Specializing in diseases of the spine, Dr. Sparks has extensive training in motion-preserving devices (such as disc replacement) as well as minimally invasive techniques, including endoscopic discectomy. He is passionate about exploring all non-surgical options available for neck and back problems prior to recommending surgery. Dr. Sparks received fellowship training in spine surgery at Texas Back Institute in Plano, Texas. His fellowship was preceded by undergraduate and graduate studies at Truman State University and A.T. Still University, respectively, both of which are located in Kirksville, Missouri. Dr. Sparks’s approach to medicine is to find and fix the root of the problem and the pain by providing treatment tailored to the individual patient. His professional associations include the American Osteopathic Association, the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, the North American Spine Society, the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery, and the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. “My goal is to provide effective spinal care to return my patients to a productive life that is as pain-free as possible,” says Dr. Sparks. “I evaluate each of my patients as an individual and recommend a treatment tailored to them, holding surgery as a last option.” Dr. Sparks is happily married to his beautiful wife, Amanda, and has four wonderful children. In addition to providing effective care, Dr. Sparks encourages people to be physically active every day, because he believes exercise is the number-one way to lead a happy and healthy life. [maxbutton id=”4″]