Your spine is truly at the center of your health, which is why taking care of the backbone of everything you do has never been more important. While many appointments related to spinal care or elective spinal surgery may have been on hold for the past few months, AdventHealth’s spine care providers are open again and ready to safely deliver the care you need now.
Expert Care for a Common Problem
Spinal problems are a painful and, unfortunately, common occurrence. Approximately 80% of adults experience back pain at some point in their lives, and back pain is one of the most frequent reasons that people miss work.
Dr. Chetan Patel, Medical Director for Spine, states: "Low back pain can be one of the most disabling conditions one can experience in a lifetime since a healthy back is needed to do just about everything you need to do in your daily life. A customized treatment plan is one of the best ways of ensuring that you get better quickly and can get back to doing the things that you love."
Our physicians, nurses, therapists and other professionals can help keep you free from spinal pain and get you back to doing the things you love. We offer dozens of spine care options, from innovative pain management treatments to the most advanced, minimally invasive spinal procedures available anywhere. Whether you need treatment for scoliosis, spinal cancer or another spinal condition, we’re here for you, from the emergency room (ER) to the physical therapy room.
We’re Taking Extra Safety Measures for Your Appointment
Now is the time to talk with your doctor about getting the care you need to live an active life. You can have peace of mind that when you visit one of AdventHealth’s spine clinics, we’ve put strict safety measures in place to protect you. Those safety measures include:
- Temperature checks for all employees, patients and visitors
- Required masks for everyone in our hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices
- Social distancing in waiting rooms and other common spaces
- Visitor restrictions
- Separate areas to care for anyone who’s sick
Healthy Spine, Healthy Life
Our spine care specialists are ready to listen, answer your questions and explain spinal disorder treatment options. Then, we’ll offer you the latest technology and diagnostic tests. If you need a neurologist, neurosurgeon, nutritionist, physical therapist or pain management specialist, we’ll connect you with our capable experts to take care of your specific needs.
Spine Care Via Telehealth
Another way we’re making sure you get the spine care you need is through telehealth, which is also sometimes called a virtual visit or a video visit. Using your tablet, phone or computer, telehealth offers you expert care with a board-certified physician, nurse practitioner or other qualified provider from the comfort of your home. In many cases, you can receive a diagnosis, treatment and prescriptions just like you would during an in-person visit, but without having to travel to a clinic or doctor’s office.
Standing Tall: Steps for Better Back and Spine Health
While spine-related pain is common, you don’t have to live with it. In addition to staying connected with your care provider, there are many steps you can take on a daily basis to improve your spine health.
Some important strategies to prevent back and neck pain include:
- Adjusting the height of your desk, computer and chair
- Avoiding lifting anything that’s too heavy or twisting when lifting items
- Avoiding slouching to prevent strain on your neck and shoulders
- Avoiding smoking, which lessens normal blood flow and damages bone density, discs and connective tissue
- Eating healthy foods and maintaining a healthful weight
- Going to physical therapy to improve balance, reduce pain and control osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
- Managing stress
- Practicing good posture by sitting or standing with your head up and your back straight
- Sleeping on your side, as well as placing a pillow under your knees and using a firm mattress
- Staying active to keep muscles strong and flexible
Taking care of your spine is just one part of managing your health in the current environment. The CDC recommends that you avoid close contact with others, wash your hands frequently, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, use a cloth face mask and cover coughs and sneezes.
We’re Ready When You’re Ready
Our spine experts are available to talk with you now, whether it’s in a clinic or through a telehealth visit. You can reach out through the AdventHealth app with any concerns about your overall health, or learn more about spine care at AdventHealth.
