Dr. Davis has performed over 4000 spine surgeries, ranging from complex revision spine surgery, spine trauma, and minimally invasive surgery.
Dr. Davis has a special interest and significant experience in cervical spine problems, degenerative lumbar conditions (spinal stenosis/disc herniation’s) as well as complex revision spine surgery (failed spine surgery) and spine trauma.
Dr. Davis also provided spine care for the Nashville Predators (NHL), Olympic hockey players, and Division I baseball and football athletes while serving as Chief of the Adult Spine Division at Vanderbilt University Department of Orthopedic Surgery in Nashville, TN.
In addition, Dr. Davis has instructed orthopedic residents and fellows, and been an invited lecturer at several medical schools in the United States. His research studies have been published in spine journals, presented internationally, and he has written book chapters on minimally invasive spine surgery and spine trauma. Also, Dr. Davis has designed two spinal implants that is used in procedures for cervical disc herniation surgery and cervical spinal trauma.
In his spare time, Dr. Davis enjoys time with his family, running, golf and cooking.
Clinical Interest
Fracture Care
Spine and Neck Care, including Spine (Low Back/Lumbar), Neck/Cervical, Thoracic, Sacroiliac and Non-Surgical Spine
Education
Certification
Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2006
Fellowship
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, Spine Surgery Fellowship
Residency
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison WI, Orthopaedic Surgery Residency
Medical Degree
Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington D.C. MD
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society (1977)
Pathology Honor Society of National Association of Pathology Chairs (1996)
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Summer Research Fellow (1995)
University of Wisconsin Orthopaedic Surgery Resident Research Award Winner (June 2003)
I’ve had lumbar pain, stenosis, and herniation that I’ve been dealing with for over thirty years from the hazards of life as a paratrooper when I was a young man. Dr. Davis provided succinct, experienced advice that was informative and helpful. He also did not recommend surgery, which was more helpful in my case. As the adage says for the physician, “first, do no harm.” Dr. Davis places the patient’s well-being above everything else. Thank you!
July 24, 2023
Lisa B.
Dr. Davis quickly and correctly diagnosed my issue after I had two laminectomies performed by another surgeon, which gave me no relief from my almost constant pain. I knew the sciatic pain was gone when I walked slowly around the halls the evening of my surgery! I healed quickly and can do anything I want now. Like hiking, biking, playing with my granddaughters on the playground, and stretching without pain. Dr. Davis and his team were wonderful and supportive. I highly, highly recommend him.
April 12, 2023
Madison G.
In June of 2019 Dr. Davis performed surgery to correct a herniated disc that I had been dealing with for three years. When I first started seeing Dr. Davis, the thought of having surgery terrified me. The entire team at TCO delivered exceptional care and made sure that I was comfortable with my treatment plan every step of the way. Since having surgery, I no longer have back pain. Dr. Davis gave me my life back and I would absolutely recommend him and his team to anyone dealing with back issues.
November 29, 2022
Jessica B.
I had back surgery on November 8, 2022 by Dr. Rick Davis. He performed an anterior interbody lumbar spinal fusion cage on my back because I have degenerative disc disease. So far I am doing well on my recovery. I think he did a wonderful job.
July 29, 2021
Brenda M.
Dr. Davis performed an anterior cervical discectomy fusion on me in 2009. I was in agony prior to seeing Dr. Davis and I woke up pain-free after the surgery! He’s an amazing surgeon and I will be forever grateful to him.
April 13, 2021
Tim G.
From getting my surgery approved until I was released after my surgery, Dr. Davis and his staff were great to work with. Dr. Davis did a disc replacement in my neck, between the C5 and C6 vertebra. There was instant pain relief in my neck and shoulders. The entire TCO staff and Dr. Davis were great and helped in every way to see that I was taken care of. TCO is a great place and I will recommend them and Dr. Davis to everyone who needs orthopedic care.
November 19, 2020
Laurie K.
I suffered from lower back pain, which gradually went down my legs for over a year. Eventually the pain shooting down my legs was so extensive that I was unable to stand for more than a minute and couldn’t walk without constant pain. I saw Dr. Davis, hoping for some pain relief. We started with physical therapy and then injections but I didn’t get the relief we’d hoped for. The pain was becoming unbearable. By this point, surgery was the last option and I had a bilateral laminectomy. I recently saw Dr. Davis for a three month post-surgery checkup. I told Dr. Davis he was my hero and thanked him profusely because I no longer have pain when I stand or walk. I know that I am very fortunate to have such a successful outcome – and I cannot thank Dr. Davis and his team enough.
June 23, 2020
Kip C.
Forty years of back pain from an Army injury. I had various tests performed by another non TCO provider and was told basically to learn to deal with pain. Dr. Davis reviewed the MRI, identified the problem and operated. The procedure was minimally invasive with only a one inch scar on back. My pain is reduced by 90%. He’s great!
August 27, 2019
Tayler G.
I suffered for more than 20+ years from lower back pain, which radiated to both legs and feet, including burning nerve pain. 18 months ago, Dr. Davis performed a miracle for me! A 2 hour surgery, a band aid and a couple of stitches later – the compression was repaired! No pain in my legs, no nerve pain in my feet, was up and walking my dog the next morning! I am 68 years old, this was a miracle for me by an amazing surgeon. Thanks for my life back Dr. Davis.
June 26, 2019
Glenn R.
Dr. Davis has been my doctor for 4+ years and I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for this fantastically skilled orthopedic surgeon, I wouldn’t be able to walk. Dr. Davis has performed three surgeries on my lower lumbar with amazing success of each one. Dr. Davis has earned my confidence throughout these processes with his honesty, precision, and care in exams and surgery. Dr. Davis’ skill and expertise truly blessed me with a miracle.
December 13, 2018
Dale M.
In May of 2018, I experienced some lower back pain that quickly developed into a lot of pain from my left hip to my tingling toes. After trying several different treatments from cortisone shots (2), to chiropractic visits and therapy, it became apparent that I would need to have surgery on my L4-5 to relieve the impingement that was putting pressure on my sciatic nerve from a herniated disc and foraminal narrowing (MRI terminology). Surgery was scheduled but put off until after harvest season (farmer). Dr. Rick Davis had prescribed a couple of different medications which allowed me to finish the harvest season ahead of the surgery and which worked very well…really, a life saver. My experience with Dr. Davis and his PA Brandon was exceptional! From the time I entered the clinic the morning of surgery until I left some 4 hours later to go home was amazing. Everyone was so accommodating, understanding and comforting…the surgery by Dr. Davis turned out to be 100% successful and I am once again pain free on my left side. I would definitely recommend TCO and Dr. Davis without hesitation. Just got home from my follow up appointment and had a great conversation with Brandon and Dr. Davis about the surgery and the healing process over the next several weeks. Thank you Dr. Davis, TCO and Brandon.
December 13, 2018
Jeanne K.
Dr. Davis is an excellent Spinal Surgeon. I have no pain in legs or buttocks which had been persisting for over one year. He is kind, professional, very talented and has a super caring staff. He is terrific in every way. I am so glad and grateful to have had him for my surgeon. Thank you Dr. Davis for this wonderful outcome and to your staff, as well.
