Orthopedic Associates is the team to call when you need a highly specialized orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine doctor. Our team offers more than basic medical services – we strive to help each patient achieve the best physical performance possible.

With an entire team of trained doctors on staff, we’re confident in finding the right fit for your unique needs. Today we are highlighting Dr. John C. McElroy, M.D., who offers surgical and non-surgical care for spinal and back conditions. Other doctors in our clinic can also provide support services for other injuries as needed.

Dr. McElrory: Industry Training in Orthopedics

After graduating from Texas A&M University, Dr. McElrory pursued his medical training through the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School from 2007 – 2011 – where he graduated in the Top Quartile.

Upon completion of this program, he stayed in the area to continue 5 years of orthopaedic surgery training at John Peter Smith Hospital. An additional fellowship was completed in Scottsdale, AZ, at the Spine Institute of Arizona.

Dr. McElrory achieved board certification through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in 2019 and has quickly become one of the leading specialists in the area.

Focus on Spinal Conditions

His interest in the spine is what drives his career path. As a neck and spine doctor, Dr. McElrory takes great interest in providing both surgical solutions and minimally invasive treatments for his patients. The goal is to give each person the treatments and support they need to reach their fullest potential.

Just because you book an appointment with a spinal surgeon doesn’t mean that only surgical treatments are recommended. Dr. McElrory’s approach is to help each patient discover the optimal solutions specific conditions.

For example, some surgical techniques can be performed with a less invasive approach, while other patients require a more involved surgery. When patients don’t need surgery, and Dr. McElrory helps each person achieve relief through alternative treatments.

Since Dr. McElrory trained in a level 1 trauma hospital, his surgical skills are available for a full range of orthopaedic joint and bone problems.

Available Services from Dr. McElrory

Every patient is unique, which is why Dr. McElrory doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Instead, he takes the time to listen to his patients, discuss their symptoms, and identify the underlying cause of pain.

This thorough diagnostic process ensures an optimal outcome for each person. Have confidence knowing that your personalized treatment plan is perfectly designed to help you regain function and minimize pain at the same time.

Available treatments from Dr. McElrory include:

• Scoliosis Surgery
• Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement
• Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (DLIF/XLIF)
• Laminectomy
• Posterior Lumbar Interbody fusions (TLIF, PLIF)
• Total Disc Replacements
• Posterior Cervical Fusion
• Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
• Minimally Invasive Microdiscectomies
• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
• And more

With every treatment, our doctors work to minimize the disruption in your life. Non-surgical methods are always the first line of treatment. If these methods are unsuccessful, then spine surgery is considered a last resort.

Is Neck and Back Pain Disrupting Your Life?

Injuries in the spinal column can be some of the most challenging to live with – even the most minor actions throughout the day can cause nerve irritation and debilitating pain.

Whether your back pain is interfering with daily activities or you want a solution to minimize the low-grade discomfort, a spinal specialist is a great resource.

Dr. McElrory is one of two spinal specialists at Orthopedic Associates. Through his caring approach and thorough treatment plan, he helps you achieve optimal results and speedy recovery. The overall goal is to help you start enjoying your life once again, with a variety of treatment options from which to choose.

One of the benefits of working with Dr. McElrory is that he goes beyond symptom management. By focusing on the root cause of back pain and issues, Dr. McElrory solves the problems from the inside out.

Neck and Back Pain: Causes

Before undergoing any treatment plan, it’s critical to identify the underlying conditions that are contributing to your pain. These common diagnoses might cause neck and back discomfort:

• Structural Alignment Issues
• Sciatica
• Compression Fractures of the Spine
• Scoliosis
• Osteoporosis
• Spinal Stenosis
• Osteomyelitis
• Cancer
• Herniated Disc(s)
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Whiplash

Sometimes, patients know a specific accident or incident that caused the injury. For example, car accidents often result in immediate and ongoing pain in the neck and back. Other times, the condition is genetic or caused by repetitive motions, with low-grade pain that increases over time.

Caring for your spine is vital so you can enjoy a healthy, thriving lifestyle for many years to come.

Patient Reviews: Dr. McElrory

Dr. McElrory’s medical skills, combined with his genuine care for each patient he works with, creates a powerful dynamic for healing. Search online, and you will see that many patients are satisfied with the services offered by Dr. McElrory and the other providers at Orthopedic Associates. Here are a few highlights:

• He is a very kind doctor. You feel he cares, his “bedside manners” are impeccable. He is very knowledgeable and takes a conservative approach as far as possible eventhough he is a surgeon. I really like that, it tells me he is thinking of the patient. (Healthgrades)
• Dr. McElroy took his time in explaining all my options and what was going on with my neck and shoulder pain. When the decision was made to do surgery, his office handled everything and made it easy for me. He will be the first doctor I call if I ever have similar issues. (Vitals)
• I Fully Recommend Dr John McElroy He Is very Informative. He showed me my X-RAY / MRI He explained to me of my condition and the plan of treatment. He Politely answered all of my questions with No Rush. Dr. McElroy has a very Polite, Nice Demeanor. I felt completely comfortable and at ease. (Doctor WebMD)

Schedule an Appointment with a Local Spinal Specialist

In most cases, back or neck pain won’t go away naturally. For example, damaged vertebrae or a herniated disc usually won’t respond without surgical intervention. With an ideal treatment plan, you can address these underlying issues and restore your health once again.

If you are looking for solutions to relieve your back pain, then it’s time to schedule a consultation with a spinal specialist. Call Orthopedic Associates to learn more about the full-service treatments available for people of all ages.