Spine+Clinic

Spine Clinic

This will be a consultation clinic to evaluate patients with spine related problems:
 * ilio-lumbar strain
 * radiculopathy
 * scoliosis
 * spinal stenosis
 * degenerative disk disease
 * arthritis
 * vertebral fractures (non-acute compression)


 * Referral Criteria**:
 * neck or back associated pain for > 1 month's duration
 * appropriate x-rays (spinal series - AP, lateral and oblique)

The PCP is encouraged to order physical therapy, home exercises and other treatment modalities prior to referral to spine clinic. Work-up (EMG and MRI) can be ordered by the PCP at his/her discretion, but plain films of the affected spinal area will be necessary prior to consultation in spine clinic.

Narcotic prescriptions for chronic pain will **not** be written in spine clinic. Chronic narcotic prescriptions will be managed by the PCP.

After patients are evaluated, recommendations will be made regarding care, which could be in the form of physical therapy, home exercises, stretches, supports, braces, injections and possible surgery. MRI's and EMG's will be ordered in spine clinic if indicated. Patients will often be referred back to their PCP's with recommendations on how to further manage their patients' conditions. If surgical evaluation and treatment are indicated, the referral to a CCHP-contracted spine surgeon will be generated from the spine clinic. Follow-up appointments in spine clinic will be made as appropriate.

Fill out the MR 191 with a referral to Spine Clinic. Please include any relevant medical and injury history, especially if the patient may have metastatic cancer. The more pertinent information that is provided on the MR 191, the easier it is to triage the patient. Simply writing "back pain" is of little help. Also, let us know what has been tried - PT, NSAIDS, muscle relaxants, acupuncture, etc.

A wait list will be generated by the appointment unit and Lacey McKenna (ortho care coordinator) and I will review the wait list and get patients into the spine clinic slots.