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Back pain is a common medical condition that affects many people. For most, it is a minor problem that only lasts a few days, but for others, back pain becomes chronic and subsequently affects many parts of their life. It can also be difficult to treat, and the same care plan doesn’t work for everyone. That’s why, at the UPMC Program for Spine Health, we take a different approach to back care.
Our team takes a patient-centered approach to care for individuals with low back pain and other spine issues.
By way of non-operative consultations and treatments, we empower our patients and help them find their purpose. We help people understand the nature of their problem and promote meaningful activity and movement to help alleviate pain, improve function, and foster growth in overall health and well-being. Our holistic approach means that we take the entire patient into account, considering their:
We offer comprehensive care including specialty medical care, physical therapy, psychological and nutritional counseling, and personal coaching to improve overall quality of life. Our experienced team has developed an approach that doesn’t just focus on pain, but puts health first and equips you with the tools to improve beyond our program, so that you can get back to your life.
“This is not a chronic pain program,” says Christopher Standaert, MD. “We won’t fix you — we’re not a fix-it place. We’ll help you get better; we’ll help you find ways to function better, to get life better again.”
Our team of experts includes:
A nurse coordinator is a registered nurse and member of the care delivery team, who organizes treatment plans between the patient and medical team.
Primary spine practitioners are physical therapists with advanced spine training, who are specially trained to provide primary care to patients with spinal problems.
A physiatrist is a medical doctor trained in the specialty field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. The goal of a physiatrist is to help patients recover their functional wellbeing and return to a healthy and functional life.
A dietitian creates nutrition plans to improve the health and physical conditions of patients.
Health coaches work with patients to help them achieve health-related goals and make changes in their lives.
Pain psychologists are experts in helping people cope with the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that accompany chronic pain.
Once your doctor refers you to the UPMC Program for Spine Health, one of our nurse coordinators will contact you, ask you a few questions, and create a care plan tailored to your needs. We will work with you to set goals to improve your quality of life by decreasing pain and increasing your ability to move.
Most patients will first see a “primary spine provider,” who is a physical therapist specializing in spine care. Other specialists may be needed as well, including doctors who are experts in treating back problems without surgery and addressing chronic pain. Behavioral health therapists can assist with lifestyle choices and overcoming challenges with mental health and diet coaches can help implement desirable behaviors and nutrition choices. Additional specialists will be offered through UPMC if needed. The goal of our care team is to give you the tools you need to help you manage your pain and build a healthier life.
“You can manage pain,” Dr. Standaert says, “but that’s not the same as improving the quality of life.”
To set up an appointment at the UPMC Program for Spine Health, patients can receive a referral from a primary care physician, orthopaedic surgeon, or other health care provider. Patients can also contact us directly.
Please contact us at 412-219-0386.
UPMC Outpatient Center Hampton
3rd Floor, Suite 3100
4490 Mount Royal Blvd.
Allison Park, PA 15101
UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
8000 Cranberry Springs Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
UPMC Outpatient Center Bethel Park
1300 Oxford Drive
Bethel Park, PA 15102
UPMC has a network of primary spine practitioners throughout the region. In addition to the locations above, PSPs affiliated with the UPMC Program for Spine Health can be found at:
CRS Castle Shannon
3754 Library Road
Castle Shannon, PA 15234
CRS Cranberry Township (located at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex)
Suite 100
8000 Cranberry Springs Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
CRS-UPMC Mercy Green Tree
969 Greentree Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
CRS South Hills
Suite 1400
1300 Oxford Drive
Bethel Park, PA 15102
UPMC Outpatient Center Hampton
Program for Spine Health, Physical Therapy, Suite 3100
4490 Mount Royal Blvd.
Allison Park, PA 15101
To reach the UPMC Program for Spine Health, please call 412-219-0386.
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