William L Mills M.D.

“Dr. Mills did my neck surgery disc replacement fusion. I couldn't ask for a better Surgeon. Everything went really well.”

“I’m 43 years old and exercise regularly and back issues run in my family. I’ve had minor back issues for some time now, since my early 30’s. I can always sense when I’ve been overdoing things and always remain careful not to aggravate my back. I understand back issues, every morning when I brush my teeth, I even spit into the sink standing sideways avoiding that forward bending motion so early in the morning. In September, I found out what it was like to have a “major” back issue. I was in the gym exercising when I knew I over did it. I went home and started rehabbing my back immediately. I would lay flat on my bad, feet bent and elevated on a chair for about 4 days with on and off ice treatment. For the first time, my back was not getting any better; it was actually getting worse over time. I went to a chiropractor and soon after it got worse, I developed a sciatic nerve issue. When I say issue, I mean I could not stand up straight or sleep through the night. I could only walk approximately 150-200ft before I had to stop and take a knee, I physically could not take the pain. After a month I broke, I went to see Dr. Snyder at the Myrtle Beach Urgent Care Clinic and he steered me right as usual. He sent me to get an MRI. After seeing the results, he immediately recommended that I see a specialist, Dr. Mills at Coastal orthopedics. Two days later I was able to see Dr. Mills. He looked at the MRI, and then brought me into another room where they took x-rays. He explained what the problem was and in a way I could understand. I had burst or “ruptured” disc and that its contents or “Jelly” had been squeezed out and that “Jelly” was touching my sciatic nerve which was the root cause of all the pain I was experiencing, something to that effect. Dr. Mills explained different options and recommended an epidural steroid, a shot that would be injected into the disc, I believe my L4-L5. I few days later, Dr. Erin Watson, also at Coastal Orthopedics administered the epidural Steroid injection. Yes I was a nervous, it’s my spine. I laid face down on a table; Dr. Watson explained that she was going to first give me a shot to numb the area. I felt a pinch in my upper right buttocks area and I started to feel some numbness. I was talking to the Dr. Watson when she eventually asked if I would sit up, I was confused, I told her I thought I needed to lay face down, she explaining that she had already given me the epidural. I think the whole thing took 10 min, maybe 15. I was laughing on my way out, I joked that I wanted to see some evidence, some proof that she actually gave me an epidural. Sure enough, she produced a picture and I could see the hair like needle going straight into the disc. It was an amazing experience. Within the hour I could tell the epidural was working. It took about a month for it to take full effect. I believe I had the worst back pain possible, I’m sure all people with back issues say that but I honestly can’t see how it could have been any worse. My back made a full recover in about 4-5 weeks. The best part is that I move way better than before the September incident. My back never feels aggravated, my back is strong in the morning, I still brush sideways but I feel zero weakness in my back, it feels strange to have a normal back. My experience with Dr. Mill, Dr. Watson and the staff at Coastal Orthopedics was the second best experience I’ve ever had in the health care industry. I was given a tablet to fill out a questionnaire on my first visit, not the typical forms attached onto clipboard with lines that you can’t fit any information on. I never waited more than 5 min in the waiting room, for the x-ray, for the doctor to see me or the nurse to come get me, everything was smooth. I also noticed that when nurses were escorting me anywhere, they all walked slower than normal, I was always just a step behind them even though I was hunched over I was able to keep pace, they never made me feel rushed. I felt that they were considerate of my pain and concerned for my overall wellbeing. The day after I received the epidural, I had a missed call on my phone, I didn’t recognize the number and they didn’t leave a message. 2 hours later I had an incoming call from the same number; it was Dr. Watson asking me how I felt. She wanted to speak to me personally, not leave a message for me to call back. I recently had a follow up visit with Dr. Mills. He asked me how I was doing, I told him I didn’t realize until just that very moment, that yes, my back felt amazing, it was 100%, but more importantly, I felt 100% emotionally. I realized that I had been depressed ever since my back started acting up in September, amazing how the procedure affected my mind as well as my body. To Dr. Mills, Dr. Watson and to all the nurses and staff members at Coastal Orthopedics, thank you for a great experience and great results.”

“Dr. Mills is a beautiful Doctor. He always takes his time with me and answers all my questions and makes sure I understand what he is telling me — very compassionate, which is a quality lacking in many others. I am thankful I found him.”

“Dr. Mills did a spinal fusion for me and later gave me injections when the arthritis flared up. Now I'm golfing, working out at the gym and living an active life.  Thank you!”

“The staff is just fantastic, very caring and helpful. I appreciated the extra time and effort they devoted to helping me today with a painful problem! Dr. Mills was also patient and explained the problem well. I trusted his competence and truthfulness about the diagnosis.”

“I had excellent professional care. The staff was excellent so friendly and answered all the questions we asked. No more pain wish I had it done years ago. Thank you, Dr. Mills.”

“I am so grateful that Dr. Mills was able to get me in today. I appreciated how thorough and professional he was during my visit. I would recommend him to anyone in need of an Orthopaedic doctor.”

“Dr. Mills replaced four disks in my neck six months ago. All my pain and discomfort is gone. He did a fantastic job, thank you so much. I am playing the best golf in over 20 years. I have had tennis elbow in both arms for more than six decades and have received cortisone shots. The pain in both elbows is also gone. I cannot recommend Dr. Mills highly enough. I am from Connecticut so having the operation in Conway was not a decision that was easy to make. If I ever need additional surgery, I will return to him. He made me feel better and pain-free.”

“Dr. Mills was excellent, and his staff was the friendliest, he did everything thing to make sure you weren't in pain.”

“Dr. Mills and his assistant were great at indicating what possibly could be the issue for my pain. The nurses and the radiologist were very kind.”

“Good experience so far.”

“I had excellent care. Dr. Mills was very friendly and professional.”

“Dr. Mills was very friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough during my first appointment. He took all the necessary steps needed to help initially assess my back concern.”

“This was the best care ever. He was caring and did an excellent job during the surgery and afterwards. I couldn't ask for better care. They found my problem immediately. I was up and walking same day. I would recommend them to anyone with severe back pain or any other problems.”

“Went in to see Dr. Mills with what turned out to be a pinched nerve due to a herniated disk in my neck. I was in pain and they worked to get me diagnosed as quickly as possible and once diagnosed, he suggested surgery and worked me in very fast as well. 3 weeks post-op and all symptoms are gone. Expectations were explained well for surgery and recovery, their office admin also supplied important information to my employer to ensure I was covered under disability and medical leave. Thanks to all who helped throughout this process!”