Dr. Robert Hurford, Jr. is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in interventional spine surgery. Dr. Hurford received his medical degree from Harvard University in Boston, MA where he also completed the Harvard Combined Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program. He then went on to complete a spine surgery fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.
In addition to his medical degree, Dr. Hurford received a doctoral degree in Genetics from Harvard University, stemming from his love of research.
In his free time Dr. Hurford enjoys spending time with his family at theme parks, as well as golfing, downhill skiing and scuba diving.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2025
Dr. Hurford performed back surgery on me from T9 to L5. I had a 63% spine curvature. The surgery went great, excellent bedside manner. He knows what he is doing, has a PhD from Harvard, fellowship, decades of training and experience. My recovery was about a year with physical therapy. He knows what he is doing, listens to me and spends as much time as needed with me. This Dr gave me an excellent quality of life in my senior years.
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2024
My initial meeting with Dr Hurford was very pleasant. He had already reviewed my x-rays and MRI's and was aware of my situation. He agreed the best solution would be minor back surgery and I readily agreed since I had been very uncomfortable for several weeks. I immediately had confidence in his recommendation and the office will schedule my treatment very soon.Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2024
I really liked Dr Hurford. I had my first visit with him today after seeing 3 other different doctors in his practice who really weren't able to help me with my back situation. Dr Hurford recommended a treatment plan that I'm hoping will work, he prescribed some meds other than Tylenolin which I'm trying now. We both agreed we want to avoid surgery if at all possible.Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2024
Dr. Hurford explained my condition, described in great detail the surgical procedure he was going to perform, described what to expect after surgery plus follow-up visits. He assured me that everything was going to be fine. Furthermore, his staff were courteous and professional. Furthermore, my wait time to see him was minimal.
rater8 Verified Patient
Jan-2024
After years of back pain, hip pain, not able to walk without pain, Doc Hurford relieved it all. Many people I’ve spoke to have said back surgery didn’t help or made it worse. I’m blessed to have Doc redo L1-S1. I have no limiting issues. I highly recommend anyone with back pain to have Doc give you a better life!
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2024
It took 2 years for me to finally give in and get operated on after I could not sit or stand for 5 mins. I was worried about getting operated down and things getting worse. But right after the operation I realize I can walk again without severe pain. I was operated on in 2017 and it's 2024, and I can run, ride motorcycles, plant kayak or do what I want which is a miracle. I went from living in severe pain and not wanting to live, to enjoy my life in peace and living again. This doctor has changed my life completely and I would definitely recommend him.Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2023
I am a returning patient of Dr. Hurford. Although I had to wait a little over a month to see him, the appointment was very well worth the wait. I am appreciative that Dr. Hurford asked questions, listened to my issues and concerns regarding pain due to cervical radiculopathy as well as came up with a plan to get me back to wellness. It will take time, but I feel confident that Dr. Hurford will get me to that long awaited pain free goal as well as mobility. In the past, Dr. Hurford performed an Intracept procedure on my lumbar spine which improved the function and relieved my long-term back pain. This procedure was definitely a game changer for me by allowing me to walk distances, stand longer as well as enjoy a better quality of life. Now if I can get the neck and shoulder straightened out, my hope will be to become an active Senior Game Changer. LOLPatient Submitted Review
Aug-2023
He is straight forward and honest and will always do his best. Dr. Hurford gave me back my life by operating and correcting another doctor's mistakes. Now I can stand up and walk without a brace thanks to him, where before I couldn't even sit up without a brace.I will forever be grateful to Dr. Hurford!
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2023
He was a very wise and kind person and explained in depth and patiently what he wanted to do to alleviate my painful condition. The model spine he used made me able to see clearly what his plans were. I was able to understand and see that his plan was the best I had heard between two other doctors I was considering. With Dr. Hurford, I felt confident I would have the best outcome.Patient Submitted Review
Apr-2023
I'm seeing Dr Hurford for some stenosis and SI joint. He is covering all aspects to help avoid surgery, but will go there if needed as my age is 78. I went to this doctor because he did back to back surgery on my husband's back in 2010-2011. My hubby has a genetic issue that paralyzed two of his brothers. At 84 My hubby is still able to walk and get around. Only because of Dr. Hurford's knowledge and the surgeries.Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2023
I was seeing Dr Hurford for a follow up from my L3 fusion. I explained that I was having some lower back issues and he did a thorough exam and gave me a care plan to help with my situation. I was very pleased with the time he spent with me and answered and helped me with all my concerns. Thank you Dr Hurfordrater8 Verified Patient
Oct-2021
Miracle worker! Before surgery three months ago, I was bent over and dragging one leg behind me. The spinal pain was terrible and affecting both legs constantly. I am only three months post op and can now walk up straight with a walker and with minimal pain in my back and no pain in my legs. With more physical therapy I am sure things will get even better. Definitely thankful to Dr. Hurford for doing the over six hour surgery to help me. Bless him.rater8 Verified Patient
Oct-2021
I felt that Dr Hurford took his time, listened to my symptoms/problems and acted on trying to get me moving in the right direction. His referral to a doctor that actually works on injuries such as mine was so welcomed. Though the assistant (CMA, assistant, whatever here title was extremely snobby, almost rude, the visit with Dr Hurford himself was great. He gave me some hope with the referral that there may be a light at the end of this tunnel!Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2021
Dr. Hurford is a great listener and that is really important feature - doctors ability to hear the patient and proceed based on complaints vs. some others who assume what’s wrong after the first sentence and finish with the patient within 5-10 minutes top. He got great group of people in his team as well! Even though Southeast Orthopedic practice has so many good doctors, the waiting room is usually filled with those who are seeing dr. Hurford! That tells a lot about a patients trust and respect! I had 2 surgeries with him & in my opinion Dr. Hurford is a ten star surgeon and human being.Patient Submitted Review
Oct-2020
Dr. Hurford listened to the issues I’d been having with my neck and provided me with treatment options. I am so glad I chose to have surgery. Dr. Hurford gave me my life back! No more numbness in my fingers & excruciating neck/shoulder pain. I feel great and can’t thank Dr. Hurford, his staff and the SE physical therapy people enough.Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2020
Dr. Hurford and his staff are very down-to-earth and listen, I believe that dr. Hurford or be a blessing to me when I have my surgery on May 6th he listens to everything that you how to say and wholeheartedly answers with his excellent recommendations. The staff there is very kind and helpful together they make a fantastic team and I do mean work together because they complement each other thank you Dr, Hurford and staff for your expertise recommendations and I know that this will be a great improvement and I feel very blessed to have found them.Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2019
I have been a patient of Dr. Hurford’s for many years. Possibly eight years or more. He has a terrific staff that works with him. He and his immediate staff listen to my questions, ask me if I have any other questions, are quite patient and extremely thorough. I also find them extremely knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Dr. Hurford and his group. I have never felt rushed through.Patient Submitted Review
May-2017
Been hurting so bad for such a very long time, after surgery i feel like a teenager with so much energy and no pain. My back still has many many stitches and sore, but nothing compared to before. I feel like kayaking, hiking, and running 30 miles, but i know i can't. Just wait til doc gives me the o.k.! Its so exciting, because i felt like i was very old and my life was mostly over. Now i feel like i can live another 50 years! I took my pain pills the first 2 days after surgery, but didnt need.Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2017
I had Dr.Hurford for my neck surgery in 2007 and his assistant Todd Ostibur and they were in Champaign IL and you could not get a better surgeon since he left we have not had any surgeons in my book worth a darn and Dr Hurford I didn't get to tell you bye and I truly miss you for I need help with my spine and now they say I can't have any surgeries and I just know you could do it you are very well missed in the North From Dianna Pagel
Doctor of Medicine and Doctoral Degree
Harvard Medical School 1990 – 1998
(Boston, Massachusetts)
Bachelor of Arts
Biomedical Engineering
Harvard College 1986 – 1990
(Cambridge, Massachusetts)
“I am very active in all of the sports I play. After one of my games, I couldn’t reach my feet. I went to see Dr. Hurford. After an MRI and X-rays, he told me that my back was broken and surgery was the only way to fix it. I tried to avoid surgery but eventually went back to see him. I had the surgery to fuse my L4 and L5 vertebrae and I am so glad that I did. My quality of life is so much better now. Before my surgery I couldn’t lift weights, sit or lay down without pain. Now I can exercise, lift weights above my head and even ride roller coasters! I have come a long way because I trusted Dr. Hurford. I would highly recommend Southeast Orthopedic Specialists” Kristen L.
“I never paid any attention to my arthritic symptoms; I had pain when looking side to side, I couldn’t grip anything in my hands and I was constantly tripping over my own feet. I finally went to see Dr. Hurford about two years ago for lower back pain. After an MRI, Dr. Hurford suggested the importance of not only getting my back fixed, but my neck as well. I was reluctant to have any procedures performed, however he told me if I didn’t take action, there was a great chance with one wrong trip or fall I could become paralyzed. Dr. Hurford did a four-disk spinal fusion and now I have no symptoms or pain whatsoever. Everyone in the office is wonderful each time I come in for follow up appointments. I feel they are truly concerned about my health. If I ever need additional care, I am coming back!” Nancy A.
“Many thanks to you Dr Hurford, for relieving the pain in my back and leg. You are just wonderful and God surely put you in the right profession. Your team is great and I will be back in 3 months to check into my cervical problems! You really helped me and God bless you! (P.S. Paul is great).” Sandi C.
Marcello Belfiore, PA-C
Brandon Wilson, PA-C
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Read Verified Reviews
rater8 Verified Patient
Apr-2025
Dr Hurford Listened to me. Understood my issues. Tested my strength. He also gave the opportunity to make my own decision on the proper treatment plan, and the best for quality of life. He is very respectful and straightforward in my healthy plans for my future. I appreciate his honesty. Thank ypu.