Spine pain: learn about the minimally invasive alternatives
If you have been advised to have surgery for your spine, a herniated disc, osteoarthritis or a shoulder problem, a second opinion with a pain specialist can offer you minimally invasive alternatives, or confirm whether surgery is really necessary.
Why ask for a second opinion?
The decision to have surgery should not be made without having explored every option. Modern medicine offers interventional and regenerative treatments that, in many cases, can avoid or postpone surgery and restore quality of life.
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A significant share of spine surgeries could be avoided with early, well-indicated interventional treatment, as described in the specialized pain-medicine literature.
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Image-guided nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation and regenerative medicine are options that can control pain on an outpatient basis, with no hospital stay and a quick recovery.
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A second opinion will not delay your treatment: within 24 to 48 hours we can arrange a clear answer, even by virtual consultation if you have your studies available.
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Dr. Casarsa has evaluated patients referred from different centers and knows the current surgical criteria, which allows him to support you in reaching an informed decision.
What should you bring to the consultation?
A recent MRI or CT scan, with its corresponding report.
The report from the surgeon who recommended the operation, if you have it in writing.
A list of treatments tried so far (physical therapy, previous injections, medication, etc.).
Your current medication, doses and how long you have been taking it.
If you do not have all the material, do not worry: at the visit we will see what is missing and how to obtain it. The important thing is to start the process.
Book your second opinion
Send us a WhatsApp message and we will arrange an in-person or virtual appointment in the coming days.
We see patients through the main private health insurance plans and health funds, privately, and by virtual consultation.
Frequently asked questions
When is it worth getting a medical second opinion?
It is worth seeking a second opinion when you have been prescribed an irreversible treatment such as surgery, when you have doubts about the diagnosis, when your symptoms do not match what you were told, or when previous treatments have not delivered the expected results. In pain medicine, a second opinion is especially useful before spine or shoulder operations and joint replacements, because in many cases there are interventional options that can be tried before surgery.
Does a second opinion delay treatment?
No, it usually does not. A well-organized second opinion can be completed within 24 to 48 hours, even by virtual consultation if you have your studies in digital format. In most chronic pain cases surgery is elective, not urgent, so taking a few days to weigh the alternatives does not put your health at risk.
Which conditions does Dr. Casarsa evaluate as alternatives to surgery?
The conditions I see most often in second-opinion consultations are: lumbar and cervical herniated disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, facet syndrome, sciatica and radiculopathies, knee and hip osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injuries and other shoulder conditions, and chronic post-surgical pain. In each case I assess whether there are interventional options (image-guided blocks, radiofrequency ablation, regenerative medicine) that could provide relief without the need for surgery, or whether surgery is indeed the right path.
Is an in-person visit necessary, or can it be virtual?
For a second opinion, a virtual consultation is usually enough if you have your complete studies (MRI or CT scan with its report, the surgeon's report, a list of previous treatments). This is especially useful for patients elsewhere in the country or abroad. If we ultimately decide to go ahead with an interventional procedure, a prior in-person visit will be necessary.
Does my health plan cover the second opinion?
Most of Argentina's private health insurance plans and health funds cover the second-opinion consultation through AAARBA (OSDE, Swiss Medical, Galeno, Medifé, Omint, Medicus and others). If you are unsure about your specific plan's coverage, send us a WhatsApp message and we will confirm it before scheduling the appointment. Private (out-of-pocket) visits are also available.