Sigma Spine & Pain Clinic, Baner | Asian Ortho Spine Clinic, Aundh Call / WhatsApp: +91-9823743726 | www.drpriyarathi.com FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q1. What does a spine and pain specialist do? A spine and pain specialist is a doctor trained to diagnose and treat conditions that cause chronic or acute pain — particularly in the spine, joints, nerves, and muscles. Dr Priya Rathi is an Anesthesiologist with advanced fellowship training in pain medicine (FCPM, FIAPM), practicing exclusively in chronic pain management. She uses non-surgical, evidence-based techniques such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, ultrasound-guided dry needling, and targeted spine injections to help patients return to an active, pain-free life. Q2. When should I see a pain specialist instead of a general doctor? Consider consulting a pain specialist if any of the following apply: • Your pain has lasted more than 3 months • Pain medications or physiotherapy have not provided lasting relief • You have been told surgery may be needed but want to explore alternatives • Pain is affecting your sleep, work, or daily activities • You are experiencing nerve pain, tingling, or numbness along with back or neck pain Q3. Does every spine problem require surgery? No. The majority of spine conditions — including slip disc, sciatica, facet joint arthritis, and degenerative disc disease — can be effectively managed without surgery. Dr Rathi focuses on identifying the true source of pain rather than treating MRI findings alone. Many patients who had been advised surgery have found significant, lasting relief through targeted non-surgical interventions. Q4. What is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and how does it help back pain? Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses controlled heat energy to interrupt pain signals from the nerves supplying the facet joints of the spine. It is performed under local anaesthesia as a day procedure — no hospital stay required. RFA is suitable for patients with chronic low back pain or neck pain due to facet joint arthritis. Relief typically lasts 6 months to 2 years or more, and the procedure can be safely repeated when needed. Q5. What is ultrasound-guided dry needling? Dry needling involves inserting a fine needle into trigger points — tight, painful muscle knots — to release tension and reduce pain. When performed under ultrasound guidance, the needle placement is visualised in real time, making it safer and more precise. Dr Priya Rathi is one of the very few pain specialists in Pune trained specifically in this technique. It is used for shoulder pain, neck pain, calf muscle pain, tennis elbow, and myofascial pain syndrome. Q6. What conditions does Dr Priya Rathi treat? Dr Rathi treats a wide range of chronic and acute pain conditions, including: • Back pain and neck pain (acute and chronic) • Slip disc (herniated disc) and sciatica • Facet joint arthritis and sacroiliac joint pain • Knee pain and shoulder pain • Nerve pain (neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy) • Cancer-related pain • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) • Pelvic pain and cervicogenic headache • Postherpetic neuralgia (shingles pain) • Tennis elbow, calf muscle pain, and post-surgical pain Q7. Is chronic pain really treatable, or do I have to live with it? Chronic pain is absolutely treatable. Dr Rathi believes firmly that every pain is real and that every patient deserves a thorough diagnosis and honest discussion of their options. Modern interventional pain medicine offers many safe, effective treatments that can dramatically reduce pain and restore quality of life — even for patients who have suffered for years. Many who were told 'nothing more can be done' have found relief once the true source of their pain was properly identified and treated. Q8. How is a pain specialist different from an orthopaedic surgeon or neurosurgeon? Orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons specialise in surgical correction of structural problems. Dr Rathi's role is different — her entire practice is dedicated to diagnosing pain and treating it without surgery. She evaluates muscle, nerve, and joint pain mechanisms that often do not show on MRI scans. She also treats patients who are not surgical candidates, those who prefer to avoid surgery, and those with ongoing pain after a previous operation (post-surgical pain syndrome). Q9. What should I expect at my first consultation? Dr Rathi will take a detailed history of your pain, review any existing scans or reports, and perform a focused clinical examination. She will explain the likely cause of your pain in simple language and discuss a personalised treatment plan. Please bring all previous reports, prescriptions, and MRI films to your appointment. Most patients leave the first visit with a clear understanding of their condition and a realistic roadmap for treatment. Q10. Are nerve blocks and spine injections safe? Yes. Nerve blocks and spine injections are well-established, safe procedures when performed by a trained pain specialist under imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound). Side effects are generally mild and temporary. Dr Rathi uses the latest sterile protocols and imaging technology to maximise safety. She will always discuss the benefits and risks of any procedure before proceeding, so you can make a fully informed decision. Q11. Can I get treatment for pain if my MRI appears normal? Absolutely. A normal or minimally abnormal MRI does not mean your pain is not real or not treatable. Many significant conditions — including myofascial pain, nerve sensitisation, facet joint dysfunction, and cervicogenic headache — simply do not appear on standard imaging. Dr Rathi specialises in diagnosing these conditions through detailed clinical evaluation and targeted diagnostic nerve blocks, often finding the true source of pain that imaging alone cannot identify. Q12. Where are the clinics located and how do I book an appointment? Dr Priya Rathi practices at two locations in Pune: • Sigma Spine and Pain Clinic — Flat No 24, 4th Floor, Shree Bhagwati Suvarna, Pan Card Club Road, Above P Mart, Baner, Pune 411045. Timings: 11 am – 1 pm & 5 pm – 7 pm • Asian Ortho Spine Clinic — 2nd Floor, Above Taneira Store, Near Kobe's Sizzler, Pushpak Park, Aundh, Pune 411057. Timings: 9 am – 11 am CLINIC INFORMATION Doctor: Dr Priya Rathi, MBBS, MD, DNB, FCPM, FIAPM Speciality: Consultant Spine and Pain Specialist Experience: 13 years Phone / WhatsApp: +91-9823743726 Email: drpriyarathi20@gmail.com Website: www.drpriyarathi.com Clinic 1: Sigma Spine and Pain Clinic, Baner, Pune 411045 Clinic 2: Asian Ortho Spine Clinic, Aundh, Pune 411057 Memberships: ISA, ISSP Registration No: 2013/05/1723 Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult Dr Priya Rathi or a qualified healthcare professional for advice specific to your condition.