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26 THE COURIER SUN • OCTOBER 3, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com nonsurgical Back pain treatments offer relief accurate Diagnosis is critical habits or practices that may be causing the pain. The doctor should perform a thorough physical exam and order appropriate diagnostic tests, such as x-rays. When to See a Doctor If you develop back pain, Dr. Geiger advises resting or modifying activities and taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. In general, anyone who experiences ongoing or worsening back pain for more than several days should see a doctor. People should make an appointment immediately if the Stephen Geiger, M.D. pain is excruciating and comes on suddenly, or if the pain shoots down an arm or leg, especially if there is numbness or weakness. Back Pain Dos and Don’ts Doing research online for back pain doesn’t always yield the best information. Much of the advice on the Internet is too generalized for most patients, and doing the wrong exercises can do more harm than good. Dr. Geiger has also seen patients who have done exercises prescribed for their spouse for back pain. “This is not a good idea,” he says. “Exercises to relieve pain from a herniated disc are not the same as those prescribed to alleviate back pain from arthritis.” Treatments often include medication, lifestyle changes and physical therapy. If these don’t help, many people have found relief with epidurals and other spine injection procedures. After receiving a local anesthetic, the medication is injected into the spine region with x-ray guidance to pinpoint the exact area causing pain. The procedure takes about 15 minutes, and within a few days, patients usually find relief and can start a physical therapy program, if needed. Dr. Geiger advises patients to develop good habits and stick to their exercise program so the pain relief lasts. For more information about Dr. Geiger and the other specialists at HSS Queens, visit www.hss.edu/Queens Most insurance plans are accepted. Hospital for special surgery • Queens 176-60 union turnpike, suite 190, fresh Meadows, new york 800.757.9589 www.hss.edu/queens If you’re like most people, chances are you’ll have a backache at some time in your life. If you take it easy and rest your back for a couple of days, it will often get better. But many people have persistent back pain, and it’s one of the most common reasons for a visit to the doctor. A number of nonsurgical options can help relieve the pain, according to Dr. Stephen Geiger, a physiatrist at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Physician Office in Fresh Meadows, Queens. A physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in providing nonsurgical care to treat problems of the back, neck, hips, and other areas that may cause problems. The goal is to alleviate pain, improve muscle strength, and restore function and movement. “The first step is to get an accurate diagnosis with a comprehensive medical evaluation. Once I determine the cause of the pain, I tailor a treatment plan to meet a patient’s individual needs,” says Dr. Geiger, who also sees patients at Hospital for Special Surgery Physician Office on Long Island. When you see a physician, the doctor should spend ample time with you, taking a comprehensive medical history and discussing certain Is your bank closing your business account? Recently, a bank announced that they’re shutting their doors to their small and mid-sized business customers. At Flushing Bank, we focus on creating long-lasting relationships with the businesses in the neighborhoods and local communities we serve. We are a local community bank that provides businesses with the expertise, products and business banking solutions they need and deserve, and we‘re ready to provide them to you today. As a Flushing Bank business customer, you will quickly learn that we’re small enough to know you, yet large enough to help you. For more information, visit your local Flushing Bank branch, call 800.581.2889 or go to www.FlushingBank.com. Don’t forget to ask about our Free Business Checking Nexus7 32GB tablet offer. From Forbes.com March 18, 2013. © 2013 Forbes.com LLC. All rights reserved. Used by permission and protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States. The printing, copying, redistribution, or retransmission of this Content without express written permission is prohibited. Flushing Bank is a registered trademark


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