Dr. James Arthur Santos, MD

Dr. James Santos focuses his practice in the restoration of function and nonsurgical management of back and neck pain. He chose the specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation, which is regarded as the best non-invasive manner to manage back and neck pain for patients who are in severe or persistent spine pain.

Dr. Santos engages his patients to participate in treatment decisions and long-term recovery and pain prevention through a combination of diet, exercise and education. While Dr. Santos is proficient in the use of interventional spinal injections for diagnostic and therapeutic benefit, he uses such techniques only to facilitate the transition of the patient regaining control over his or her condition. He is also able to perform electromyography studies for the diagnosis of nerve and muscle disorders.

Dr. Santos has an extensive background in healthcare that has led him to joining the team at New Mexico Spine. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in biology in 1985, he …went on to become a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), before continuing his education by earning his medical degree in 1994.



During his proud service to his country in the United States Navy, Dr Santos counts among his many achievements an internship in internal medicine at the Naval Medical Center in Oakland, becoming an undersea medical officer and a certified U.S. Navy diver. As a lieutenant commander, Dr. Santos served as the Department Head of the Primary Care Clinic at Naval Medical Clinic in Portsmouth from 1996 to 1998.


Dr. Santos’ personal interests include mountaineering, cycling and snowboarding.