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Spine Specialists of Boston

Call for an appointment: (617) 860-6388

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FAQs

Spine Care Questions In Boston MA

faqs - Spine Specialists of Boston - Boston, MAAt Spine Specialists of Boston, we receive a wide range of questions from potential and established patients regarding their medical care. These queries can range from whether a referral is needed in order to make an appointment with us, to the length of a particular recovery period following surgery.

We’ve collected these frequently asked questions here in the hope they may help others. If your question or concern is not answered here, or if you would like to make an appointment to see one of our spine doctors, call us at (617) 860-6388.

What insurance do you accept?

We accept most major insurance plans. There are some exceptions. Please check with your insurance company or call our office at (617) 860-6388.

Do I need a referral?

If you have an HMO plan, you will need to obtain a referral from your primary care physician.

What is the difference between a neurosurgeon and spine surgeon?

Both types of surgeons complete four years of medical school before entering a residency in their specific field.

Traditionally, orthopedic surgeons complete five years of residency training in the diagnosis and treatment of all musculoskeletal (bone, joint, muscle, and nerve) disorders including those of the spine,  whereas neurosurgeons complete their residency training in the diagnosis and treatment of brain and spine disorders.

Many spine surgeons will complete additional training in spine surgery after their residency, in a program called a fellowship. A fellowship involves more specialized training in advanced spinal surgery techniques including spinal fusion, minimally invasive spine surgery, and complex spinal reconstruction.

How soon can I have surgery?

This depends on the procedure you are having done. You would need to check with our surgical coordinator. Surgery can be performed on an emergency basis if this is clinically indicated.

Do you do laser microsurgery?

We perform microsurgery procedures such as microdiscectomies, although we do not use laser technology microscopically.

Do I need a pre-op physical?

Yes, the hospital requires pre-operative visits with a doctor. Surgery is performed on patients who are 21 years old and older (possibly as young as 18, depending on the patient's height and weight).

Do I donate blood before the surgery?

Blood donation prior to surgery is usually performed only on three part scoliosis cases if the doctor feels it is medically necessary.

What is the recovery time after surgery?

Recovery time depends on the magnitude of the surgical intervention. It can be anywhere from 4-6 or 8-12 weeks, depending on the area.

How will my pain be managed?

Pain management is an essential focus pre- and postoperatively. Patients recover more quickly when pain is appropriately managed. ­We will prescribe pain medication up to 6 months postoperatively. After that, your primary care physician will resume managing any medication needs or you will be referred to a pain management specialists if needed.

Will I be going home after surgery or into a rehab facility?

Discharge to a rehabilitation facility is determined by the physician and physical therapists in the hospital. We want patients to be safe and be independent prior to being discharged home. A caseworker will be assigned to you before you are discharged from the hospital to help assess your needs.

Will I be completely healed?

Each patient heals to a different extent. It can take up to one year to heal after some procedures.

Will I need more surgery?

Sometimes additional surgery is needed, depending on the condition.

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Spine Specialists of Boston
822 Boylston Street
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
TEL: (617) 860-6388
FAX: (617) 860-6369

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At Spine Specialists of Boston, our compassionate spine doctors treat a comprehensive range of conditions including Spinal Deformities, Cervical Degenerative Disease, Lumbar Degenerative Disease, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Spinal Trauma, Metastatic Cancer Disease, PRP Therapy, and Pain Management.

  • Meet the Doctors
  • Specialties
    • Spinal Deformities
    • Cervical Degenerative Disease
    • Lumbar Degenerative Disease
    • Minimally Invasive Approaches
    • Spinal Trauma
    • Metastatic Cancer Disease
    • PRP Therapy
    • Pain Management
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  • FAQs
  • Patient Forms
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us