What is a spine physician? This term refers to a doctor who provides spine and related care and specifically refers to chiropractic physicians and neurosurgeons, members of the AASP.
Is the AASP part of a College or University? No. The AASP is an independent organization with members from many different institutions. The AASP cooperates with and affiliates with various institutions in the development and provision of continuing educational opportunities for chiropractic physicians and neurosurgeons.
How can I find a doctor in my area who is an active member of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP)? To Locate a physican click here .
The doctor presently seeing me for back or neck problems does not appear to be an active member of the AASP; therefore, is he/she qualified to care for my spine? Your physician may be very qualified in providing spinecare. The AASP cannot guarantee the skills of any particular member or implicate the lack of skills in a non-member. The AASP is an organization, which provides a unique opportunity for chiropractic physicians and neurosurgeons to obtain continuing education and work together. Membership in the organization suggests the member is dedicated to providing conservative and cooperative spine care. The AASP attracts those who are leaders in spinecare.
Does the AASP screen prospective members prior to granting membership? Yes. The member must be a chiropractic physician or neurosurgeon with a spinecare practice and valid license to practice and must complete the application form and be approved by the AASP membership committee.
How can I help improve communication between my chiropractic physician and neurosurgeon? Let your physician know that you are aware of the AASP and request that they join for your benefit and the benefit of others. You can also contact the AASP membership office and request that information about the organization be sent to you or directly to the physicians of your choice. The AASP can forward information by fax, email or regular mail.
What is the benefit of seeing a physician who is an active member of the AASP? You are seeing a physician who prioritizes the well-being of the patient and is committed to conservative and cooperative spinecare.
Does the AASP recognize advanced training for spine physicians? Yes. The AASP provides opportunities for educational advancement for it members. The AASP provides the designations of Diplomate or Fellow to those active members who meet the academic requirements set forth. The level of advanced training achieved by members is posted on the member’s profile. High academic achievement is recognized by the doctor being named a Diplomate of the American Academy of Spine Physicians. The highest level of academic achievement recognized by the AASP is that of Fellow of the American College of Spine Physicians, through the AASP.
How do I find a member of the AASP who has pursued continuing education through the organization? Go to the online AASP member directory. Search for a member.
Do members of the AASP participate in managed care (PPO, HMO, etc). They might. You would have to contact the member’s office directly and confirm whether they participate in any particular insurance plan.
Does the AASP have a medical center or run a clinic? No.
Do physician members of the AASP provide second opinions? Most members are available to provide second opinions. You would have to contact the member of your choice and inquire about this.
Will the AASP schedule an appointment with a physician for me? No. You can obtain contact information from the AASP. You can schedule your own appointment.
What is the educational background of a neurosurgeon? Click here to view a Neurosurgeon’s training.
What is the educational background of a chiropractic physician? Click here to view a Chiropractic Physician’s Training.
Can I go to a neurosurgeon and a chiropractic physician for spine care during the same time period? Yes.
Is it possible I might need surgery on one part of the spine and chiropractic care for another part of the spine? Yes.
What is conservative spine care? Conservative care refers to providing the least invasive therapeutic option, which provides the greatest potential benefit, and least exposure to risks.
When should I tell acquaintances about the AASP? If they have acute or persistent spinal and related complaints including back and neck pain and pain radiating down the arm or leg. If they have been told they may require surgery and wish to seek a second opinion.
I thought medical doctors and chiropractic physicians did not get along, so how did the AASP develop? It developed as the result of a group of neurosurgeons and chiropractic physicians who put any bias aside, educated each other on their role in spine care and decided to work together for the benefit of patients with spinal disorders. AASP Hisory
How can I obtain more information about spinal disorders? Go to the AASP location spinaldisorders.info and search for your condition.
How can I obtain additional information about my spinal diagnosis through the AASP? Go to spinaldisorders.info and search by entering in your spinal diagnosis.
How can I obtain information about diagnostic approaches to spinal conditions? Go to spinaldisorders.info and click on the category of your choice.
Have there been press releases about the AASP? Yes, some of which are posted on the website for review.
Who provides direction to the AASP? The Academy Council, Academy Scientific Consultants, Academy Education Committee and the Academy Scientific Committee provide direction to the AASP.
Who is on the Academy Council? The Academy Council is comprised of pre-eminent Chiropractic Physicians and Neurosurgeons dedicated to improving the quality of spine care through the mission and goals of the AASP. AASP Academy Council
What do the neurosurgeons and chiropractic physicians have in common? Both physicians emphasize conservative care of the spine. They both have extensive training in biomechanics, neurology and disorders of the spine.
Do I have a right to be informed by my attending physician of reasonable therapeutic options for my spinal condition? Yes.
What are some of signs and symptoms of spinal disorders? Back pain, back discomfort, or back stiffness. Neck pain, neck discomfort, or neck stiffness. Pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness in arm(s) or leg(s). Can also include difficulty holding or passing urine or difficulty controlling the bowels.
What are some of the categories of treatment available to those of us with spinal disorders? Go to spinaldisorders.info and search under therapeutic options.
Would my primary care physician be aware of the AASP? Probably not, especially, if their practice does not emphasize care of the spine and related disorders.
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