FAQ’s

How do I know if I am a candidate for spine surgery?

The majority of degenerative conditions that may require or benefit from spinal surgery are those where there is pain that radiates down the arms or legs, have associated numbness or weakness, and have not improved with non-operative care. Spine surgery is the last resort, and many patients recover with more conservative treatments done first. Your primary care physician should begin treatment with these modalities, and if things do not improve it is time to consult with a spine surgeon.

What types of conditions warrant surgery?

Again, most patients who experience neck or back pain will not require surgery and will improve with conservative management. Pain that radiates down the arms or legs, and neurological signs such as weakness, numbness, balance difficulty, bowel/bladder problems, are some symptoms that may benefit from surgical decompression.

Will physical therapy be required after surgery?

Getting a full range of motion, strength, and flexibility back after surgery usually takes time. That’s where pre-operative exercise and education and post-operative physical therapy programs come in – to ensure you’re physically and emotionally prepared for surgery and to maximize your recovery after surgery.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment by calling us directly during our working hours.

What should I bring with me when I come for an appointment?

When you come for your appointment, please remember to obtain and bring the following:

  • Insurance Card
  • A CD or hard films from X-rays, MRI’s, or CT scan, etc. and any other relevant information. It is essential for us to be able to review the actual images from your MRI – without this, you will almost certainly have to return for a follow-up visit to discuss the pictures, so it is much better to bring them with you for our doctor to review! If you have not had these imaging studies done, our doctor may order one for you at your first visit.