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| Comprehensive Spine Center |
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Armen Khachatryan, M.D. Director of the Spine Center explains “Our focus is on educating patients who then become active participants in their care and recovery. After a thorough evaluation, we present options for treatment and decide with the patient what the best approach is.” Nine times out of ten, the best approach is not spinal surgery, notes Dr. Khachatryan – a spine surgeon. “Conservative, non-surgical spinal management usually is our first course of action,” he explains. “And the majority of patients do well with this approach. In about 90 percent of cases, lifestyle changes such as adding exercise and losing weight can help resolve back issues and avoid future problems. Only patients who need further treatment generally will see me,” he adds. Conservative spinal management can include medication, lifestyle modifications, biofeedback, electrotherapies, traction, massage, therapeutic exercise, acupuncture and even psychological counseling. There’s not just one way to treat patients,” says Dr. Khachatryan. As a result, The Spine Center’s staff consists of specialists from a variety of backgrounds. We have two physiatrists who specialize is diagnosing, treating and preventing musculoskeletal disorders and injuries through the use of medication and assistive devices such as heat/cold therapies, electrotherapies, massage, biofeedback, traction and therapeutic exercise; a rheumatologist who specializes in disorders marked by inflammation or degeneration of the body’s connective tissues and joints; a radiologist who reads and interprets the results of X-ray and MRI exams performed at DOC; an acupuncturist and an entire team of physical therapists, nurses and physician assistants. Physiatry is one of the 24 medical specialties certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Physiatrists are Board Certified medical doctors who have completed an additional four years of specialty training in physical medicine. There are only 4,000 Board Certified physiatrists in the world. Physiatrists are an integral part of the team at DOC’s Spine Center. “Their residency is focused on the rehabilitative side of medicine,” say Dr. Khachatryan. “They focus on diagnosing back disorders and treating them non-surgically, using various modalities.” Physiatrists may supplement the standard history and physical examination, and further evaluate neuromuscular function using electro diagnostic medicine such as electromyography, nerve conduction studies and evoked potentials. These techniques help physiatrists diagnose conditions that cause pain, weakness and numbness. “ We then provide non-surgical interventions to restore patients to maximum function,” says Joy White, M.D., one of our Spine Center’s Physiatrists. “We’re often called to consult on and manage a variety of conditions including stroke, spinal cord injuries, MS, arthritis, sports and industrial injuries, muscle and nerve problems, acute and chronic neck and back pain, and joint and extremity pain.” Should a patient need long-term rehabilitation, Dr. White or our other Physiatrist David Wilgarde, M.D., will develop and manage a personalized wellness program. Rheumatology is a broad specialty encompassing arthritis treatment, metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis, connective tissue diseases such as lupus, and other problems such as bursitis. A patient would see DOC’s Board Certified Rheumatologist Ellen Blanton M.D. when there is inflammation associated with arthritis that can affect the back, noted Dr. Khachatryan. “ This is definitely a center for all modalities of treatment,” he adds. “Deidre Braun is our acupuncturist. Acupuncture has been very effective in pain management with some of our patients. That she is also an herbalist is of benefit. “ The most important aspect of what we offer at the Spine Center,” Dr. Khachatryan concludes, “is to educate the patients about their present condition, and to offer treatment options so that the patient can make an informed choice.” |
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