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5 Best Portland Spine Specialists for Back-to-Basics Relief
My back started making its complaints a little louder lately. Even getting out of bed now feels like an event.
Maybe it was a Forest Park trail run, bad posture, or sciatica that simply won’t quit. Either way, ignoring it isn’t working anymore. I think it’s high time I go to a back pain specialist.
So I looked for the best spine specialist in Portland by checking credentials, patient feedback, and local reputations. These are the experts most likely to help you get moving without wincing.
How much does it cost to see a spine specialist in Portland, OR?
An initial spine specialist consultation in Portland usually costs $75 to $500 out of pocket. The final bill can exceed $1,000 once scans, injections, or other procedures enter the picture.
A chiropractic spine visit typically costs $30 to $200. An interventional pain or nonsurgical consultation runs about $75 to $250.
Seeing an orthopedic spine surgeon or neurosurgeon generally costs $250 to $500. A spine MRI or lumbar CT scan may add $370 to $842+.
More advanced treatment gets expensive quickly. An outpatient disc laminectomy costs around $7,300 to $22,900, while spinal fusion surgery can range from $39,431 to $57,512.
1. J. Rafe Sales, MD
Address: 1815 SW Marlow Ave Ste 101
Contact: 503-546-3503
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8.30 AM – 5 PM | Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
Back pain has a way of turning ordinary errands into full-body negotiations. Luckily, Summit Spine Institute stands out for focusing squarely on spinal care, with Dr. J. Rafe Sales leading a team known for minimally invasive treatment.
I like that surgery isn’t treated as the automatic answer. The clinic typically considers options like physical therapy, injections, and other conservative care before recommending an operation.
Dr. Sales is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who performs hundreds of minimally invasive procedures each year.
The practice also treats common problems such as herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc conditions.
The main drawback is availability, since the office is closed on weekends. It also focuses on spine conditions, so you’ll need another provider for unrelated orthopedic concerns.
Two Successful Surgeries and Exceptional Care
I have had two spine surgeries performed by Dr Sales and his Physician Assistants. Both times I was treated with the utmost care & skill. If my husband and I had any questions, they took the time to answer them in terms we could understand. I would definitely recommend them for anyone facing spine problems.
- Lorin Clasen, Google Review
The Right Specialist for Minimally Invasive Surgery
I researched spine surgeons for a year, and considered specialists in Florida and Texas, before choosing Dr. Sales for my spinal stenosis surgeries.
Dr. Sales is the only surgeon I found, in Washington or Oregon, who’s web site states he is a “MISS specialist” (Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery).
It’s the Minimally Invasive aspect that is important to me. Dr. Sales uses the least invasive methods and the smallest incisions possible. This improves outcomes and recovery time.
- Leo Kaminski, Google Review
2. Portland Neurosurgery
Address: 9155 SW Barnes Road, Suite 836
Contact: 503-291-1960
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8.30 AM – 4.30 PM
Nerve pain can make even a quick grocery run feel like an endurance sport. Portland Neurosurgery offers options like spinal cord stimulation, cervical disc replacement, and microdiscectomy for patients who need more than basic nerve pain management.
I like that the practice doesn’t treat fusion as the only road forward. Cervical disc replacement may help preserve neck movement for eligible patients, while microdiscectomy can ease pressure from certain damaged discs.
Care is led by board-certified neurosurgeon Jeffery Johnson, M.D. who treats both brain and spine conditions. That broader training can be reassuring when symptoms involve nerves, weakness, or persistent pain.
The downside is that the office closes on weekends, which isn’t ideal when your back decides to stage a Saturday rebellion.
Calming Nerves and Delivering Stellar Results
I just had a Microdiscectomy right L5-S1 on 12/28/2020 by Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, Martha Wiggers, PA, & team/staff. Honestly, I was terrified at the prospect of surgery. As I navigated my way through the 2020 Pandemic, working, stressing, and dealing with excruciating pain, it came to a point where something needed to be done. I was so nervous, and they really helped soothe my fears. They were clean, they were professional, they were compassionate, and they did an exceedingly stellar job in my opinion.
- Erin Bray-Hiatt, Google Review
Clear Explanations and Great Treatment Options
Martha explained my cervical condition to me and the options I have for resolving the numbness in hand/neck pain. The newly available option with Dr. Johnson, disc replacement, is best for my lifestyle and circumstances with fewer complications in the future. She explained the risks of the surgery and made me feel like she was listening. The whole staff, including Sandra, was patient with me as I had a lot of questions. Thank you for the help so far.
- Ray Berger, Google Review
3. Kellogg Brain & Spine
Address: Willamette Falls Plaza 1, 1510 Division Street, Suite 110
Contact: 503-256-1462
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 AM – 5 PM
Back surgery isn’t exactly where anyone wants surprises. That’s why Kellogg Brain & Spine uses intraoperative nerve monitoring during certain procedures to help the surgical team keep tabs on nerve function.
Dr. Jordi Kellogg brings more than 20 years of neurosurgical experience to the table. His services include cervical disc replacement, laminectomy, and other spine procedures for carefully selected patients.
I also like that surgery doesn’t appear to be the opening move. The clinic may recommend physical therapy, injections, medications, or nerve blocks before considering an operation.
The biggest drawback is the schedule, since the office closes Friday through Sunday. It’s also located in Oregon City rather than Portland proper, so the drive may test your back before the appointment does.
Fast Scheduling and Compassionate Care
My visit to Kellogg Brain and Spine went very well. I got an appointment within a few days. I have a very serious spine problem, and my options were explained in detail. I also got a follow-up appointment for an X-ray and Bone scan. Omar is very caring and loves his work. I feel I am in good hands with Kellogg Brain and Spine.
- Greg Feigion, Google Review
Amazing Recovery After Years of Trusting the Team
Dr. Kellogg and staff took the time to actually listen to my concerns and explain things the way I can understand. Dr. Kellogg has performed three other operations on my spine over the past 15 years; all have been a great success. About 5 years ago, I had disc replacement at my neck and was able to return to work the next day without any pain. My most recent surgery was 12-30-20 L5 fusion & L4-L5 discectomy, and I returned to work 1-4-21. Amazing recovery; yes, I have pain, but it’s manageable, and each day a little of the pain disappears.
- John Tompkins, Google Review
4. Rogue Chiropractor and Spine Center
Address: 2525 NW Lovejoy St #101
Contact: 503-746-9926
Hours: Monday, 9 AM – 6 PM | Tuesday, 2 PM – 6 PM | Wednesday-Thursday, 9 AM – 6 PM
When your back feels crooked enough to need its own city map, Rogue Chiropractor and Spine Center takes a gentler route. The clinic focuses on drug-free, nonsurgical care for posture problems, scoliosis, and everyday spinal discomfort.
Its low-force Impulse iQ adjustments may appeal if traditional cracking sounds make you tense up before treatment even starts. On-site digital spinal imaging also helps streamline the evaluation and planning process.
For scoliosis, the team offers digitally customized ScoliBrace treatment for eligible patients. Personalized posture exercises and home programs can also help you stay involved between appointments.
The catch is that this is a chiropractic practice, not a medical or surgical spine clinic. You’ll need a physician elsewhere for prescription medication, neurological evaluation, or surgery.
Finally Walking Without Painful Spasms
When I first painfully made my way into Rogue Spine Center, I was bent over with pain from scoliosis and years of injuries. Drs Tran and Schoen have helped me tremendously with their expert care and genuine concern for my health. I would recommend them highly for anyone in pain from back or neck injuries. My scoliosis is improving to the point I can now walk without painful muscle spasms. Rogue Spine Center is great!
- Deborah Whitman, Google Review
The Golden Ticket for Scoliosis Relief
If you’re looking for real Drs. that are specialists to help you with your Spine issues and pain! Dr. Diane and Dr. Grant are who you are looking for! Heather, Jayden, and Ollie are awesome as well!
They treat me and my Son for scoliosis, pain & posture issues and are amazing at what they do! Save yourself all the wasted time and headaches searching through incapable, unprofessional practices! I have spent the last 10 years to finally find my golden ticket!
The Rogue Spine team is the real deal!
- Beau B., Google Review
5. Oregon Spine Care
Address: 19255 S.W. 65th Ave., Suite 200, Tualatin
Contact: 503-828-1150
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 AM – 4 PM | Friday, 8 AM – noon
Back pain already comes with enough running around, so I like that Oregon Spine Care helps organize both nonsurgical and surgical options. The team reviews your records and imaging before the first visit to point you toward the right clinician.
Its roster includes three board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeons. They treat problems ranging from herniated discs and spinal stenosis to scoliosis, trauma, and degenerative conditions.
The practice also coordinates conservative care when surgery isn’t the best opening move. That may include referrals for physical therapy, injections, chiropractic care, or other pain-management services.
The downside is location, since the clinic sits in Tualatin rather than Portland proper.
It also closes at noon on Fridays and doesn’t offer weekend appointments.
Walking Pain-Free After a Miraculous Recovery
Dr. DePasse and his team were awesome. I had a synovial cyst pushing on my spinal nerve that was causing so much pain in my right leg that I could not walk for approximately 5 months. Once Dr. DePasse removed the cyst in late Aug. 2025, I was able to walk immediately without pain. It felt like a miracle had occurred. After almost 4 months, I am still feeling good and able to walk without pain. The office staff is great also. Thank you, Dr. DePasse and everyone at Oregon Spine Care!
- Brent Larson, Google Review
Professional Staff and Skilled Surgeons You Can Trust
Oregon Spine Care is the most professional place and has the greatest staff, both helpful and friendly. We are also impressed with how quickly they respond to all of our needs. Dr. Tatsumi has operated on both my back and neck with much relief to my pain. Most recently, Dr.DePasse operated on my husband, Mike. He is a very skilled surgeon and was also excellent at communicating goals on how to proceed with his rehab. We can’t recommend them highly enough!
- Kathi Rowe, Google Review
