Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from patients in Arcadia, CA and the San Gabriel Valley.
What conditions does Smart Spine treat?
Smart Spine treats a wide range of spinal and orthopedic conditions including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, and chronic neck and back pain. We also manage post-traumatic spine injuries and failed back surgery syndrome. Our team evaluates each condition to determine whether conservative care or surgical intervention is the best path forward.
Do I need surgery, or are there non-surgical options for back pain?
Most patients at Smart Spine do not need surgery. We typically start with conservative options such as physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and targeted pain management before considering any surgical route. Surgery is only recommended after non-surgical treatments have been exhausted or when there is significant nerve compression or instability.
What is minimally invasive spine surgery and how is it different from traditional surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses small incisions (often less than an inch), specialized tubular retractors, and advanced imaging to access the spine without cutting through large muscle groups. Compared to traditional open surgery, patients typically experience less blood loss, smaller scars, reduced post-operative pain, and significantly faster recovery times. Many of our Arcadia patients return home the same day or the next morning.
How long is the recovery after minimally invasive spine surgery?
Most patients are walking the same day of surgery and return to light desk work within 1-2 weeks. Full recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks for procedures like microdiscectomy, while spinal fusion may require 3-6 months for complete healing. We provide each patient with a personalized recovery timeline and physical therapy plan to optimize results.
Does Smart Spine accept my insurance?
Smart Spine in Arcadia, CA accepts most major insurance plans including Medicare, Blue Shield, Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and many PPO and HMO networks. We also work with workers' compensation cases and personal injury claims. Our billing team verifies your benefits before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect regarding coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
How do I schedule a consultation at Smart Spine?
You can schedule a consultation by booking directly through the Smart Spine website or by contacting our Arcadia office during business hours. New patients should bring any recent MRI, CT, or X-ray imaging on disc, a list of current medications, and their insurance card. Most new patient appointments can be scheduled within one week.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your first visit includes a detailed review of your medical history, a physical and neurological examination, and a thorough discussion of your symptoms. If you have prior imaging, our physicians will review it with you and explain the findings in plain language. By the end of the visit, you'll have a clear diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan outlining both non-surgical and, if necessary, surgical options.
When should I see a spine specialist instead of my primary care doctor?
You should consider seeing a spine specialist if your back or neck pain lasts longer than 4-6 weeks, radiates into your arms or legs, causes numbness, tingling, or weakness, or interferes with sleep and daily activities. Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control is a medical emergency and requires immediate care. A specialist evaluation can identify the root cause and prevent minor issues from becoming chronic problems.