At Metro Health Spine, our team of experts specializes in treating patients who experience back and neck pain. All patients are evaluated by a physiatrist-a doctor that specializes in rehabilitation medicine including diagnosing problems in the musculoskeletal system. Thorough histories and physical examinations are performed to find the source of pain, injury or disability, even when standard diagnostic tests don’t reveal specific problems. Sometimes additional medical testing such as imaging tests (such as x-ray, MRI’s) may be recommended. Individualized treatment plans are developed once a definitive diagnosis is made.
Patients may also be evaluated by McKenzie trained Physical Therapists for providing appropriate manual techniques, exercises and education chosen specifically for pain reduction. Management of postural stresses, proper body mechanics and appropriate activity modifications may also be part of treatment process.
Referrals to additional specialists may also occur to focus on the goals to decrease pain, enhance movement and most often, to avoid surgery.
Many insurance companies require that a Physiatrist evaluate patients experiencing neck and back pain symptoms before a neurosurgical referral can be authorized. When a referral to a neurosurgeon is recommended by the physiatrist, documentation is completed and the primary care physician is immediately notified so referrals can be expedited.
Click here to meet our Physiatrist.
Learn more about the Oswestry Disability Index.
Learn more about Back Pain.
Metro Health Spine is located in the Metro Health Professional Building in Suite 160, to make an appointment call (616) 252-5790.
