FAQs About Advanced Spine Care & Pain Management in Staten Island, NY

No. Surgery is rarely the first step, and in many cases, it can be avoided entirely. An abnormal MRI result alone does not automatically mean a spine operation is required. True effective care relies on clinical experience to accurately pinpoint what is causing the pain, how to treat it, and when surgery is truly necessary—a nuanced understanding that is often lacking in standard settings. Dr. Pathare’s core mission is to manage severe back pain and disc issues through targeted, non-surgical alternatives and interventional pain techniques, reserving surgery only for specific, severe medical cases after conservative options have been fully explored.

Dr. Pathare prioritizes conservative, minimally invasive care before considering major procedures. His protocol focuses on encouraging a thorough second opinion to review your diagnosis and imaging, followed by a personalized treatment plan using targeted non-surgical and interventional techniques, such as nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation, to relieve pain and restore function without fusion.

• Facet Joint Injections
• Trigger Point Injections
• Medial Branch Nerve Blocks
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) of Medial Branch Nerves
• Endoscopic Rhizotomy of Medial Branch Nerves
• Spinal Cord Stimulators
• Deep Trigger Point Injections

Diagnostic Step First (Nerve Blocks): A medial branch nerve block is primarily a diagnostic tool. By injecting a local anesthetic near the tiny nerves supplying the facet joints, immediate and significant relief (often 50–80%+) confirms those specific joints as the pain source. However, local anesthetics can also be used therapeutically in other pain generators via trigger point injections, which directly target painful muscle knots deep within the cervical and lumbar spine.

Long-Term Solution (RFA): Because diagnostic nerve blocks only provide temporary relief lasting hours to days, patients who experience positive, short-term pain reduction from two separate blocks are ideal candidates for Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). RFA uses targeted heat energy to temporarily deactivate pain-transmitting nerve fibers, delivering extended relief typically lasting 6 to 18 months. For many patients, RFA offers a highly appealing, minimally invasive alternative to major spine surgery or spinal fusion.

• Spinal Cord Stimulators
• Interventional Pain Management Procedures:
• Medial Branch Nerve Blocks
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
• Endoscopic Rhizotomy
• Deep Trigger Point Injections

How They Work: A Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) is an implantable device consisting of thin wires (leads) placed in the epidural space near the spinal cord and a small battery generator placed under the skin. It sends mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord that interrupt or mask pain signals before they reach the brain, replacing pain with a pleasant sensation (paresthesia) or sub-perception relief.

Ideal Candidates:

• Patients with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) or persistent post-surgical pain.
• Individuals suffering from chronic neuropathic (nerve) pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or severe sciatica not relieved by conservative care.
• Candidates who have successfully completed a temporary trial (typically 5–7 days) demonstrating significant pain relief and functional improvement.
• Patients cleared by a psychological evaluation to ensure realistic expectations.

Advanced Spine Care & Pain Management is open Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

We are conveniently located at 565 Jewett Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302.

Yes, we accept Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Empire Plan, Fidelis, GHI, Medicare, and Workers’ Compensation (for New York. To learn more about our accepted insurance, please visit our dedicated insurance page or contact us for more details.

You can request an appointment directly through the website or call us to discuss your needs. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you with your questions and scheduling your visit.

• For your first visit to Advanced Spine Care & Pain Management, expect a personalized consultation to review your medical history, symptoms, and care goals.
• To ensure a smooth check-in, complete your admission paperwork in advance and bring a government-issued ID, insurance information, relevant radiology reports, and a list of current medications. 
• Free patient parking is available on-site at the corner of Jewett and Ravenhurst Avenue, and you will receive an automated appointment confirmation the day before your visit.

To learn more about being a new patient at Advanced Spine Care & Pain Management, please see our New Patient Resources.