Your health is our top priority

Our physicians are committed to surgical excellence as an expression of the highest quality patient care and operate in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the most advanced medical technologies.

Award-winning team of Board-certified spine surgeons

Our team of experienced neurosurgeons and interventional spine specialists work together to treat a wide range of spine disorders, using minimally invasive techniques. Operating with state-of-the-art equipment and procedures that reduce surgery-associated risks and promote faster recovery times, their goal is to treat your condition fully and get you back on your feet as soon as possible. This to us is the essence of patient-centered care – and we practice what we preach.

Our approach to minimally invasive spine surgery

At Legacy Brain & Spine Clinics, we understand the significant negative impact back or neck pain could have on your quality of life. Therefore, our goal is to get our patients back to resuming normal activities as quickly and comfortably as possible, whether their pain is caused by spinal instability, scoliosis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, vertebral compression fractures or other trauma, or failed previous neck of back surgeries.

To do so, we apply minimally invasive techniques that involve the use of tiny incisions and muscle-sparing methods to treat the spinal problem. There is a big difference between operating through a half-inch incision and operating through a 5-inch cut in terms of infection, blood loss, muscle damage, other surgery-associated risks, reduced post-operative pain, and even cosmetic results, so we strongly recommend minimalist procedures whenever possible. Even so, our holistic approach to health means that we always start with considering medical or rehabilitative treatment before surgery.

When you come to one of our clinics, our team of spinal specialists will carefully assess your condition, provide a diagnosis, and guide you in understanding your treatment options. If a non-invasive therapeutic approach is not the best solution for your individual case, they will determine and recommend the optimal minimally invasive spine surgery to ease your pain and discomfort.

Surgeons you can count on

Said Elshihabi, MD, FAANS

Dr. Said Elshihabi is a board-certified neurosurgeon with personal interest and emphasis in the management of spinal disorders. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center – San Antonio, and pursued a neurosurgery residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Elshihabi completed an inclusive fellowship in Spine Surgery with Dr. T. Glenn Pait, and has been in private practice for over ten years.

He is referred to by patients and team members alike as “Dr. E”. Dr. Elshihabi has a passion for guiding patients on their spine journey and prides himself on informing his patients about their spinal disorders, utilizing all educational tools at his disposal to ease the anxiety associated with spinal disease. He firmly believes in being available, affable, and accommodating to his patients at all times.

“It is this mantra in my professional life that has encouraged me to offer this form of intimate and personalized spine care for interested patients. I see first hand the benefit of a coordinated, organized approach in the long term management of spine conditions. Applying this belief to spinal disorders is truly exciting for me, and I hope that you will let me be your guide in this journey.”

Jerry Walters II, MD

Dr. Jerry L Walters, II is a native of Jackson, Mississippi and a graduate of Tougaloo College and Brown University Medical School. While attending Brown University Medical School and under the mentorship of Dr. Rees Cosgrove, he decided to pursue a career in Neurosurgery. He went on to complete his residency training at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where he received extensive training in both open and minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Walters has authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals on topics ranging from spinal tumors, various techniques in spinal surgery, and developed a novel technique for improving the biocompatibility and bio-integration of metal implants.

Dr. Walters is actively treating Legacy Brain & Spine patients at our Tucker and Riverdale locations. He is a promoter of conservative therapy when appropriate and seeks to exhaust non-invasive treatment options until surgical intervention is warranted. He believes restoration of function and elimination of pain are the primary surgical objectives. He treats various ailments of the brain including traumatic brain injury, infection, and brain tumors. He is a strong advocate for a customized, personalized medical treatment plan, and seeks to partner with each patient to develop the best treatment approach for their specific condition.

Outside of his career as a neurosurgeon, he enjoys hiking, giving back to the community and learning new things. He is a big fan of sports and a lover of History.

Dr. Walters is a member of several professional organizations including the American Association of Neurological Surgery and the Congress of Neurological Surgery.

Dr. Said Elshihabi

Dr. Jerry Walters

Warren Kaplan

When we came in, Dr. Elshihabi said not a problem, we know what to do, we'll go for your test and everything, and he fixed me up in no time flat, and ever since then, it's been over a year now. Nothing. I feel great!

Derrick Kennedy

Of course, I was scared at first. But I had to trust. And afterwards, I felt 100% amazing, it feels as if I have a new lease on life! And been able to enjoy life, especially with my newborn child is amazing.