Jason M. Highsmith, MD - Neurosurgeon

About Jason M. Highsmith, MD

Dr. Jason M. Highsmith is a board certified and fellowship trained neurosurgeon specializing in complex and minimally-invasive spine surgery in Charleston, SC.

He completed his pre-medical training at Cornell University before attending the Medical College of Virginia for medical school and residency. As a resident, he started the first spinal cord injury lab in the history of MCV. His research there included an award-winning project on the use of artificial blood products to treat spinal cord injury. He also served as an Adjunct Professor of Biology there teaching anatomy to nursing students.

Dr. Highsmith went on to join the faculty at Emory University where he completed a complex spine fellowship. He is currently working on the development of new instrumentation to treat spinal pathologies. His research interests include dynamic stabilization, complex spine, radiosurgery, and trauma.

Articles Written by Jason M. Highsmith, MD

Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and More

Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which a damaged spinal disc causes pain. Learn about the disease here.

Scoliosis Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

SpineUniverse's Scoliosis Center offers accurate information about the diagnosis and treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, adult spinal scoliosis, and degenerative scoliosis.

Alternative Treatments for Spinal Stenosis

Symptoms of spinal stenosis may be treated using complementary, integrative and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and massage.

Spinal Anatomy Center

The spinal column or vertebral column holds your upright, allows movement and provides a conduit for nerves running between the brain and body.

Opioids for Severe Back Pain and Neck Pain

Opioids are powerful prescription-only medications known as analgesics; drugs that may help reduce back and neck pain.

Spinal Cord Stimulation Devices Can Pose Safety Concerns for Spine Surgery

Implantation of a spinal cord stimulation changes aspects of a patient’s structural anatomy that may pose challenges during spine surgery.

Spondylolisthesis Center

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it. The term is pronounced spondy-low-lis-thesis and is derived from the Greek language: spondylo means vertebra and listhesis means to slip. There are several types or causes of spondylolisthesis.

Spinal Fractures Center

Learn about various treatment options, including how to control your pain and if you will need surgery.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain Center

Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is a common cause of low back pain.This condition can make daily activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, and even sleeping difficult.

Biologic Drugs for Back Pain and Neck Pain

Biologic drugs are a special, complex class of medications that help treat spinal inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.

Analgesics for Back Pain and Neck Pain

Analgesics are pain-relieving drugs often taken to help reduce back or neck pain. You may know them better as painkillers, and some are narcotics.

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Compared to open spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery offers several advantages. Learn about the benefits.

Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist or Doctor about Medications

It's essential to have clear communication with your doctor and pharmacist when it comes to taking drugs and medications. Understanding your treatment will better help you reduce your back and neck pain.

Medications Glossary

Terms and definitions help you better understand the drugs and medications used to treat neck and back pain.

Muscles Move and Support the Spine

Patient-friendly article about the voluntary muscles that move and support the spine. Lack of muscle strength and flexibility is a common reason for back pain.

Recent blog posts from Jason M. Highsmith, MD

February 15, 2012

Is Pregnancy Causing My Low Back Pain or Is It Something Else?

I'm a 29-year-old woman in my second trimester with my first child. I've had low back pain for several years, and I've never actually received a diagnosis. What could be wrong with me, and how do I make my back pain go away? I'm worried about my health and the health of my baby.

Weight Loss to Treat Herniated Disc Pain

I'm overweight, and I've had severe back pain caused by a herniated disc. If I lose weight can I avoid spine surgery?

Spinal Stenosis Surgery

There are many surgery options for spinal stenosis, but one of the most common options is spinal implants (eg, X-STOP). Learn how these implant can help relieve pressure on your spinal nerves and reduce your back pain.