Treatment FAQs
- My doctor has suggested a cortisone injection for my back. I have heard that cortisone is bad for you. What are the risks of having a cortisone injection?
- Why do I need to quit smoking before having spine surgery?
- I have pain at work. Is there anything that can be done to help me work with less pain?
- My doctor has suggested that I have a spine fusion in my lower spine. How will this affect my ability to bend over?
- I have metal screws in my back from a spine fusion. Will I be able to go through a metal detector at the airport?
- If I have a spine fusion surgery using metal screws and rods, will they ever need to be removed?
- What are the risks of minimally invasive spine surgery?
- What is minimally invasive spine surgery and how is it different from traditional spine surgery?
- I keep reading about doctors prescribing Glucosamine for arthritis. Will this medication help my back pain?
- What can I do while I am at home to relieve my back pain?
- Should I just lie in bed and avoid exercise if I am having extra back pain?
- What is spinal decompression and spine fusion surgery?
- Can I just use a brace to take my low back pain away?
- My spine is really hurting. I thought I would just go ahead and have surgery, but my doctor is recommending conservative spine treatment instead. What is conservative treatment, and will it help my problem as much as surgery?
- What should I expect on the first visit to my doctor?
- When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery?
- Which is better to use, heat or ice?
- What hobbies and recreational activities should I avoid?
- What can I do if my pain comes back or gets worse?
- My doctor has suggested that I have a spine fusion surgery using a metal plate in my back. What are the chances that my body will reject the metal plate?
- Is minimally invasive surgery a new technique?
- Are lasers used in spine surgery?
- If I have surgery to take out a disc in my back, what will replace the disc that the doctor removes?
- I'm scheduled for a spine fusion of my low back. Will I be able to get up and walk without difficulty after I have surgery?
- I've had pain and problems with my low back for many years. What can I expect from my spine surgery?
- How will I know whether surgery is needed?
- My friend told me about a TENS unit she uses for her back pain. What is a TENS unit, and will it work for me?
- Will I need to have therapy until my pain goes completely away?
- As long as I have therapy I feel better. Can I keep coming once each week?
- Is there anything I can do now to help ease my pain?
- Will my doctor prescribe medications for my condition?
- My surgeon has suggested that I need a fusion between the C5 and C6 vertebrae in my neck. How will I be able to turn my neck after it is fused?
- What can I do to keep from making my pain worse?
- How much longer will I need physical therapy?