Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need back surgery?
Surgery is indicated when your pain interferes with all activities of daily living, medications no longer work, you have tried physical therapy, injections or other conservative modalities or you have neurological deficits such as weakness.
What are the risks for surgery?
There are risks associated with any surgery. The risks for spine surgery include but not limited to bleeding, infection, and no relief of presenting symptoms such as pain, hardware failure and other intra-operative complications.
How long will I be in the hospital?
For various types of lumbar spinal surgery, from decompressive laminectomy to spinal fusion with implants, the patient typically goes home in 2-3 days. If your physician and/or physical therapy feel you additional skilled therapy, transfer to an acute physical rehabilitation unit will be arranged.
Do I have to wear a brace or collar?
Yes. You will be given a collar to wear for 2-3 weeks post op until your doctor tells you to remove it. No driving until the collar is removed. For lumbar spinal fusion, you will be given a brace to wear only when out of bed. Expect to wear the brace for 6-8 weeks post-op. Again, no driving while in the brace until cleared by your physician.
Can I have a MRI or CT after fusion surgery?
Yes. Just be sure to tell the technician you have a titanium implant.
After a spinal fusion, will the instrumentation set off the alarm at the airport?
It is recommended that you advise the TSA officer of an implanted medical device.
When can I go back to work?
The decision to return to work will determined on an individual basis, including the type of surgery you have undergone and the type of work activities: sedentary vs. non-sedentary. Most patients are able to return to a sedentary job within 4- 6 weeks and non-sedentary approximately 8-12 weeks.
After fusion surgery, do I need to take antibiotics before getting my teeth cleaned?
Yes. It is recommended by the American Heart Association Guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis. Notify your dentist when scheduling an appointment. The dentist will prescribe the recommended antibiotic if necessary.
How do I contact the Pain Center?
The office number is 410-601-2097. Our hours are 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday. If the office is closed, you may leave a message and your call will be returned during our office hours.
How do I make an appointment?
For new patients, a referring physician MUST request a consultation/evaluation with a pain management physician. Your doctor should mail or fax all pertinent medical history, including X-ray reports, surgical reports, prior consultations, last 3 months of office notes etc.
Why do I need a referral?
A referral is required to provide the evaluating pain management physician with all relevant history and data so that the consultation is productive.
What types of doctors are in the pain clinic?
Board-certified physiatrists staff our clinic with additional board certification in pain management. We also have physician assistants who are experienced in chronic pain management.
What happens at the first appointment?
At your first visit, you will meet with a pain management PA who will review your pain problem and medical history. A pain management physician will then perform a history and physical examination and then review any test or x-ray results. The doctor will then offer a treatment plan based on his assessment.
Will my pain doctor act as my primary care physician?
No.
Do you prescribe chronic pain medications?
Yes. We are often asked to evaluate or establish medication regimens for patients with chronic pain. This can usually be established in one or more office visits. We do not Do high dose medication maintenance; we also do not do only medications management, as we are more interventional. We DO NOT prescribe medicine at first visit
Do you detox?
No.