What to Expect During Your First Visit to a Spine Surgeon

Apr 28

Visiting a spine surgeon for the first time can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can make the experience much more comfortable. We focus on personalized, compassionate care — always putting your goals first.

Here’s what your first appointment will look like:

Listening to Your Story

Your visit begins with a conversation. Dr. Katsevman listens carefully to understand your symptoms:

Where is your pain located?
When does it happen?
What makes it better or worse?
When did it start?

This step is crucial for getting to the root of your problem rather than jumping to quick conclusions.

Focused Physical Examination

Next, you’ll undergo a focused physical exam:

Checking for muscle weakness
Testing reflexes
Evaluating tenderness, pain locations, and movement patterns

These details help guide the next steps and narrow down the possible causes of your symptoms.

Imaging and Diagnostic Testing

Depending on your story and exam, Dr. Katsevman may order tests such as:

MRI, CT scans, Full body EOS scan (xray) or dynamic x-rays (bending and standing)
EMG (nerve testing)

The goal is to gather complete information before making any decisions.

Conservative First Approach

For most patients, surgery is not the first answer. Instead, Dr. Katsevman emphasizes:

Physical therapy (sometimes including traction or decompression therapy)
Medications (nerve pain medications, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatories)
Injections (epidural steroid injections, SI joint injections, nerve ablations, and others)

Most patients improve with conservative care alone!

Creating a Personalized Plan — Together

Dr. Katsevman believes that treatment should be a team decision:

Your personal goals shape the treatment options.
Imaging findings are considered, but they don't drive the decision alone.
Surgery is reserved for those who do not respond to conservative care or have significant symptoms like weakness or balance problems.

If surgery is considered, it’s tailored to your needs — not a "one size fits all" approach.

Principles That Guide Your Care

Shared Decision-Making: You and Dr. Katsevman work together on the best plan.
Less is More: Surgery is a last resort — and should be done for the right reasons at the right time.
Second Opinions Encouraged: Dr. Katsevman supports patients seeking second opinions to feel confident and informed about their choices.

Final Thought

When you visit us, expect a thoughtful, caring, and personalized experience focused on you — not just your MRI. Any we’ll be sure to explain everything in terms you can understand. Contact us when you’re ready for that first appointment.

Naples Office: (239) 649-1662
Fort Myers Office: (239) 437-1121
or click the “Contact” tab above to get scheduled.