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Non-Surgical · Non-Invasive · Pawleys Island, SC

Fast, Natural Relief for Your Back, Neck and Nerves

Strand Spine Institute has helped thousands of patients on the Grand Strand heal disc, joint and nerve pain without surgery or long-term medication. Pick a time that works for you. Dr. Fico will see you for a full evaluation.

Non-Surgical Care 25+ Years 5/5 Rated
Dr. Neil Fico with a Strand Spine patient
Dr. Neil Fico, D.C. Managing physician, caring for the Grand Strand

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25+ Years
on the Grand Strand
1000s
of patients helped
Non-Surgical
and non-invasive care
5/5
Google rating
Conditions We Treat

Pain We Help People Get Out Of

If your pain shows up in any of the areas listed below, the protocol Dr. Fico designed was built for someone with your exact pattern. Book your evaluation with Dr. Fico to get clear answers and a personalized plan for relief.

Back Pain
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Neck Pain
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Sciatica
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Neuropathy
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Headaches and Migraines
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Vertigo
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Hip, Knee and Foot Pain
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Scoliosis
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The Strand Approach

Why Strand Patients Skip the Surgery Conversation

Most spine clinics start with the symptom and end with a referral to someone else. Strand Spine Institute starts with the root cause and ends with a body that can hold the correction on its own. Here is how those two paths look side by side.

Industry Average

The Typical Spine Visit

  • Quick adjustment, refer you out for anything serious
  • One protocol that everyone gets
  • Treatment that addresses the symptom in front of them
  • Maintenance schedule with no real exit
Strand Spine Patients

What Your Visit Looks Like

  • Initial consultation, comprehensive exam and X-rays if needed
  • A care plan matched to your specific findings
  • Treatment that targets the disc, joint or nerve causing the pain
  • A discharge path with a wellness plan when you are ready
Signature Treatments

Treatments Built for the Root Cause

Six treatments, all under one roof. Dr. Fico selects the right combination based on your exam and what has worked for patients with cases like yours.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

The DRX 9000 gently separates the vertebrae so injured discs can rehydrate and heal. Our first choice for sciatica, bulging discs and herniations without an operating room.

Summus Cold Laser Therapy

A high-intensity laser drives photons into inflamed tissue, which accelerates healing at the cellular level. Most patients feel a warm sensation and nothing more.

Chiropractic Care

Targeted spinal adjustments restore proper joint motion and take pressure off pinched nerves. Gentle enough for pediatric care and pregnancy care.

Neuropathy Treatment

A multi-modality protocol that combines laser, decompression and nutrition to rebuild damaged peripheral nerves. Designed for diabetic, chemotherapy-induced and idiopathic neuropathy.

Sports Rehabilitation

Soft tissue work, corrective exercise and biomechanics coaching that get athletes back to training without the next injury already on the way.

Nutrition and Wellness Care

Practical nutrition guidance and supplement protocols from our in-house nutritionist Kristy, plus weight loss support and long-term wellness plans.

Dr. Neil Fico, D.C., Managing Physician
20+ Years
Caring for spines on the Grand Strand
Meet the Team

20+ Years on the Grand Strand, Now Looking at Your Spine

Dr. Neil Fico has been treating spine and joint pain on the Grand Strand for more than 20 years. He built Strand Spine Institute around one belief: the body wants to heal itself if you remove what is blocking it, and the job of a good clinic is to find that block and fix it.

He is joined by Dr. Joe Federico, plus a team of patient care specialists, a certified laser technician and an in-house nutritionist who run the day-to-day patient experience. Every patient who walks in gets the full team, not a quick handoff.

“Our job is to find the root cause and fix it, so you walk away with a body that doesn’t need us anymore.”
Dr. Neil Fico, D.C., Managing Physician
Patient Stories

Real Patients, Real Recoveries

These are real Strand patients, in their own words. Their full video and written reviews live on our website's testimonials page.

Watch Brenda’s story
Patient Louie P. with Dr. Fico
“
I had heard about Strand Spine Institute through a friend. Spinal Decompression Therapy along with chiropractic care and in home exercise made a world of difference in my life. When I first came to Dr. Fico I could barely walk, let alone sit for long periods of time. Since my first visit, until now, I’ve been able to do the things I love, walking long distances, golf, with very little discomfort. The staff was so wonderful and helpful throughout my treatment. Thanks for getting my life back.
Louie P.
Patient Caroline with Dr. Fico
“
I have a nearly 30-year history of back problems, so finding a professional and caring chiropractor when I moved to the area one year ago was very important to me. The staff at Strand Spine Institute is knowledgeable, kind and always welcoming. It’s been a blessing coming to SSI, especially in the past few months as I trained for my first Half Ironman Triathlon. Dr. Fico helped me overcome a training injury and also gave me guidance along the way just as a coach would. He helped me understand how to better take care of my body while in training and how to keep it strong. Thanks to Dr. Fico’s professional care and knowledge I got to the race injury-free, and I’m happy to say that I successfully completed 70.3 miles of swimming, biking and running that day!
Caroline
Patient George B.'s painting
“
I was directed to Dr. Fico by Dr. Parker at OrthoSC who had been treating me for about 4 months without improvement. Dr. Fico and his staff helped improve my condition to comfort. I live alone and the treatments provided by Strand Spine Institute have made it more comfortable for me to perform my duties and also allowed me to get back to painting pictures on a regular schedule and I sleep better.
George B.
Patient Sondra with Dr. Fico
“
I walked in with neck pain at a 7-8 on the pain scale. Dr. Fico worked me up with scans, x-rays and an examination and developed a treatment plan. I walked out two months later with a pain level of 2-3. Very happy me. I continue to go see Dr. Fico for regular treatments to stay well. Kristy, their nutritionist took me under her belt and provided me with natural remedies for my pain, anxiety, depression and stomach issues. I did a 10 day cleanse with guidance - Worth it! The staff is so very kind, compassionate and caring. I felt like I was going to see friends that cared about my entire well-being and health, not just my neck. Forever grateful!
Sondra

Results vary by individual.

What to Expect

What Your First Visit Looks Like

About 60 minutes start to finish. You leave with a plan, not a sales pitch.

Patient checking in at the Strand Spine Institute front desk
1

Sit-down consultation, about 20 minutes

Dr. Fico records your full history. How the pain started, what makes it worse, what has not worked.

2

Comprehensive exam, about 30 minutes

Orthopedic, neurological and range-of-motion testing. If needed, X-rays can be performed in our office to help Dr. Fico investigate further and confirm what is happening in your spine.

3

Your care plan, about 10 minutes

Dr. Fico walks you through the findings, the recommended protocol, the timeline and what comes next. You can then decide if moving forward feels right for you.

Visit Us

Find Us on Ocean Hwy

Strand Spine Institute is on Ocean Hwy in Pawleys Island, an easy drive from Litchfield, Murrells Inlet and Garden City. We have available appointments most days of the week.

Strand Spine Institute

12465 Ocean Hwy
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(843) 979-2273
Call (843) 979-2273

Office Hours

Monday 8:00am to 12:30pm, 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am to 12:30pm, 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am to 12:30pm, 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Thursday 9:00am to 12:30pm, 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Friday 8:00am to 1:00pm
Saturday and Sunday Closed
Good to Know

Questions People Ask Before Booking

No. Chiropractic care is one of six treatments we offer. Most patients also receive non-surgical spinal decompression on the DRX 9000, Summus cold laser therapy or nutrition support, depending on what their exam shows.
Some plans cover portions of the care we provide. After your first visit our team will help you check your benefits and walk you through what is covered and what is not.
Many patients feel some relief inside the first few visits. A full recovery from a chronic condition usually takes a series of treatments matched to the severity of the case. Dr. Fico will give you a realistic timeline at the end of your first visit.
That is fine. The first visit is built to give you a clear recommendation, not force a commitment. You decide what comes next.
No. You can book a first visit directly. If you have already seen another provider, bring any imaging or notes you have and Dr. Fico will review them in your consultation.
Yes. Every treatment we offer is non-invasive and non-surgical. Dr. Fico has been practicing for more than 20 years and the protocol is calibrated to each patient's specific findings.
A list of medications, any recent imaging if you have it and clothes that let you move comfortably during the exam.
Free parking is right at the front entrance.
Your Next Step

Start Living the Life You Deserve

25 years of helping people on the Grand Strand walk back into the lives they want. Today is a good day to be next.

Call (843) 979-2273
Skilled. Compassionate. Preferred.

Book Your First Visit

Pick a date and time below. We confirm by phone within one business day.

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0/500

Your information is private and secure. We confirm by phone within one business day.
Book My First Visit