953-7406
Schedule:
- Mon, Weds-Thurs 9:00 AM – 12:45 PM and 1:15 PM – 6:00 PM
- Tues, Fri By Appointment Only
The Upper Cervical Spine Center focuses on the top two bones in the neck, the Atlas and Axis, without any twisting, popping, or cracking.
If the idea of a chiropractor snapping your neck scares you, this method offers a welcome alternative. They use precise measurements to correct misalignments that can cause migraines and vertigo.
I visited for a nagging neck issue last year, and the gentle adjustment was surprisingly effective compared to traditional methods I’ve tried.
The atmosphere is incredibly calming. You feel like the staff genuinely wants to solve your health mystery. Patients who have exhausted other options for headaches often find relief here.
However, their specialized nature means they might be out-of-network for some insurance plans, so double-check that beforehand.
Customer Reviews:
Thank you for your good work
I have been very impressed with the results I have received from Dr. Chris Northcutt at The Upper Cervical Spine Center. He and the office staff are not only very responsive to every concern I have had, but have responded in a timely and professional manner. Thank you for your good work.
- Donnie Headrick | Google Review
Great
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had a wonderful experience at Upper Cervical Spine Center . Chris is an exceptional chiropractor who combines outstanding skill with genuine compassion. He takes the time to ensure you feel comfortable and well cared for, and his technique is excellent. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking quality upper cervical care. Great office staff as well
- Ashley Callender | Google Review
3. Action Spine and Joint
Website: https://actionspineandjoint.com/
Address: 6410 Charlotte Pike
Contact: (615) 356-4656
Schedule:
- Mon-Thurs 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Fri 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Action Spine and Joint offers a “Peace of Mind Guarantee.” They promise that if you don’t feel improvement after four treatments, they will refund your money.
That kind of confidence demonstrates a strong belief in their ability to fix your pain. They also offer a sliding scale for payments, making care accessible even if your insurance situation is tricky.
The vibe is efficient and results-oriented. You get in, get treated, and get on with your day. Dr. Casey Bearden, their lead chiropractic doctor, explains exactly what is wrong and how he plans to fix it.
His decompression programs help many patients avoid surgery.
Patients here value the clear financial options and the guarantee of results. You get the sense that they value your long-term health over a quick fix.
However, their popularity means scheduling a specific time slot can be difficult.
Customer Reviews:
I feel better after each treatment
I love this chiropractic facility . The moment you walk in the door you are warmly greeted. The facility is modern and equipment is state of the art. The two doctors are phenomenal in treating you. I feel better after each treatment. If you need a new chiropractor or you’re not satisfied with the one you’re using now give Action Spine and Joint a try you won’t be disappointed
- Joe F | Google Review
Instant relief on my sciatic pain
Highly Recommend!! Action Spine and Joint has done miracles for MY lower back and sciatic nerve pain. The decompression table has saved me from getting back surgery and has given instant relief on my sciatic pain. I travel periodically to Nashville and always stop in to see Dr. Bearden who is incredibly intelligent and knowledgeable on what equipment to use that has saved me from seeing other doctors and taking pain medication.
- J Wiz | Google Review
4. Isaac Spine Joint & Pain (St. Thomas Medical Plaza)
Website: https://www.isaacspine.com/
Address: 2004 Hayes Street, Suite 655
Contact: (615) 866-9040
Schedule:
- Mon-Thu 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Fri 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Isaac Spine Joint & Pain creates a “stress-free” environment for pain management. A compassionate, patient-first culture permeates the entire clinic.
Dealing with chronic pain is emotional, and Dr. Victor Isaac’s team understands that better than most. They don’t just throw pills at you.
They look for sustainable ways to relieve your discomfort.
The staff makes you feel valid and heard, which is crucial when you have been in pain for a long time. That’s why this team receives frequent praise for their patience.
Do keep in mind that they are located in the medical plaza, which is convenient but can be busy. Communication with the front desk can also sometimes be slow during peak hours.
| Pros | Cons |
| Patient-first culture | Slow front desk communication |
| Low-stress environment | Short hours on Fridays |
| Validates patient pain | Heavy medical plaza traffic |
| Thorough pain assessment |
Customer Reviews:
Considerate of your pain and offer ways to relieve that pain
Staff are very friendly and quite considerate of your pain and offer ways to relieve that pain.
It’s basically a stress free and comfortable place to come when you have had major spine problems and surgeries!
- Gregory Mangrum | Google Review
Wonderful
My experience with the Isaac Pain Institute has been wonderful. The staff are so polite and caring. Monica really takes the time to listen and is very patient. I would definitely recommend the Isaac Spine Joint & Pain Institute to anyone who is experiencing chronic pain.
- Judy Patterson | Google Review
5. Melvin D. Law, MD
Website: https://www.lawspinesurgery.com/
Address: 395 Wallace Road, Suite 200
Contact: (615) 329-0333
Schedule:
- Mon-Thu 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Fri 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Dr. Melvin Law brings over 30 years of experience to the Nashville spine community.
He maintains a conservative philosophy, operating on the stance that most spine problems do not require surgical intervention. When surgery is necessary, patients frequently cite his ability to restore mobility.
He also builds long-term relationships with those he treats. Some patients have returned to him for advice for decades.
He is the orthoedic specialist to visit for an objective assessment of your condition. But because he conducts thorough examinations, he limits his clinic hours. This may require you to work around his schedule, particularly on Fridays.
If you’re privy when it comes to clinic ambiance, I’ll also need to give you a heads up. While the office décor is older, the medical care he provides remains highly effective.
Customer Reviews:
The only doctor I would let do surgery on back
Dr Law is fantastic and I’m so thankful he is back in Nashville. I will be going to talk to him soon. He truly cares about you.Hes is the only doctor I would let do surgery on back.💯 the best dr around. …
- Sharon Cantrell | Google Review
I owe a lot of good years to Dr Law
Dr Law did spine surgery for me 29 years ago after having two previous surgeries with another doctor. I am approaching 80 and I owe a lot of good years to Dr Law. He is kind and cares deeply for his patients. I am so grateful I found him in 1996.
- Wanda Cruse | Google Review
