[mbswitzer]

My wife is suffering from severe back pain and we're going to be in the Villages within the next couple weeks. Can anyone recommend a back specialist in or around the Villages? Also, does anyone know whether there is an "open" MRI anywhere in the Villages?

Thank you.

[Inexes@aol.com]

Originally Posted by mbswitzer

My wife is suffering from severe back pain and we're going to be in the Villages within the next couple weeks. Can anyone recommend a back specialist in or around the Villages? Also, does anyone know whether there is an "open" MRI anywhere in the Villages?

Thank you.

First off, for back pain or any pain associated with the spine, I would be searching for a neurologist NOT an orthopaedic physician. A search of this site for recommendations for neurologists should turn up some very good references. Good luck in your search.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Inexes@aol.com

First off, for back pain or any pain associated with the spine, I would be searching for a neurologist NOT an orthopaedic physician. A search of this site for recommendations for neurologists should turn up some very good references. Good luck in your search.

My wife has some back issues and after an MRI her neurologist has referred her to a spinal surgeon.

Since we have not had any experience with him yet not in a position to recommend him.

[Jack58033]

I would suggest Patrick Alger MD of Arbor Medical.

[JohnN]

Harsha Rajashekar at The Villages Health has done a very nice job for my bad back.
You'd better book quickly as his schedule goes out a bit, and you likely need a referral.
Best wishes.

PS - I do lots and lots of ben-gay, yoga and hot showers, it provides some relief on a day to day basis, but I know when more is needed. Good luck.

[JGVillages]

Dr Daniel Robertson in Ocala. He is a surgeon but believes that option only when necessary. He has been treating my back with injections (2 so far) and proper exercise. Though not cured the back is manageable and I am playing Pickleball and walking daily. I got an MRI at Lake Medical Imaging in the Sharon Morse Building at the hospital. It is a “wide body” MRI not totally open. Cannot get as good of an image on open MRI units.

[PugMom]

i use Dr. 'Shaker' too, very nice guy, & i think lake imaging may have an open mri. they gave me the option of it, but i actually like going inside those things, lol. they gave me headphones too, my choice of music

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by JGVillages

Dr Daniel Robertson in Ocala. He is a surgeon but believes that option only when necessary. He has been treating my back with injections (2 so far) and proper exercise. Though not cured the back is manageable and I am playing Pickleball and walking daily. I got an MRI at Lake Medical Imaging in the Sharon Morse Building at the hospital. It is a “wide body” MRI not totally open. Cannot get as good of an image on open MRI units.

Thank you so much for your post. My wife will be seeing Dr Robertson and happy to hear he is not a cutter.unless necessary.

[Carla B]

Yes, Dr. Robertson is a neuro surgeon. Neuro surgery is the specialty to start with, not orthopedic. My husband's first back surgery was done by an orthopedic who did specialize in backs, but in the end, it was a failed surgery. The second surgery, by a neuro surgeon, could not completely remove the offending hardware that had been installed by the orthopedic. And that has led to much pain and suffering.
Good luck to you and your wife.

[Rwirish]

If she is in that much pain why would you be traveling to The Villages?

[Linnberg]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

My wife has some back issues and after an MRI her neurologist has referred her to a spinal surgeon.

Since we have not had any experience with him yet not in a position to recommend him.

Who was your neurologist?
My MRI shows spinal stenosis.

[Girlcopper]

Originally Posted by Rwirish

If she is in that much pain why would you be traveling to The Villages?

Exactly

[vinricci]

Neurosurgeon. Had unbearable back pain that travelled down my left leg and couldn’t walk. When my pain Dr. Payman, saw my MRI he said epidurals probably wouldn’t help, so he recommended a neurosurgeon. Saw Dr. Christopher Baker in Orlando and though I was against anyone messing around with my spinal cord, he put my wife and I at ease by patiently going over my MRI layer by layer. We were shocked when he told us it would be outpatient micro-surgery. Well had it done yesterday at Noon and by 3:45pm we on the way home with minimal pain. Armed with all kinds of pain and muscle relaxers, so far I haven’t had to take any. So definitely recommend Advent Health and Dr. Baker if you’re needing a competent, caring neurosurgeon

[jeanninern@yahoo.com]

Dr. Razack in Orlando. He’s the best.

[NHsnow1]

Your wife needs a proper diagnosis of her back issues. Please find a neurologist or neurosurgeon who is board certified. The Villages have many physicians who ARE NOT board certified and you need to stay away from them. It is a proper question to ask when you make an appointment. I worked as an RN for 40 years. Good luck!!!