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be packaged for my or Dr. Dentico's review to expedite treatment." "An evaluation by a physician quickly puts patients into therapy protocols," Dr. Dentico adds. "Having a nurse naviga- tor assist in all of these maneuvers keeps patients progressing instead of struggling to advocate for their own care." Advanced radiologic technologies on- site, including MRIs, X-rays, CT and bone scans, as well as X-ray-guided injection therapies, increase the pace by swiftly providing physicians with the imaging required to set a plan of care in motion. "If a patient throws his or her back out on Sunday, I want to perform an examination as quickly as possible to ease his or her pain, and we will do everything possible to reha- bilitate the patient swiftly and efficiently," Dr. Dentico says. "Fast turnaround with a nurse navigator facilitates that aspect of care." Nonsurgical Pain Management A thorough evaluation by clinicians at the Spine Center at Northern Dutchess Hospital is the first of a two-pronged strategy that, for most patients, begins with nonsurgical treatment options. After ruling out neurological conditions that might require an immediate surgi- cal consultation, Dr. Dentico tailors a care plan to the patients' conditions and needs, depending upon the acuity of the underlying back issue. "Pa in ma na gement beg ins w it h interventional injections, which can provide substantial relief for shorter periods of time," Dr. Dentico says. "I understand and appreciate the reha- bilitation process for patients and work with them to regain f unction with several different types of therapies." As a physiatrist, Dr. Dentico provides a host of injection interventions in order to diagnose the origin of a patient's back pain and treat it with an ultimate goal of avoiding surgery. Epidural injections place medication directly into and around the nerves in the spinal discs to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. These injections may be given in both the cervical and lumbar spine. Dr. Dentico can also use spinal joint injections to treat arthritis pain. "The Spine Center at Northern Dutchess Hospital provides community physicians with a real resource for back pain via physiatry, therapy and surgery. We give their patients access to expedited, expert spine care to get them feeling better and help them return to functional lifestyle activities, whether skiing or picking up their grandchildren." — Richard Dentico, MD, pain management specialist, Spine Center at Northern Dutchess Hospital Alecia Brophy, RN, assists a patient through her CT examination. SPECI A L FE AT UR E 1 6 | Mid Hudson MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M