Overview

Getting Started
All referrals to Spinal Technology and Pain Center must come from a physician or other healthcare provider to assure that the basic health needs of our patients are being met. Once scheduled, you will be thoroughly evaluated by one of our board certified physicians. The evaluation will include a medical and functional history, review of appropriate diagnostic studies and prior treatment and a complete musculoskeletal oriented examination. Based on the individual need, further studies may be recommended including imaging, electro-diagnostics and laboratory studies. This serves as the launching point for an individualized treatment plan.
 
Precision guided interventions
The combination of history, physical examination and diagnostic studies will often give a good sense for where the painful condition originates. Many of our patients have been through trials of various treatments without success. In those cases, our physicians use our state of the art equipment and techniques to deliver powerful numbing and anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of the problem, such as an inflamed joint or nerve root. Frequently, these procedures are diagnostic in nature, intended to identify the painful source. More than one procedure may be needed to obtain the desired response.

Functional Restoration
Reduction or relief of pain is just the beginning. Referral to Physical Therapy for a strengthening and stabilization program is an integral part of the treatment plan. This is to maximize the benefit of the interventional procedure by strengthening key muscle groups that have become deconditioned and weak, making the involved segment more susceptible to recurrent problems. The goal is to improve overall mobility, activities of daily living and when appropriate, work capabilities.

Minimize Reliance on Medication
Many patients require medication for pain during treatment. In many cases this does not involve the use of narcotics or medications with addictive or abuse potential. Our goal is to reduce the need for narcotics through interventional strategies, strengthening and stabilization exercise and the use of alternative medications. We will work with your family doctor or other referring specialist to help achieve this goal.

Maintaining Fitness and Activity Level
Key to the success of each treatment plan is the individual's commitment to fitness and maintaining function. Virtually all of our patients end up with a home exercise program. Not surprisingly, this may involve weight loss and smoking cessation when indicated.