Dr. Michael Merrick, M.D.

Media Releases

Get to know Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Michael Merrick, who serves patients throughout the State of Texas.

Dr. Merrick is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in adult and pediatric spine surgery. His interests include minimally invasive surgery, degenerative conditions in the neck and back, and deformity surgery.

In practice with Azalea Orthopedics, he operates out of the Spine Center in Tyler, Texas. He also sees patients at the offices in Athens, Palestine, and Longview, with a hope to help them get back to living life on their own terms. 

“I believe that surgery should always be the last resort when it comes to treating spinal conditions in the neck and back. However, if various non-operative treatments have been attempted without improvement, spine surgery may be the right answer. Our field has made tremendous advances in recent years. We have minimally invasive and motion-preserving technology that helps patients return to normal function more quickly” expressed Dr. Merrick.

Among his professional affiliations, he is an active member of the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Orthopedic Association, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, AOSpine North America, and the American Spinal Injury Association.

Growing up in The Woodlands, Texas, Dr. Merrick earned a scholarship to play football at Rice University. After four years at Rice, Dr. Merrick attended medical school at the John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School in Houston. He then completed his five-year residency in orthopedic surgery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, followed by a one-year fellowship in spine surgery at the world-renowned Norton Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Dedicated to surgical excellence, Dr. Merrick is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS). The ABOS is an organization with the goal of establishing educational and professional standards for orthopedic residents and surgeons as well as evaluating the qualifications and competence of orthopedic surgeons.

Orthopedic surgery is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and non-surgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

In 2019 – 2022, Dr. Merrick was recognized by Texas Monthly Magazine with their Rising Stars Award. He was also featured in the April 2022 edition of Tyler Medical Professionals Magazine.

Recommended Articles

• Is Osteoporosis Preventable?

  The word "osteoporosis" means "porous bone", and it occurs when bones become weak due to loss of minerals. Thus, the affected bones become more prone to break compared to the healthy bones.Bones are made up of different minerals, and calcium is one of those main minerals. It strengthens the bones...

• 10 Tips on Living with Bursitis

  Bursitis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain around the joints. This can happen in the tendons, muscles, or even bones. It is brought by inflammation of the bursa. Bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion around your joints. Usually, when your joints are subjected to excess...

• Alternative Treatments For Bursitis

  Alternative Treatment for BursitisBursitis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in bursa tissue, which is tissue found around the bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. Since bursitis is a condition that affects a person any time of the day, it is important to know some of its alternative...

• What Is Saddle Paresthesia?

  Saddle ParesthesiaA set of severe sciatica symptoms are described in saddle paresthesia. These symptoms can occur in the buttocks, perineum, and groin. Sometimes, this condition is also referred to as saddle anesthesia. When there is a sensation of tingling and numbness in the affected area, the...

• How is Bursitis Diagnosed?

  What are the signs and symptoms of bursitis?Bursitis symptoms are there because of the amount of inflammation in the bursa, as well as the exact area of the bursa involved. The swelling causes pain and tenderness in the bursa. When the bursa is so swollen, then it can cause stiffness along with...

• What Therapies Help to Treat Arthritis

  Arthritis is a term used to describe about two hundred different types of ailments that affect the joints and its cartilage and surrounding connective tissue. These diseases are progressive degenerative diseases and can be very painful. Because arthritis has such a vast range of causes and symptoms,...