Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs

Questions from Dr. Gallina's patients concerning office procedures and treatment

office appointments, procedures, test results, prescriptions

• making an appointment
• what to bring with you for your appointment
• forms to be filled out
• insurance and financial policies
• getting test results
• prescriptions
• where is the office located?

Meeting with Dr. Jason Gallina - first appointment, evaluation or treatment

What should you expect:

• on the first visit to the doctor?
• during your visit with Dr. Gallina
• after your appointment with Dr. Gallina

Staying healthy - Caring for your back and neck FAQS

• Are abdominal "crunch" exercises the best way to keep from having low back pain?
• What is the best aerobic exercise I can do to take care of my spine?
• Will a support belt or brace keep my low back safe when I lift at work?
• I get a lot of back pain when I sit at my computer. Do I need a new chair?
• Is "correct" posture really that important to the health of my spine?
• Should I lock my feet when doing a sit up?
• What exercises should I continue doing to keep my low back toned and healthy?
• Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Posture
• Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Spine
• Tips to Relieve Stress and Tension

Non-Surgical FAQS

• Physical Therapy
• How much longer will I need physical therapy?
• Medications
• Braces
• My friend told me about a TENS unit she uses for her back pain. What is a TENS unit, and will it work for me?
• Exercise

Pre-Surgery FAQs

if you need spinal surgery

• questions to ask Dr. Gallina
• preparing for your hospital stay
• what to expect after surgery

Surgery FAQs

• Potential complications of surgery
• I've had pain and problems with my low back for many years. What can I expect from my spine surgery?
• What is conservative treatment, and will it help my problem as much as surgery?
• Are lasers used in spine surgery?
• Why do I need to quit smoking before having spine surgery?
• If I have a spine fusion surgery using metal screws and rods, will they ever need to be removed?
• What are the risks of minimally invasive spine surgery?
• What is minimally invasive spine surgery and how is it different from traditional spine surgery?
• Is minimally invasive surgery a new technique?

Recovery and Rehabilitation FAQs - Tips for a speedy and healthy recovery

• What Can I Expect While in the Hospital?
• What Can I Expect When I Get Home?
• Setting Expectations for Your Recovery
• Tips for Daily Living
• How can I keep from having problems with my spine after spine surgery?
• My spine condition has kept me out of work for some time. When can I get back to work, and how will I know I can do my work safely?
• When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery?
• Physical Therapy
• How much longer will I need physical therapy?