Dr. Kim J. Garges, MD

Dr. Kim J. Garges Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Dr. Kim J. Garges is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon providing diagnostic, non-surgical, and surgical care for conditions affecting the neck, back, spinal discs, nerves, and supporting structures of the spine.

His clinical work includes cervical and lumbar disc disorders, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, sciatica, nerve compression, spinal instability, and symptoms that continue despite medication, physical therapy, injections, or other conservative treatments.

Dr. Garges practises in Webster, Texas, and cares for patients from Clear Lake, League City, Nassau Bay, Friendswood, Pearland, Pasadena, Houston, and surrounding communities.

Patients comparing Houston-area spine specialists can also read about Dr. Bradley Weiner’s orthopedic spine care.

Doctor Information

Name: Dr. Kim Jeffrey Garges, MD
Specialty: Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Board Certification: Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine
Orthopedic Residency: University of Maryland Medical System
Additional Surgical Training: General surgery training at Ochsner Medical Foundation
Fellowship: Spine Surgery, San Francisco Spine Institute
Former Academic Role: Chief of Spinal Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch
Practice: Garges Spine Center
Primary Location: Webster, Texas
Hospital Affiliations: HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake, HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland, and Houston Physicians’ Hospital
Languages Spoken: English
NPI Number: 1699854281
Accepting New Patients: Current availability should be confirmed directly with the practice

About Dr. Kim J. Garges

Dr. Garges earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. His postgraduate education included general surgical training at Ochsner Medical Foundation and orthopedic surgery residency training through the University of Maryland Medical System.

He later completed specialised spine surgery fellowship training at the San Francisco Spine Institute.

This training prepared him to evaluate conditions involving the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. His work considers the relationship between spinal bones, discs, joints, ligaments, nerves, muscles, and the spinal cord.

Dr. Garges previously served as chief of spinal surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch. His professional background also includes academic work, clinical research, and published studies related to cervical and lumbar spine disorders.

His current practice focuses on determining whether a patient’s symptoms truly originate from the spine before recommending treatment. Imaging findings are reviewed alongside the physical examination, symptom pattern, neurological function, and response to earlier care.

Orthopedic Spine Care

Orthopedic spine surgery focuses on conditions involving the structure and movement of the spinal column.

Dr. Garges may evaluate patients experiencing:

• Neck pain
• Lower-back pain
• Pain spreading into an arm or leg
• Sciatica
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced grip strength
• Difficulty walking
• Spinal stiffness
• Limited neck or back movement
• Balance or coordination changes
• Symptoms continuing after previous treatment

A consultation with a spine surgeon does not automatically mean that an operation will be recommended.

Many spinal conditions improve with medication, physical therapy, activity changes, posture adjustments, injections, or time. Surgery is usually considered when symptoms remain severe, neurological problems progress, or imaging confirms a structural issue that is likely to respond to an operation.

Cervical Spine Conditions

The cervical spine is the section of the spine located in the neck. It protects the upper spinal cord and contains nerves that travel into the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers.

Dr. Garges may assess cervical conditions such as:

• Cervical disc herniation
• Cervical spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Cervical myelopathy
• Bone spurs
• Disc collapse
• Spinal instability
• Neck injuries
• Continuing symptoms after previous surgery

Symptoms may begin as stiffness or local neck pain. Some patients develop pain that spreads toward the shoulder blade, arm, hand, or fingers.

Other possible symptoms include numbness, tingling, grip weakness, reduced hand coordination, or difficulty turning the head.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy develops when a nerve root in the neck becomes irritated or compressed.

Possible symptoms include:

• Neck pain
• Shoulder-blade discomfort
• Pain travelling down an arm
• Numbness in the hand or fingers
• Tingling
• Burning discomfort
• Grip weakness
• Difficulty lifting or holding objects
• Symptoms that change with neck position

A herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing around the nerve may be responsible.

Dr. Garges may assess strength, sensation, reflexes, neck movement, and the distribution of symptoms. MRI or other imaging may help identify the affected spinal level.

Cervical Myelopathy

Cervical myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord becomes compressed in the neck.

Possible symptoms include:

• Hand clumsiness
• Difficulty fastening buttons
• Reduced handwriting control
• Dropping objects
• Balance problems
• Leg stiffness
• Weakness
• Changes in walking
• Numbness in the hands
• Reduced coordination

Spinal cord compression can be more serious than irritation of a single nerve root.

Dr. Garges may assess reflexes, walking, balance, strength, hand coordination, and imaging findings before discussing treatment.

Surgery may be considered when significant spinal cord compression is causing progressive neurological changes.

Lumbar Spine Conditions

The lumbar spine forms the lower section of the back and supports much of the body’s weight.

Dr. Garges may evaluate lumbar conditions including:

• Lumbar disc herniation
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis
• Facet-joint arthritis
• Nerve-root compression
• Spinal instability
• Recurrent disc herniation
• Continuing pain after previous surgery

Lumbar conditions may cause local back pain, but they can also affect the buttocks, thighs, lower legs, or feet.

Some patients experience difficulty standing or walking for long periods. Others notice numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain that becomes worse while sitting, bending, or lifting.

Herniated Disc Treatment

Spinal discs act as cushions between neighbouring vertebrae. A herniated disc develops when part of a disc pushes outward and irritates or compresses a nearby nerve.

Possible symptoms include:

• Neck or lower-back pain
• Arm or leg pain
• Sciatica
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning pain
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty sitting
• Reduced walking tolerance
• Symptoms triggered by movement

Many herniated discs improve without surgery.

Initial care may include medication, physical therapy, temporary activity changes, posture improvement, and selected injections.

Surgical evaluation may become appropriate when pain continues despite treatment, weakness progresses, or imaging confirms significant nerve compression matching the patient’s symptoms.

Sciatica

Sciatica describes pain associated with irritation or compression of nerves that form the sciatic nerve.

The pain may begin in the lower back or buttock and travel into the thigh, lower leg, or foot.

Other symptoms may include:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning discomfort
• Leg weakness
• Foot weakness
• Pain while sitting
• Difficulty standing
• Reduced walking ability
• Symptoms triggered by coughing or movement

Sciatica is a symptom rather than one specific disease.

Possible causes include disc herniation, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, spinal slippage, or another structural problem.

Dr. Garges may compare the symptom pattern with examination and imaging findings to determine which spinal level is involved.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis means the space available for the spinal cord or nerves has become narrowed.

Narrowing may develop because of:

• Disc degeneration
• Bone spurs
• Thickened ligaments
• Enlarged spinal joints
• Herniated discs
• Spinal slippage
• Previous surgery
• Age-related structural changes

Lumbar spinal stenosis may cause leg pain, weakness, heaviness, or numbness that becomes worse during standing or walking.

Some patients feel better while sitting or leaning forward.

Cervical stenosis can affect the spinal cord and may cause balance problems, hand weakness, poor coordination, or changes in walking.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Spinal discs gradually change with age. They may lose water content, become thinner, or develop small tears.

These changes do not always cause symptoms. Many people have visible disc degeneration on imaging without significant pain.

Symptoms may occur when degeneration contributes to:

• Nerve compression
• Joint stress
• Disc collapse
• Spinal instability
• Bone-spur formation
• Narrowing around nerves
• Changes in spinal alignment

Dr. Garges considers whether imaging findings match the location, pattern, and severity of symptoms before recommending treatment.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward in relation to the vertebra below it.

It may result from degeneration, a stress injury, congenital anatomy, trauma, or previous surgery.

Possible symptoms include:

• Lower-back pain
• Leg pain
• Sciatica
• Numbness
• Muscle tightness
• Difficulty standing
• Reduced walking tolerance
• Signs of spinal instability

Mild or stable cases may be managed without surgery.

Surgery may be considered when slippage causes significant nerve compression, instability, progressive neurological symptoms, or major limitations in daily activity.

Spinal Decompression Surgery

Spinal decompression surgery creates more room for compressed nerves or the spinal cord.

The operation may involve removing:

• A small portion of bone
• Thickened ligament
• Part of a damaged disc
• Bone spurs
• Tissue pressing against a nerve

Common decompression procedures include:

• Laminectomy
• Laminotomy
• Foraminotomy
• Discectomy
• Microdiscectomy

The specific procedure depends on where the compression occurs and which structures are responsible.

Some patients need decompression alone. Others may also need spinal fusion when instability is already present or likely to develop after decompression.

Laminectomy

A laminectomy removes part or all of the lamina, which forms the back portion of a vertebra.

The procedure may be used to create more room for the spinal cord or nerves in patients with spinal stenosis.

It may be considered when a patient experiences:

• Continuing leg or arm pain
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Reduced standing tolerance
• Neurological symptoms
• Limited improvement from conservative care

The operation does not remove every part of the vertebra. It targets the structures contributing to compression.

Microdiscectomy

Microdiscectomy is a focused procedure used to remove disc material pressing against a spinal nerve.

It may be considered when a herniated disc causes:

• Continuing sciatica
• Arm pain
• Significant nerve compression
• Progressive weakness
• Reduced daily function
• Symptoms that have not improved with conservative treatment

The goal is to relieve nerve pressure while limiting disruption to surrounding spinal structures.

Radiating arm or leg symptoms may respond more predictably than general neck or back pain that has several possible causes.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae to reduce painful or unsafe movement.

It may be used for:

• Spinal instability
• Spondylolisthesis
• Severe degeneration
• Recurrent disc problems
• Deformity
• Fracture
• Instability after decompression
• Selected revision procedures

Fusion may involve bone graft, screws, rods, cages, or other implants.

Before recommending fusion, Dr. Garges may consider whether the expected improvement justifies the loss of movement at the treated level and the demands of recovery.

Non-Surgical Spine Treatment

Most patients do not begin spine care with surgery.

Dr. Garges may recommend or review non-surgical treatments such as:

• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Home exercise
• Posture and ergonomic changes
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Pain-relieving medication
• Nerve-pain medication
• Spinal injections
• Weight-related health support
• Temporary restrictions
• Continued observation

The treatment plan depends on the diagnosis, neurological findings, symptom severity, and response to earlier care.

Surgery may become a consideration when appropriate conservative treatment has not provided enough relief.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy may help improve:

• Spinal movement
• Strength
• Flexibility
• Posture
• Core stability
• Walking tolerance
• Safe lifting technique
• Confidence during everyday movement

The therapy plan should be based on the diagnosed condition rather than using the same exercises for every type of neck or back pain.

Patients should tell their therapist or physician when an exercise causes increasing arm or leg pain, new numbness, or weakness.

Spinal Injections

Spinal injections may be used for selected patients with nerve inflammation, disc-related pain, or spinal stenosis.

Possible purposes include:

• Reducing inflammation
• Providing temporary relief
• Supporting participation in therapy
• Identifying a painful spinal level
• Delaying surgery in selected cases
• Clarifying whether a nerve is causing symptoms

The degree and duration of relief vary between patients.

An injection does not correct every structural problem, and repeated procedures may not be appropriate when they provide little benefit.

Spine Imaging

Dr. Garges may review or request several types of diagnostic imaging.

X-Rays

X-rays can show:

• Spinal alignment
• Disc-space narrowing
• Bone spurs
• Fractures
• Arthritis
• Spinal slippage
• Abnormal curvature

Standing X-rays may show alignment differently from images taken while lying down.

Flexion and extension X-rays can help identify abnormal movement or instability.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI provides detailed images of:

• Spinal discs
• Nerves
• Spinal cord
• Ligaments
• Soft tissues
• Areas of narrowing
• Inflammation

MRI findings must be compared with symptoms and examination results.

A visible disc bulge does not automatically mean that it is responsible for the patient’s pain.

CT Imaging

CT imaging provides detailed information about bone and may be useful for:

• Fractures
• Bone spurs
• Surgical planning
• Fusion assessment
• Complex anatomy
• Previous spinal implants

The most useful test depends on the clinical question being investigated.

Neurological Examination

A spine evaluation may include assessment of:

• Muscle strength
• Reflexes
• Sensation
• Walking
• Balance
• Hand coordination
• Grip strength
• Ability to raise the foot
• Neck and back movement
• Pain distribution

These findings help determine whether a nerve or the spinal cord is affected.

Changes in strength, balance, or coordination may carry more importance than pain alone when surgical timing is being considered.

Reviewing MRI Findings

MRI reports often contain terms such as degeneration, bulging, narrowing, or arthritis.

These findings are common and do not always explain the patient’s symptoms.

Dr. Garges may personally review the images to determine:

• Which spinal levels are affected
• Whether a nerve is compressed
• Whether the spinal cord is involved
• Whether the findings match the symptom pattern
• Whether instability is present
• Whether surgery is likely to address the problem

Treatment should not be based on the written radiology report alone.

When Spine Surgery May Be Considered

Surgical treatment may be considered when:

• Symptoms continue despite appropriate conservative care
• Arm or leg pain remains severe
• Weakness progresses
• Nerve compression is significant
• Walking becomes increasingly limited
• Spinal cord compression affects coordination
• Instability is present
• Symptoms significantly reduce quality of life
• Imaging findings clearly match the clinical problem

The expected benefits should be compared with possible risks, recovery needs, and available non-surgical alternatives.

Revision Spine Surgery

Some patients continue to experience symptoms after an earlier spinal operation or later develop a new condition at the same or nearby level.

Reasons for revision evaluation may include:

• Recurrent disc herniation
• Continuing nerve compression
• Implant problems
• Failure of fusion
• Spinal instability
• Adjacent-level degeneration
• Scar tissue
• Progressive deformity
• Infection
• Incomplete symptom improvement

Revision surgery may be more complex because the anatomy has already been altered.

Dr. Garges may review previous operative reports, imaging, treatment response, and current neurological findings before deciding whether another operation is likely to help.

Preparing for a Spine Consultation

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• MRI images
• CT scans
• X-rays
• Written radiology reports
• Previous operative reports
• Physical therapy records
• Injection records
• A current medication list
• A list of medication allergies
• Details of earlier treatment
• Questions about the diagnosis

Patients should explain:

• When symptoms began
• Where pain travels
• Whether numbness is present
• Whether weakness has developed
• Which activities worsen symptoms
• How walking or balance has changed
• Which treatments have already been attempted
• How symptoms affect work, sleep, or independence

Bringing the actual images may be useful because they can provide information beyond the written report.

Questions Before Spine Surgery

Before choosing surgery, patients may ask:

• What structure is causing my symptoms?
• Do the imaging findings match my examination?
• What may happen without surgery?
• Which non-surgical options remain?
• What procedure is being recommended?
• Why is this procedure appropriate?
• Is decompression alone possible?
• Will spinal fusion be needed?
• Which symptoms are most likely to improve?
• What risks are most relevant?
• How long may recovery take?
• Will physical therapy be required?

A clear discussion helps patients make informed decisions based on realistic expectations.

Patients comparing surgical approaches may also review Dr. Daniel H. Kim’s neurosurgical and spine profile.

Preparing for Spine Surgery

Patients approved for surgery may need medical testing and practical planning.

Preparation may include:

• Blood tests
• Heart testing when appropriate
• Medication review
• Blood pressure control
• Diabetes management
• Anaesthesia assessment
• Infection-risk evaluation
• Tobacco cessation
• Transportation arrangements
• Home-safety preparation
• Planning for help during recovery

Patients should provide a complete list of prescription medicines, non-prescription products, vitamins, and supplements.

Blood thinners and some diabetes medicines may require special instructions. They should not be stopped unless the surgical or prescribing team gives clear guidance.

Recovery After Spine Surgery

Recovery depends on the diagnosis, procedure, number of treated levels, general health, and physical condition before surgery.

The recovery plan may include:

• Incision care
• Pain management
• Walking
• Temporary lifting restrictions
• Use of a brace when appropriate
• Physical therapy
• Home exercises
• Follow-up imaging
• Return-to-work planning
• Gradual increase in activity

Recovery after a small decompression procedure may be different from recovery after spinal fusion or complex revision surgery.

Patients should follow restrictions even when pain begins improving because healing tissues may still need protection.

Academic and Research Experience

Dr. Garges has participated in clinical and academic work related to orthopedic spine surgery.

His published work has included subjects involving:

• Cervical spine disorders
• Lumbar disc disease
• Recurrent disc herniation
• Spinal imaging
• Nerve-root changes
• Cervical headaches
• Spine surgery outcomes
• Complex spinal conditions

Research experience can support careful evaluation of evidence, surgical results, and treatment limitations.

Individual decisions must still reflect the patient’s symptoms, examination, imaging, health, and personal goals.

Coordinated Spine Care

Spinal conditions may require cooperation between several healthcare professionals.

Dr. Garges may coordinate with:

• Primary care physicians
• Neurologists
• Neurosurgeons
• Pain medicine physicians
• Physical medicine specialists
• Physical therapists
• Radiologists
• Anaesthesiologists
• Other orthopedic surgeons

Coordinated care helps ensure that imaging, therapy, injections, medication, and surgical recommendations address the same diagnosis.

Patient-Centered Spine Care

Dr. Garges provides orthopedic spine care based on each patient’s symptoms, neurological findings, imaging, previous treatment, medical health, and personal goals.

His clinical services include cervical and lumbar spine evaluation, herniated disc treatment, spinal stenosis care, decompression procedures, microdiscectomy, fusion, and assessment of continuing symptoms after previous surgery.

Patients should confirm current appointment availability, accepted insurance plans, hospital participation, procedure locations, and referral requirements directly with Garges Spine Center.