SpineMD Patient Guide

This patient guide is designed to help you understand what to expect during your visits and treatments at SpineMD.

Appointment Process

SpineMD at Healthpointe is a comprehensive spine center and pain management program, available at Healthpointe, focused on relieving back and neck pain using the least invasive options first. Our team of spine surgeons, neurologists, pain specialists, physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and acupuncture providers work together to create a personalized treatment plan for you.

We prioritize non-surgical care, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage, and acupuncture, and reserve minimally invasive spine surgery only for patients who truly need it.

All of this is geneally available in one convenient location, so you don’t have to shuttle between separate offices or hospitals. You can get second, third, or even fourth opinions in a single visit by talking directly with our surgeons and conservative care specialists. At SpineMD at Healthpointe, you get coordinated spine care, clear answers, and a streamlined path to pain relief.

Your First Few Visits

Your first few visits will focus on a thorough consultation. You will meet with our team of specialists to discuss your symptoms, pain levels, and goals. At the same time, we will review your medical history and perform a detailed physical examination to understand your overall condition. Our providers will explain all appropriate treatment options and answer your questions, but you remain in control of your care. Together, we will create a personalized plan to help you reduce pain, improve function, and move closer to being pain free.

Tests and Diagnostics

Tests and diagnostics are an essential part of creating the right treatment plan for your spine condition. In addition to your medical history and physical exam, our doctors often order advanced imaging such as MRI to clearly visualize your spine, as well as CT scans and X-rays to assess bone and joint structure. Blood tests and an EKG may also be used to evaluate your overall health before treatment.

Several consultations with our team may be needed before we recommend specific therapies. For example, if you have severe back pain, you may first meet with a pain management specialist. If your pain is affecting your mood or daily functioning, we may also refer you to a pain psychologist. Because our specialists are generally located in one convenient location, you spend less time driving between offices and more time getting the answers and care you need.

Procedures and Treatments

Procedures and treatments for back and neck pain at Healthpointe start with the least invasive options. Surgery is rarely the first step. We focus on conservative and minimally invasive care to help relieve your pain and improve function before considering an operation.

Chiropractic care, physical therapy, and targeted exercises are often used to realign the spine, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Our chiropractors and therapists design customized programs to support healing and help prevent future injury. Medication may also be part of your treatment plan. Our in-house pain management specialists can prescribe and monitor appropriate medications, including options such as anti-inflammatory drugs, certain antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications used for nerve-related pain.

If non-surgical treatments do not provide adequate relief, surgery may be recommended. Our neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons are highly trained in minimally invasive spine procedures and use advanced techniques to reduce tissue damage, shorten recovery times, and improve outcomes. Many of our surgeons also teach at accredited universities, reflecting their expertise and commitment to high-quality spine care.

“Procedures and treatments for back and neck pain at SpineMD (at Healthpointe) start with the least invasive options. Surgery is rarely the first step.”