How do I make an appointment?
For new patients, a referring physician MUST request a consultation/evaluation with a pain management physician. Your doctor should mail or fax all pertinent medical history, including X-ray reports, surgical reports, prior consultations, etc.

Why do I need a referral?
A referral is required for several reasons. The most important, however is to provide the evaluating pain management physician with all relevant history and data so that the consultation is productive and focused on the patient and his/her pain problem.

Do you accept my insurance?
Most private insurance companies, managed care plans, workers' compensation, and Medicare provide coverage for pain management. Verify any questions you may have about insurance coverage with your insurance company. Metro Spine P.C. participates with most insurance companies.

How can I tell my doctor how much pain I am in?
The best way is to describe your pain as clearly and in as much detail as you possibly can. Most doctors, nurses and physical therapist ask you to describe your level of pain on a scale.

What can I do personally to get relief from pain?
In treating pain, doctors regard the patient as a valuable member of the medical team. Without the patient's full and focused cooperation throughout the entire process of diagnosis and treatment, there is little chance of success.

Should I take pain medication only when I have a lot of pain?
No. Don't wait until pain becomes severe to take pain medication. Pain is easier to control when it is mild. You should take your pain medication regularly, just as prescribed. Sometimes this means taking medicine on a regular schedule.

Can I operate a vehicle while taking these medications?
All controlled medications and others can cause drowsiness and alter your judgment. It is recommended that you take great caution and avoid if possible operating machinery that may cause harm to you or others.

Do I have to suffer with chronic pain for the rest of my life?
Not necessarily. With proper treatment, people can live full, normal lives after having experienced chronic pain.

What are the advantages of being treated at The Metro Spine P.C.?
The most important advantages are:

• Patients receive treatment from a renowned staff of doctors whose efforts are devoted exclusively to easing pain
• Metro Spine P.C. doctors and physical therapist have access to state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosing the origin and causes of pain and for developing treatment plans according to your needs.

EMG & NERVE CONDUCTION STUDY

What is an EMG Study?
A test that measures the electrical activity in your muscles. These muscles are connected to nerves. This test gives the examiner information about the nerves involved.

What is an NCS?
This is a test that measures the speed of electrical (impulses) messages traveling along the nerves.

Who performs the test(s)?
Usually, the test is performed by a physician; a physiatrist or a neurologist with special training in electroneurodiagnostics.

How to prepare for the test(s)?
EMG's may be done on either the upper body (from the waist up) or on the lower body (from the waist down). When preparing for these tests, shower but do not apply creams, lotions, jellies, oils, perfumes, colognes, or make up. This is especially applicable when having an upper body test. You may use deodorant. You may eat and drink normally.

Is the test painful?
Some people report some mild discomfort with the insertion of the needle electrode into muscles. Some may feel an unusual tingling sensation on nerve conduction stimulation. There may be some soreness after the pin electrode test. This is easily managed with cold compresses.