Tampa-based orthopedic spine surgeon urges patients to explore holistic, evidence-based care before opting for surgery
TAMPA, FL / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Dr. Drew Brown IV, MD, FAAOS, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon and founder of DB4Spine, is raising awareness about the growing need for conservative spine health education and non-surgical care pathways. In a healthcare landscape where spine surgery is often the first recommendation, Dr. Brown is advocating for a different approach-one grounded in patient education, holistic care, and a "surgery-last" philosophy.
"People think surgery is their only option. It's often not," says Dr. Brown. "We have evidence-based ways-like exercise, rehab, and nutrition-that work well and help people avoid going under the knife."
The Bigger Problem: Too Many Surgeries, Too Little Awareness
Back and neck pain are the leading causes of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. In the United States alone, over 1.6 million spinal surgeries are performed annually. Yet research from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests as many as 20% to 30% of these procedures may be unnecessary.
"I've met too many patients who had surgery they didn't need-or had poor results because they didn't understand all their options," Dr. Brown explains. "That's not just a medical problem-it's a system problem."
Dr. Brown founded DB4Spine in 2019 in Tampa to do things differently. His practice prioritizes non-operative care, only recommending surgery when all other treatments have been exhausted. His model emphasizes trust, time, and tailored plans, all of which are often lacking in high-volume corporate healthcare systems.
Why It Matters: The Power of Prevention and Patient Education
Dr. Brown's experience has shown that when patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options, outcomes improve.
"I spend time explaining the ‘why' behind each step," he says. "We focus on the basics first-fitness, posture, mobility. That's where the real healing begins."
He also believes that a holistic approach to spine health-integrating lifestyle changes like regular movement, strength training, and proper nutrition-can reduce the risk of future injury and degenerative conditions.
"Spine health isn't just about bones and discs," Dr. Brown adds. "It's about how we move, how we eat, how we recover. All of it matters."
A Career Built on Purpose and Advocacy
Dr. Brown's path to becoming a spine surgeon is marked by leadership and service. From playing Division I basketball at the University of Texas to earning his MD from Tufts and completing a spine fellowship at the San Diego Center for Spinal Disorders, he has always pursued excellence. He has also served as a volunteer spine surgeon in Ghana, treating children and adults with severe deformities.
"That experience in West Africa changed me," he says. "It reminded me why I got into medicine in the first place-to serve."
What Patients Can Do Right Now
Dr. Brown encourages anyone dealing with back or neck pain to start with the basics:
Stay active: Low-impact movement like walking, swimming, or light strength training can reduce pain.
Improve posture: Sit and stand tall. Make adjustments at your desk or workspace.
Eat for your spine: A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can support healing.
Get evaluated by someone who explains all options: Not just surgery.
"The most important thing is being your own advocate," he says. "Ask questions. Learn the options. Don't rush into something permanent if there's another way."
About DB4Spine
Founded in Tampa, Florida, DB4Spine is a consulting practice led by Dr. Drew Brown IV that partners with top medical centers across the state to provide expert spinal care. The practice specializes in minimally invasive surgery, complex revision cases, and most importantly, non-surgical treatment pathways.
Dr. Brown holds a board certification valid through 2036 and maintains a 4.9-star patient rating. He is a respected educator and advocate for patient-first spine care.
Call to Action: Empower Yourself
If you're experiencing chronic back or neck pain, don't assume surgery is your only path. Start by learning more about non-operative care options. Focus on movement, education, and prevention. Ask your healthcare provider questions. Seek second opinions when needed.
"It's your body," Dr. Brown says. "And you deserve to understand every option available to you."
Media Contact:
Email: drewbrown@emaildn.com
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SOURCE: Dr Drew Brown
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