InovaSpine Institute

At Inova Spine Institute, you’ll find a wide range of

treatment alternatives, from physical therapy and

rehabilitation to pain management. For patients who

require surgery, Inova Spine Institute offers the most

robust surgical program in the capital region, with

each surgeon specializing in the unique aspects of

spinal surgery.

We offer in-depth experience treating back pain as

well as experts in the latest treatment techniques

and procedures. And because we offer locations

throughout Northern Virginia and the Washington

DC areas, you will find that world-class treatment for

back pain doesn’t have to be a world away.

Inova Spine Institute is designed to focus on the

specific needs of each person suffering with back

or neck pain. Through our comprehensive, multi-

disciplinary approach, we have one simple goal:

returning you to the activities that you enjoy most.

Inova Spine Institute brings together an array of

spine specialists. Our specialists include physiatrists

(physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors),

interventional pain management doctors and

surgeons to evaluate and care for your back or neck

pain. A simple phone call to one of our intake

specialists, gives you access to an extensive network

of spine specialists. A dedicated intake specialist will

complete a detailed medical history, gather recent

X-rays and MRIs and analyze past test results to assess

your current spine health situation and determine

your level of pain. You will then meet with the

appropriate specialist best suited to your needs and

preferences.

Getting you BACK in action

Inova Spine Institute, the leading collaborative spine treatment program in the Washington, D.C. area, has the most back pain specialists in the region. Our physicians, nurses and the entire Inova team are committed to providing you with unparalleled individualized spine care.

patient - in mind, offering a personalized, timely and

uncomplicated healthcare experience.

Call 703-391-3667 to request an assessment from our

experienced spine care team.

Treatment

Back and neck pain can affect your lifestyle on a

constant basis. Below you’ll find various treatment

options offered by Inova Spine Institute. Treatment

will always be customized to meet your individual

needs.

Your spine specialist may utilize medication in your

treatment plan.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

which include common over-the-counter

medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen and

ketoprofen

• Steroids

• Narcotic medications

• Muscle relaxants

• Antidepressants and antiseizure medications

Physical Therapy

Inova offers the most advanced physical therapy and

rehabilitation treatments for a wide variety of spine

disorders.

Physical therapy services include:

• Core strengthening exercises and pilates

• Flexibility exercises

• Ultrasound (mechanical) traction

Our specialists offer diverse treatment options for your

neck and back pain. If your needs will be best met with

pain management and physical therapy, we have the

experts who can help you. If you do need surgery, we

offer the most advanced, minimally invasive surgical

techniques available.

The Institute is designed with the patient in mind,

offering a personalized, timely and uncomplicated

healthcare experience. Our specialists are dedicated to

making you feel better.

Spine Care Navigators

Our spine care navigators are registered nurses with

specialized training and expertise in back pain. Once

you have been evaluated by one of our intake specialists,

our navigators then work directly with our select

network of physicians and referring providers to make

certain your condition is thoroughly assessed and a

comprehensive treatment plan outlined.

The navigators are here to assist you every step of the

way; explaining each test, exercise or procedure. The

Inova Spine Institute is designed with you - the

• Electrical stimulation

• Myofascial release therapy (to relieve pain and

improve soft tissue flexibility)

• Trigger point massage

Your individualized program begins with a complete

evaluation. We consider your age, medical history and

current condition before designing a rehabilitation

program around the level of activity you want to

achieve. We work with you one-on-one and as a team.

We teach you how to gain strength and mobility.

With over a dozen locations, our centers are accessible

to patients across Northern Virginia. For more

information about Inova Physical Therapy Centers and

a list of locations, visit inova.org/physicaltherapy

Pain ManagementInova offers various pain management treatments to

better your spine health.

Pain Injections

• Trigger point injections

• Epidural steroid injections

• Facet injections

• Sympathetic blocks

• Intrathecal pain pump

Psychology

For some patients, cognitive behavioral therapy

including biofeedback, relaxation, distraction and

pacing can reduce feelings of pain and may be equally

or more effective than drugs or surgery.

• Interspinous/interlaminar implant – This device

is a shock absorber that fits between two vertebrae

to provide cushioning and stability, and relieve

pressure on the spine

• Microendoscopic discectomy for herniated discs

– Surgeons insert a tiny metal tube to access the

herniated disc and remove the portion pressing

on the nerve

• Kyphoplasty for compression fractures – a

balloon is inserted at the fracture and inflated,

pushing the bone back to its normal height and

shape

• Minimally invasive surgery – performed through

smaller incisions and reduce the risk of damage

to nearby parts of the spine

SurgeryEach year, more than 500,000 people in America

undergo spine surgery. Primary candidates for this

surgery include patients with chronic pain who

have not responded to other conservative therapies

or individuals who suffer from acute pain caused

by progressive neurological damage that interferes

with walking, exercise, leisure, recreation or work.

The goal of spine surgery is to relieve pain, restore

independence and return people to their daily

activities.

Spine surgery is usually an option only after less

invasive options have proven unsuccessful. A decision

to have surgery requires careful evaluation of several

factors. (These include the severity of the disorder, the

presence or absence of pressure on the spinal cord

or nerves, how long the pain has been present, and

past medical history.) Minimally invasive surgical

procedures can be good options for treatment of

herniated discs or compression fractures.

Types of Spine Surgery

• Lumbar disc replacement and cervical disc

replacement

• Laminaplasty – the lamina (the bony arches on

the vertebrae) are cut free along one side and

hinged open to enlarge the spinal canal and

relieve pressure

• Laminectomy – removes the bony arches on one

or more vertebrae to relieve pressure

• Spinal fusion – connects two or more vertebrae

together and keeps them from moving until they

have a chance to grow together, or fuse

Inova VNA Home HealthInova VNA Home Health is the leading home care

agency in Northern Virginia and brings quality, skilled

and coordinated healthcare services directly to you in

the comfort of your home. With a focus on patient

satisfaction, their expert nurses and therapists will

tailor a treatment plan to meet your specific needs

and help you regain your independence.

Inova VNA Home Health services include:

• Skilled Nursing

• Physical Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Speech/Language Therapy

• Medical Social Work

• Home Health Aide Service

Ask the ExpertIf you have questions or want to learn more

about treatment options for back pain, consider

attending on of our Ask the Expert community

lectures. These physician led panel discussions

cover all physical therapy, pain management and

surgery options and are held throughout the year

at locations across Northern Virginia. To sign-up,

visit inovaspine.org

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency and urgent care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.

inova.org

G30145/7-11/PDF only

Contact UsCall 703-391-3667 to request an assessment from our

experienced intake specialists, or to reach a spine care

navigator.

Visit inovaspine.org to learn more about the

Inova Spine Institute.