Frequently asked questions

Who is Edward Smith, M.D.?

I am a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon at Meridian Orthopaedic Specialists in Meridian, Mississippi. I am board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

What conditions do you treat?

I evaluate and treat acute and chronic degenerative problems of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, including neck and back pain, sciatica and radiculopathy, spinal stenosis and claudication, myelopathy, spine fractures, and disc herniations and spondylolisthesis (slipped discs).

Do I need to go to Jackson or Flowood for a spine specialist?

No. Fellowship-trained spine care is available in Meridian at Meridian Orthopaedic Specialists for neck and low back problems (including sciatica and herniated discs). Patients and referring providers can get a local orthopaedic spine opinion without defaulting to a trip out of town. Whether surgery is needed is decided after exam and imaging review.

Is sciatica treated only with injections?

No. Many people with sciatica / lumbar radiculopathy improve with therapy, medications, and injections. Some need disc or stenosis surgery. A spine surgeon can help decide which path fits your exam and imaging.

See the sciatica page

How are patients and referring providers scheduled?

Call Meridian Orthopaedic Specialists at 601.385.9111. Patients, referring physicians, and midlevel providers in east Mississippi and west Alabama can request an orthopaedic spine evaluation for lumbar radiculopathy / sciatica or other spine conditions with me. Referrals are not needed unless your insurance requires one. In most cases, we can see you the same week, with me or my nurse practitioner.

Do you offer minimally invasive or endoscopic spine surgery?

Yes. When surgery is appropriate, I offer minimally invasive options, including endoscopic spine surgery, if your anatomy and diagnosis fit. They may not be right for every patient or every diagnosis.

Is this a separate practice from Meridian Orthopaedic Specialists?

No. I practice at Meridian Orthopaedic Specialists, and all appointments and billing go through the practice.

Will I need surgery?

Many patients with neck and back pain never need an operation. Surgery is reserved for clear structural problems that match your symptoms and have not responded to appropriate non-surgical care, or when neurologic risk makes earlier intervention safer.

Do I need an MRI before my visit?

Not always. Bring any prior imaging and reports if you have them. MRI is ordered when the result is likely to change the plan.