Pain in the neck – or in the back – are far from laughing matters if they are happening to you. Valley Health System is working to do something about it.
Earlier this week, Valley announced the opening of its new Spine Center, which guides patients on the proper path to pain relief and prevention by bringing together the skills of medical, surgical, pain, and rehabilitation specialists to collaborate in caring for patients with neck and back conditions.
With one call to the Spine Center, patients are connected with a dedicated physician assistant navigator who has decades of experience in providing pain management for patients with back and neck conditions.
“Our objective is to eliminate the frustration of not knowing what specialist to turn to or in what order to make appointments, and instead to offer patients coordinated care that takes them step by step toward better spine health and wellness,” Dr. Gaetan Moise, director of the Spine Center for Valley Health System, said.
The navigator conducts an over-the-phone initial evaluation with the patient and then assists in making appointments, scheduling imaging tests, and assessing health insurance coverage. Patients receive an in-person or telemedicine evaluation within 24 to 48 hours.
Conditions treated include but are not limited to, neck pain and stiffness, lower back pain, sciatica, scoliosis, pinched nerves, spinal stenosis, geriatric disc disease, spine tumors, arthritis, osteoporosis, work-related back and neck injuries, post-traumatic injuries, and post-surgical recovery.
Valley specialists working with the Spine Center include orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, specialists in pain medicine and sports medicine, rehabilitation therapists, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses.
Dr. Ryan Cassilly, an orthopedic spine surgeon, said the system is ready to handle anything.
“Patients may also be referred to us from the emergency room, where we have around-the-clock coverage for urgent back and neck injuries,” he said.
Dr. Uzma Parvez agreed.
“Many patients begin their spine care pathway with conservative medical or non-surgical therapies, including medications, physical therapy, or injections,” she said.
If a minimally invasive surgical procedure or neurosurgery is recommended, The Valley Hospital has several dedicated operating rooms with advanced technologies in place to treat these conditions.
