Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of spine problems do you treat?
Herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, neck pain, lower back pain, and SI joint issues. If it's spine or nerve pain, we deal with it.
Will I definitely need surgery for my herniated disc?
Probably not right away. We start with injections or physical therapy. Surgery is only talked about when other things aren't cutting it.
I've got shooting pain down my leg. Could that be sciatica?
Yeah, that's the classic sign - pain, numbness, or burning running from the lower back down one leg. We'd need to look at imaging to confirm which nerve is involved.
How bad does a spinal injection hurt?
Honestly, not much. A quick sting when it goes in, then pressure for a second. Most people are surprised by how fast it's over, usually under 15 minutes.
What's actually different about minimally invasive surgery?
Smaller cut, less muscle disruption, and home the same day in most cases. It's not a different procedure - just a better way to get there.
My neck pain shoots into my arms and hands. What's going on?
That usually means a nerve in the neck is being compressed. ACDF surgery removes the disc causing it and stabilizes that part of the spine. Arm symptoms tend to clear up pretty quickly after.
How long before I'm back to normal after spine surgery?
Light work - maybe 2 weeks. For anything physical, give it 6 weeks minimum. Dr. Buchholz will tell you straight based on what he finds.
Is radiofrequency ablation a permanent fix?
No, it wears off. Most people get around a year of relief, sometimes more. When it comes back, we can just redo it.
What insurance plans do you take?
Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana. Workers' comp and car accident cases, too. Just not Medicaid or Medicare.
How do I book an appointment?
Call us at (571) 399-6340 or fill out the request form on our website. We'll get back to you the same day in most cases.