Frequently Asked Questions

We are the only medical practice dedicated to treating back and neck pain management without surgery. We often successfully treat patients who have spent months or years looking for relief. Our ability to create a single treatment plan that incorporates all nonsurgical treatment options – including holistic alternatives – sets us apart from other pain specialists.

On your first visit, a physician trained in spinal dysfunction and neuromusculoskeletal disease performs an extensive diagnostic evaluation. At that time, he will develop a comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment plan to help you manage pain and heal the underlying disorder.

SPINE OPTIONS uses special diagnostic tools, such as an EMG test, which can be administered only by a physician. Physicians prescribe and monitor the use of appropriate pain medication, and treat pain at the source using anesthetic, corticosteroid, and BOTOX injections or radiofrequency therapy. MRIs, CT scans, or Xrays may be used as well.

Our goal is to reduce your pain as quickly as possible and address the underlying problem through physical and holistic therapies. You may begin to feel better the next day, but it usually takes four to six weeks before the problem is significantly improved. However, some patients have chronic pain that can’t be resolved. We help them live and function through our pain management program.

Many of the musculoskeletal disorders we treat are the result of years of repetitive stress, body movement, or poor posture. Hands-on therapies such as manipulative physical therapy, massage, cranio-sacral therapy, yoga, Alexander Technique, and stretching help the body readjust and move in a better way. We also use mind-body techniques such as biofeedback and mental imagery to engage the brain in fighting pain. Many of our patients are helped by Reiki, reflexology, acupuncture, and Pilates Method, too.

Our physicians draw on their years of experience in back and neck care and use powerful diagnostic tools. We perform electrodiagnostic testing, or EMG, to scientifically assess muscle and nerve function. EMGs allow us to differentiate nerve injuries in the extremities from nerve injuries of the spine by testing the complete function of the nerves and nerve roots. We also use MRI studies, which allow us to diagnosis the source of pain more accurately than ever before by assessing the structure of the spine.

Electrical impulses are used and cause the limb to “jump” a little, so most people say that the test causes a funny sensation. With out state-of-the-art technology, our patients to tolerate this test quite well.

Do not to use any creams, oils or lotions on the day of the test because they interfere with the electrodes. Take all medications as usual and go about your daily life. There are no side effects, so you may return to activity following the test. Test results are usually determined immediately following the exam. It does not matter if the symptoms are severe on the day of the exam as the results do not change. It also does not matter if the MRI is completed before the EMG exam.

If you have a condition causing significant neurological impairment that could become permanent without immediate correction, we will arrange for a surgical evaluation as soon as possible. For other conditions, we recommend surgery only when we exhaust all treatment options. By that time, we will know all about your condition and you as a person, so we can recommend a surgeon experienced and skilled in what you need and whose personality is a good fit with yours. We are affiliated with Brain & Spine Surgeons of New York, a world-class group practice, and know all six neurosurgeons and its one orthopedic spinal surgeon well.

Always follow our instructions when taking medications. For proper pain management, some medications are used to help “break” the pain cycle, and some are used to continue reducing the swelling or break muscle spasms. We are always available 24 hours per day for questions regarding medications. It is better to be sure you are taking your medications safely than make a mistake.

Complying with your home exercise program is probably more important than attending treatment sessions – although you need to do both. Remember, you spend less than two hours a week in therapy. It is essential to perform your prescribed daily stretching and exercises. Most people spend 15 to 30 minutes daily on the home program. This also helps you remain pain free once you have recovered. It has been shown that those that do not comply with the home program have a higher rate of recurrent injury.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have a serious spinal problem and should seek medical attention immediately:

This is a topic of great debate in medicine and there is no correct answer. Typically, ice compresses are used the first few days to reduce swelling, then heat is applied to improve mobility and reduce pain. Ice compresses are also used to reduce muscle spasms.

Stop all extra physical activity until your diagnosis is determined.

Ice compresses, stretching and medications – used in the right combination – are the best remedies for muscle spasms. Muscle cramps may cause disabling pain and an appropriate evaluation is important to determine the cause.