Getting to know you
GOALS
We believe that we cannot help patients until we understand their personal goals and priorities. We will ask questions about what you can and cannot do, what you would like to be able to do (both work and leisure pursuits) and will do our best to help you achieve these goals. If some goals are beyond our abilities, we will inform you of our limitations.
IMAGING
High quality imaging is central to understanding what pathologies may be contributing to various pain syndromes and dysfunction. MRI & CT scans are very useful to evaluate the soft tissues and bones while plain films can help to see bones and their alignment. We try to use imaging which has already been completed, however, we insist upon high quality, recent (within 6 months or after symptom progression) studies for our Spine-alysis. When key questions cannot be answered by available studies, further or repeat imaging may be required.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
There are many things that you as a patient can do to help yourself to heal. Nutrition and exercise are the foundation for a healthy spine. Weight management, control of Diabetes, smoking cessation and stretching are also important to our plans for helping you reach your goals. Our aim is not to harass you, rather to share scientific data on the role you yourself can play in healing yourself or giving yourself the best possible chance at a successful outcome. We cannot do it alone!
What are some preventative measures I can take?
Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly
Avoid excessive lifting and poor posture
Stretching as directed
Avoid tobacco