Interventional Spine & Pain Management

Spine Treatment: Frequently Asked Questions

How can you relieve my back pain?
If you have tried chiropractic or physical therapy without much success, our treatments are the next step. The non-surgical treatments that we provide can help calm the pain at its source. Medications only mask the pain. Our procedures find the root of the pain and eliminate it as much as possible.

Do the spine treatments hurt?
No. All procedures can be performed while patients are under sedation. You will likely sleep through the procedure. This is why you must not eat or drink before your procedure -- so that you can safely receive the sedatives. This will also prevent nausea afterwards.

How long will it take?
From check-in to check-out, your appointment will probably take an hour and a half. If you are having a more advanced procedure, more time might be necessary.

Can I have a consultation without getting a referral?
Yes, if your insurance allows it. However, you must take responsibility for obtaining any previous records from doctors who have treated your condition. We must have these to design an effective treatment plan.

Could my pain return?
It could. Several procedures -- like radiofrequency ablation or epidurals -- may need to be repeated, depending on your individual symptoms. However, most pain does not return after these procedures for at least 6 months. If your pain returns quickly after you have had a full series of treatments, a consultation with your neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon may be necessary. Call our office to schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss any recurring pain. The physician or physician's assistant can help you.

What should I do if I feel back pain again?
Call us. Talk to your physician or physician's assistant. Tell us what you're feeling. We may need to repeat your procedures. Or, the pain may be coming from another source.

How can I prevent back pain from returning?
Your therapy -- exercise and physical therapy -- is important in controlling your pain. These are intended to keep your muscles from becoming too stiff or, in some cases, developing atrophy. Healthy, strong support muscles are a vital key in preventing and controlling spinal and hip pain. It is very important that you follow the therapy prescribed by the physician.

Will I ever need spine surgery?
More than 80% of patients who receive proper interventional pain management avoid back surgery. However, in some cases back surgery is necessary. The procedures we have performed for you -- even if they don't solve your pain problem -- have given your surgeon a clearer idea of what's going on. Your surgeon now has more information on the cause and severity of your pain -- which will help ensure a better outcome from surgery.