FAQs

Orthopedic Surgery
Pain Management
Neurology

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgeons focus on diagnosing, treating, rehabilitating, and preventing conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, which encompasses bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves. They commonly address issues such as arthritis, bone fractures, muscle and tendon injuries, and degenerative diseases like osteoporosis.

You should consider seeing an orthopedic surgeon if you experience persistent pain, discomfort, or limitations in movement that affect your daily activities, particularly if these symptoms are related to the joints, muscles, or bones. Other reasons include injuries that don’t heal with initial treatment, progressive pain that worsens with activity, or after a recommendation from your primary care doctor following an injury.
Orthopedic surgeries come in various forms, each tailored to specific health issues. Common procedures include arthroscopy (which uses specialized cameras and tools to view, diagnose, and treat joint problems), joint replacements (such as hip, knee, or shoulder replacements), fracture repairs, and surgeries to correct spinal issues and deformities.
Recovery time for orthopedic surgery varies significantly based on factors such as the type of surgery, the patient’s overall health, the complexity of the procedure, and the body part involved. Minor surgeries, like arthroscopic repairs, may require a few weeks, while major procedures, such as joint replacements, might take several months for full recovery. Your orthopedic surgeon will provide a detailed recovery timeline tailored to your specific situation.

Preparing for orthopedic surgery involves several steps to ensure optimal outcomes. These usually include pre-surgical evaluations, such as blood tests, imaging tests, and other diagnostics to assess your health and plan the surgery. Patients may need to adjust their medications, avoid certain foods or drinks, and arrange for assistance during recovery. Following all instructions from your healthcare team is crucial to minimize risks and enhance the healing process.

Pain Management

Pain management is a medical field dedicated to alleviating pain and enhancing quality of life through a comprehensive approach. This includes the use of medications, physical therapy, interventional procedures, and sometimes psychological counseling. It addresses various types of pain, such as acute pain, chronic pain, pain from injuries, cancer-related pain, and pain associated with other medical conditions.

Specialists in pain management often come from backgrounds in anesthesiology, neurology, physiatry (physical medicine and rehabilitation), or psychiatry. These doctors receive additional training in pain medicine to effectively diagnose, treat, and manage pain in a holistic manner.

Pain management offers a variety of treatments based on the cause, nature, and severity of the pain. Common options include:
  • Medications: NSAIDs, acetaminophen, opioids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical creams.
  • Interventional procedures: Nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency neuroablation, and spinal cord stimulation.
  • Physical therapy: Exercises to improve movement, strength, and reduce pain.
  • Behavioral therapy: Techniques to understand the psychological impact of pain and develop coping skills.
  • Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care.
Consider seeing a pain management specialist if you have persistent or severe pain that doesn’t improve with primary care treatments, or if pain affects your quality of life. Chronic pain lasting more than three to six months, or pain associated with conditions like cancer, also warrants a visit to a specialist.

At your first appointment, the pain management doctor will conduct a thorough medical evaluation, including a detailed medical history and physical examination. You will be asked about the nature, severity, duration of your pain, and any factors that affect it. The doctor may also review your previous medical records and imaging studies. This information helps create a personalized pain management plan aimed at treating pain and addressing underlying issues.

Neurology

Neurology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system, which encompasses the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Neurologists are physicians who specialize in conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and migraines.

Neurologists manage a wide array of neurological conditions, including:

  • Stroke
  • Seizures and epilepsy
  • Migraines and other types of headaches
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other muscle-weakening diseases
  • Brain and spinal cord injuries
  • Brain tumors
  • Sleep disorders

You should consider seeing a neurologist if you experience symptoms such as unexplained headaches, chronic pain, dizziness, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, changes in sensation, coordination problems, or if you have had a seizure. It is also advisable to consult a neurologist if you have been diagnosed with a condition affecting the nervous system or if your primary care doctor recommends it.

Neurologists utilize various diagnostic tests to identify neurological disorders, including:

  • Neurological Examination: A thorough assessment of strength, coordination, reflexes, sensation, mental status, and other neurological functions.
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measures electrical activity in the brain, commonly used to diagnose epilepsy.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) Scans: Provide detailed images of the brain and spinal cord.
  • Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Collects and examines the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord to diagnose conditions like meningitis and multiple sclerosis.
  • Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies: Measure the electrical activity of muscles and the speed of nerve signals.

Neurologists offer a variety of treatments based on the specific neurological condition. These may include:

  • Medications: To manage symptoms or treat the underlying condition.
  • Rehabilitative Care: Collaborating with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists to aid in recovery and improve function.
  • Surgical Coordination: Working with neurosurgeons for the surgical treatment of conditions such as brain tumors, severe epilepsy, and vascular abnormalities in the brain.
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