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James Hicks, M.D.

A fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon and expert in Complex Spine surgeries and Motion Preservation, Dr. Hicks is dedicated to maintaining or restoring the spine’s natural mobility. He uses state-of-the-art techniques to prevent further degenerative changes while addressing the underlying issues causing spinal discomfort or mobility limitations.

Motion Preservation Surgery

Motion preservation surgery is an alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery. It aims to preserve the natural movement of the spine. It involves replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one or decompressing the spinal nerves while leaving the vertebrae mobile.
About Motion Preservation Surgery
Dr. James Hicks
“As a fellowship-trained spine surgeon, I have spent my professional life focused on complex surgeries while guided by a philosophy of providing excellent, compassionate care to my patients. My goal is to ensure the optimal health and functionality of the spine utilizing the latest advancements in both non-operative and operative spine care—helping my patients get back to their previous function and quality of life, if not even better.”
James Hicks, M.D.
Education
  • B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 2013
Medical School
  • Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 2017
Residency
  • Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 2022
Fellowship
  • Complex & Minimally Invasive Spine, Swedish Hospital,Seattle, WA, 2023
Certification and Licensure
  • Washington State Medical License, 2022-Present
  • Alabama State Medical License, 2018-Present
  • Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), 2017-Present
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), 2017-Present
  • Basic Life Support (BLS), 2016-Present
Societies
  • Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • AO Spine
  • North American Spine Society

Spinal Issues Treated

  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Bulging Disc
  • Herniated Disc
  • Cervical Disc Herniation
  • Thoracic Disc Herniation
  • Lumbar Disc Herniation
  • Pinched Nerve
  • Sciatica
  • Vertebral Fracture
  • Compression Fracture
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal Deformity
  • Other Neck and Back Conditions

Spinal Procedures

Cervical

  • Cervical Disc Arthroplasty
  • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
  • Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion

Lumbar

  • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Stabilization
  • Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Interbody Fusion
  • Minimally Invasive Interbody Fusion
  • Minimally Invasive Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
  • Minimally Invasive Anterolateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
  • Laminectomy
  • Foraminotomy
  • Microdiscectomy