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Patient Information
Back pain and neck pain can make everyday activities extremely difficult. Even simple activities such as sitting, walking, standing and sleeping can be very painful. Although we specialize ONLY in the treatment of neck and back pain, we believe it is important to look at the body as a whole. Our comprehensive evaluation of the complete body allows us to focus on any medical or mechanical cause of the neck or back dysfunction. The first step when coming to Spine Options is to review patient’s medical history and current medical problem. We ask our patients to provide us with all the data so the best approach can be used taking all factors into account. Once all the necessary background information is taken, a complete physical examination is done by the Physiatrist. The physician then discusses and initiates the treatment plan with each patient. The primary focus initially is to get the patient’s pain under control to allow them to participate comfortably in the program. We believe that a strong body core is essential in chronic pain management. Our team works on all improving body mechanics, posture, strength and psychological well being. We also focus on diet and weight control to improve the level of activity and prevent recurrence.
At Spine Options we have a saying...”Move the Body, Lose the Pain!” We enjoy treating motivated well disciplined individuals that want to work hard to improve their own lives. We have the resources to get at the cause and resolve the problem to return to “normal” living.
Diagnostics After your initial comprehensive evaluation and assessment, the physician may determine the medical necessity for diagnostic testing. The physician performs all electrodiagnostic testing and all radiographic testing is by scheduled appointment. The following are diagnostic testing tools that are used as an extension to clinical evaluation: • Electrodiagnostics –This is known as EMG (Electromyography) and NCS (Nerve Conduction Studies). This testing is useful in complete diagnosis for patients with numbness, tingling, weakness, radiating pain from the neck and back and changes in reflexes. This test is done by the physician using the latest technology. The test is electrical using small stimulations and electrodes to record nerve function. Part of the test involves the use of small “acupuncture like” needles in certain muscles to record activity. The test is extremely accurate and harmless. What I Should Know Prior To Testing • X-rays – The simplest form of radiography is useful to examine the quality and alignment of the bones. It helps determine thinning of the bones, fractures, scoliosis, healing of bones, calcifications or slipping of the vertebrae in the spine. • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is used to generate highly-detailed images of the bones and surrounding soft tissues. SPINE OPTIONS has accessibility to one of the strongest magnets in the region. These films give much more detail than x-rays and are better to visualize the discs, muscles, tendons and ligaments. • CT scan/myelogram - A CT scan is similar to an MRI in that it provides more diagnostic information about the internal structures of the spine than a plain x-ray. A myelogram is used to diagnose a bulging or herniated disk, tumor or changes in the bones surrounding the spinal cord or nerves. This is done by injecting a small amount of dye into the structure in questions prior to taking films. It provides very A local anesthetic is injected into your lower back to numb the area. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is then performed. A dye is injected into the spinal canal to reveal where problems lie. • Bone Scan - The role of this procedure is to evaluate the bones to detect infections, small fractures, osteoporosis, arthritis, cancer lesions or other bony abnormalities. Bone scans may also be used to evaluate unexplained bone pain when having difficulty localizing. |