How do I get started?

First, we need to get to know you. Often with new patients, determining the cause of low back or neck pain can be difficult. For that reason, we start out with an initial consultation. This allows our staff to obtain a detailed history, perform a focused physical exam, conduct appropriate diagnostic studies or imaging, and then work to develop an appropriate, cost-effective and efficient treatment plan.  If you have not had an appropriate workup for your pain, this is a good place to start. Call 205.723.0088 and set up your evaluation today.

What if I’ve already been evaluated by another healthcare provider?

If you have already had an evaluation by a healthcare provider and need a procedure that they have recommended, just have your provider make a referral on your behalf.  Click HERE for our referral form, and please fax it to 205-406-7222. 

PAIN PROCEDURES

When you schedule your procedure, the scheduling nurse will be able to answer a lot of your questions. So, if you have any questions that aren’t answered on this site, feel free to call and discuss your care plan with us.

When you arrive, please sign in at the registration desk. Once your registration is complete and your suite is ready, we will take you back and the nurses will get you ready for your procedure. WE WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ADHERE TO THE SCHEDULE. That said, sometimes unforeseen circumstances or emergencies do arise that can cause an unanticipated delay. Should this occur, we will keep you informed of these delays and their expected duration.

After you have changed into a patient gown, a registered nurse will conduct your admission assessment, start your IV, and get you ready for your procedure. An anesthetist will also visit you to conduct an assessment and answer any questions you might have with regards to anesthesia. This is the appropriate time for you to ask any remaining unanswered questions you might have. If we need any additional testing, we will also do that at this time. You can expect to be relaxing in your suite for about an hour before your procedure. The average total stay is two to three hours. We do require that someone accompany you and remain in their car during your procedure. This person should be prepared to drive you home. We cannot stress enough that all patients must be accompanied by a designated driver on the day of surgery. You will not be able to drive yourself home afterwards. Also, all patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Our pain doctors do not routinely talk with family members after the completion of a procedure. You should expect to stay in our recovery area for about 30 minutes. If you experience any complication from your pain procedure after you’ve gone back home, contact our pain nurse immediately. Otherwise, we will call to check on you two to three days following your procedure.

OTHER PROCEDURES

If you are having a procedure done in The Neurospine Center at St. Vincent’s Birmingham, one of our nurses will contact you the evening before the procedure for a health interview and to provide any specific instructions. Please remember - DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight.

When you arrive, please sign in at the registration desk. Once your registration is complete and your suite is ready, we will take you back and the nurses will get you ready for your procedure. WE WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ADHERE TO THE SCHEDULE. That said, sometimes unforeseen circumstances or emergencies do arise that can cause an unanticipated delay. Should this occur, we will keep you informed of these delays and their expected duration.

After you have changed into a patient gown, a registered nurse will conduct your admission assessment, start your IV, and get you ready for your procedure. An anesthesiologist will also visit you to conduct an assessment and answer any questions you might have with regards to anesthesia. This is the appropriate time for you and your family to ask any remaining unanswered questions you might have. If we need any additional testing, we will also do that at this time. You can expect to be relaxing in your suite for about an hour before your procedure. If you would like to have your family member(s) with you at this time, you may. However, when we take you back for your procedure, your family will be asked to wait in their car.

Before going home, you will be offered snacks and something to drink. We will make sure that any discomfort due to pain or nausea is addressed. One of our discharge nurses will give you instructions on what to expect once you leave our facility and what to do if you have any questions or concerns.

Once you have met our discharge criteria, one of the center associates will transport you via wheelchair to your car. It is important that you do not operate machinery, drive, drink alcoholic beverages, or make important legal decisions for 24 hours following discharge. If you experience any complication from your surgery once home, contact your surgeon immediately. Otherwise, we will call to check on you one to two days following your surgery.

  • DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING, EVEN WATER, AFTER MIDNIGHT THE DAY BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE.
  • This includes gum, mints, candy, and chewing tobacco.
  • DO NOT wear your contact lenses the day of your procedure.
  • DO brush your teeth the morning of your procedure.
  • DO wear loose simple clothing that is comfortable and non-constraining.
  • DO wear dentures, bridges, and hearing aids the day of your procedure.
  • DO remove ANY and ALL body piercing.
  • DO leave valuables at home.
  • DO notify your physician before your scheduled procedure should you become ill with a  fever, cold, sore throat, or other illness.
  • DO bring your current insurance card and your driver’s license.
  • DO notify the pre-admission nurse if you are on any herbal supplements, diet pills, or over  the counter medications.
  • DIABETIC PATIENTS - DO NOT take your insulin or oral diabetic medication the morning  of your procedure. DO bring your insulin with you the day of your procedure
  • BLOOD THINNERS or ANTICOAGULANT MEDICATIONS - you will need to discuss stopping these medications prior to your procedure with your physician. Please click HERE to see our anticoagulation policy.