Reducing Disability, Improving Function and Easing Pain
Virtual Visits Available
Virtual Health enables you to speak with providers using your phone, tablet or computer. Call 888-4GW-DOCS to schedule a virtual appointment.
The spine, or backbone, is an intricate structure of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. The most basic activities, like standing and bending, to more serious complications such as spinal disease, can change the structure of the spine or damage surrounding tissue causing pain and limiting movement.
The American Chiropractic Association estimates that more than 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some time in their lives. To help deal with this concerning trend, the specialists at the Spine and Pain Center at the George Washington University Hospital focus on working with patients who have acute and chronic spinal conditions to reduce disability, improve function and ease pain.
Offering nonsurgical options such as injections, implantable devices and physical therapy, as well as minimally invasive surgical procedures, The GW Spine and Pain Center is helping patients find relief from back pain and get active again.
Learn More About Spinal Conditions and Treatments
Schedule an Appointment
Please fill out our general appointment form below or call our referral service at 888-4GW-DOCS.
In addition to treating spinal disorders, the specialists at the GW Spine and Pain Center can diagnose and treat conditions like nerve-related pain, post surgical pain, abdominal/pelvic pain, cancer pain and fibromyalgia (a disorder causing muscle pain and fatigue).
While the experience of pain differs from person to person, it's clear that many Americans are living with pain. According to the National Institutes of Health, more Americans suffer from pain than heart disease, cancer and diabetes combined. Pain is also a major contributor to disability in this country.
Working closely with orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgery and neurology and rehabilitation professionals to coordinate care, the specialists at the GW Spine and Pain Center are helping patients manage their pain and live better lives.
Learn More About Pain Management
Making Your Appointment
The services of the GW Spine and Pain Center are available by appointment only. Since the Center works primarily from referrals, please discuss your pain condition with your attending physician first and have them forward a referring letter or consult notes to the Pain Center before your first appointment.
On your first visit, you should also bring:
- X-rays, MRI, CT or myelogram films relating to your pain condition. Your referring physician's office should be able to assist you in obtaining these films and records.
- Medications you are currently taking, including the name, dosages (number of pills taken per day), milligrams and how long you have been taking the medication.
- Medications you have taken within the past year, including name, dosages (number of pills taken per day), milligrams, how long you took the medication, its effectiveness and why you stopped taking it. Also, any allergic reactions you may have had are important to note.
Most patients who are referred to the GW Spine and Pain Center will receive an evaluation by a neurologist or anesthesiologist. The evaluation will involve a review of your medical records, a physical and a detailed report of findings.
After your initial evaluation, a treatment program is developed just for you directed at relieving your pain, teaching you how to manage pain and increasing your ability to work and carry out a normal lifestyle.
The staff at the GW Spine and Pain Center work closely with Workers' Compensation, private insurance carriers, Medicare/Medicaid and most HMO plans and most times can obtain the necessary payment authorization from your insurance carrier. However, in the event your claim is denied, you will be notified and someone at the Center will work with you to make other payment arrangements.
If you cannot keep a scheduled appointment, please notify our offices as soon as possible.