What the Heck is a Physiatrist ?!?

Our visit with Dr. Peditto went as expected. She was disappointed that the physical therapy did not help. She also had the next course of action ready to go. Our next stop was going to be a Physiatrist. Dr. P informed us that she would call her directly and talk to her about Lori’s condition in general and her treatment so far on the leg pain. She also said she would do what she can to get us in as quick as possible.

That was yesterday. Today we had our appointment. I can’t say enough how good the people are at Dr Peditto’s office. Not only did Dr. P get the appointment but in less than 24 hours they had the referral ready to go as well. Any of you who have had to get an appointment with a specialist and get the insurance issues completed knows how very awesome this is.

So, what the heck is a physiatrist you ask?

A Physiatrist is part of a branch of medicine specifically dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of physical disability. Physiatrists are doctors who are certified as specialists in rehabilitation medicine by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The area of medicine they practice is called "physiatry."

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) was born in 1946 in response to the challenge to help disabled citizens reach their maximum potential. What is so special about these specialists? After completing medical school and obtaining an MD or DO degree, they study four more years and take two extra examinations, one written and one oral. The purpose of this extra training is to make sure that physiatrists are focused on the patient as a whole person. Most physicians deal with illness and possible threats to life. The physiatrist deals with functional loss and threats to living fully -- the physical and psychological disabilities remaining after initial medical or surgical treatment.

The physiatrist often coordinates a team of other doctors and health professionals in developing and carrying out a comprehensive rehabilitation plan which extends beyond hospital walls into the patient's family, community, occupation, friends, and ultimate life style. This rehabilitation team may include physical, occupational, and/or speech therapies, nurses and doctors from various specialties, including neurology and orthopedics, psychologists, counselors or social workers, rehabilitation engineers and others.

The physiatrist's success comes through a team effort where the patient is an integral part of the team process. Each improvement in function, however subtle, can significantly improve the life of a patient.

Now you know what a physiatrist is (

Our Doctor’s name is Dr. Lee Ann Brown D.O. She is a board certified and fellowship trained Physiatrist specializing in disorders of the spine. She completed her residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Northwestern University and is a graduate of West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her fellowship in Interventional Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation here at Florida Spine Institute. Dr. Brown is a member of Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports & Occupational Rehab, American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and the American Osteopathic Association.

After her exam she said Lori’s case was difficult to diagnose properly due to Lori’s overlapping conditions and symptoms. She felt it was either one of two things. One was Chemical Radiculitis . The other possibility was inflammation of the SI Joint (otherwise known as the sacroiliac joint). Yes this is the one Bugs Bunny always complains about.

The 1st thing we are going to do is a sacroiliac joint injection. A sacroiliac joint injection serves several purposes. First, by placing numbing medicine into the joint, the amount of immediate pain relief experienced will help confirm or deny the joint as a source of pain. Additionally, the temporary relief of the numbing medicine may better allow a chiropractor or physical therapist to treat that joint. Also, time release cortisone (steroid) will help to reduce any inflammation that may exist within the joint

This is done using x-ray guidance to ensure the precise location is being medicated.

The procedure is not yet scheduled. It should be next week. Dr Brown needs authorization from Dr. Peditto to stop Lori’s Plavix for the 5 days prior to the injection.

In the mean time Dr. Brown prescribed a new medication for Lori. It is called Lyrica. Dr. Brown said it was a drug used to specifically block the pain receptors in the nerves. Lori is to take it 2x’s a day as well as her pain pills.

Hopefully some relief is on the way. If nothing else we have a new direction to go in.