General Back FAQs

• How are your doctors different from other doctors?

  Since we focus on optimizing overall function rather than care of a specific symptom, we address all body systems. Our medical training integrates elements of several disciplines including orthopedics and musculoskeletal care, neurology, and rheumatology. We explore all treatment options through our interdisciplinary team approach.

• What is Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation?

  It's a medical specialty dedicated to restoring or maximizing function and self sufficiency in patients who have physical disability resulting form injury or chronic illness. Because PM&R focuses on optimizing overall function, rather than care of a specific symptom, it must address all body systems. Thus it integrates elements of several medical disciplines including orthopedics and musculoskeletal care, neurology, and rheumatology. PM&R physicians have a high degrees of involvement with their patients in order to help them regain function and independence and resume the life activities that they performed prior to illness.

• Why Carolina Back Institute?

  With all the specialists under one roof, you can get all of your back, neck, joint and extremity care in one place. Our care can help you reduce the frequency of office visits for chronic problems, as well as reduce the need for more invasive procedures.
  
  We take the conservative approach to back care and other injuries. Fewer than 10% of all patients with back injuries require surgery, but quite often, the first referral is to a surgeon. We strive to use the least invasive care possible. You will benefit from our ability to quickly identify and implement the best method of treatment. It’s our unique range of services and our focus on your long-term well being that makes us the best resource for back care and other injuries.

• How do your physicians diagnose?

  Our doctors’ diagnostic tools are the same as those used by other physicians such as exams and special tests. We also use special techniques like electromyography, nerve condition studies and evoked potentials. These techniques help the Medical Doctors to diagnose conditions that cause pain, weakness and numbness.

• What sort of treatments does your medical staff offer?

  We offer a broad spectrum of medical services. Our Medical Doctors may prescribe medication or assistive devices. We also use diverse therapies such as heat and cold, electrotherapies, therapeutic injections, nerve blocks, biofeedback and therapeutic exercise. Find out more about our services here.

• What does a Physiatrist do?

  They work to restore or maximize the functional skills, self-sufficiency and mobility of people with temporary or permanent disabilities. These disabilities may range from minor sports injuries to more complex conditions such as paraplegia. As Board certified physicians, they complete a physical medicine and rehabilitation residency specializing in patients with strokes, head injuries, chronic pain problems, neuroskeletal dysfunctions and other disabling illnesses.

• What kind of difference can Carolina Back Institute really make?

  Since it is our goal to restore you to maximum function, the difference we make can be dramatic. A missed diagnosis could mean more pain, time and money for you. By identifying the problem early on and prescribing the appropriate treatment, we can get you back to living and enjoying life.