New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute News & Events



Offering Superior Quality and Cost Effective Healthcare Solutions
At NH NeuroSpine Institute, we are known for offering cutting edge technology and compassionate care for patients with back, neck, orthopaedic and neurosurgical conditions. In addition, we now offer a number of strategies that are both effective and cost conscious. With healthcare costs rising, patients are often faced with weighing their finances before making healthcare decisions. We understand this and are offering patients an affordable solution. Our solution is a team-oriented approach to NeuroSpine care. This allows patients to reduce their out of pocket expenses up to 40-50% by providing:

• A team-oriented approach to NeuroSpine care, in which we can minimize the number of visits needed to devise a treatment plan and determine a diagnosis.

• The utilization of outcome measures to determine "what works" and offer effective solutions to your problems.

• Our Next Step Program: A physical therapy program designed for patients with high copays and limited physical therapy benefits or patients with no insurance at all. This program gives patients the opportunity to utilize the expertise of a physical therapist while in our gym setting, and without incurring the cost of a standard therapy visit.

• MRI: When diagnostic imaging services are provided in an office setting, the patient can save up to 50% versus having them done in many acute care/ hospital settings.

• Interventional Radiology Procedures: Patients will often pay a high deductible and co-insurance to have these done on an outpatient basis at a hospital or surgical center. Here in the office, the patient is often only responsible for their normal copay. Not only do you save money but the procedure is performed in a convenient and efficient office setting.

Click to View Printable PDF of our Cost Effective Services

NH NeuroSpine Institute Welcomes Dr. Cugalj
We are pleased to announce the addition of Adam Cugalj, DO to our practice. Dr. Cugalj is a physiatrist with his primary office in our Concord facility.
 
Adam Cugalj, DO is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician fellowship trained in Interventional, musculoskeletal & Spine Physiatry. Dr. Cugalj is a member of the American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the American College of Sports Medicine among many other professional memberships. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and American Osteopathic Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
 
EDUCATION: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), Erie, PA
INTERNSHIP: Ingham Regional Medical Center, Lansing, MI
RESIDENCY: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
FELLOWSHIP: Spine, Sports, Musculoskeletal and Interventional Medicine fellowship, Buffalo Spine and Sports Institute, Buffalo, NY
Specialties Include:
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Non-operative spine care
• Interventional spine procedures
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Concussions
• Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT)
• ImPACT testing



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June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month
Scoliosis is a disorder that primarily affects the shape of the spine. When spine surgeons talk about scoliosis, we often refer to it as a deformity. As such, it rarely is associated with pain. The shape of the spine from a side view with patient facing towards the right in general looks like a backwards "S". This curvature is a normal curve that everybody has to different degrees. However when you look at the spine straight on (facing somebody) the spine is relatively straight. This allows balance that then permits the human body to function in a mechanically efficient manner. A patient with scoliosis, however will have a curvature of the spine when the spine is viewed straight on (facing somebody or a coronal plane). A small curvature is very common, and one does not have scoliosis unless x-rays show a curvature greater than 10 degrees. A scoliotic curvature will typically be balanced by a secondary compensatory curvature, so patients with scoliosis will still stand with their hands over their tailbones despite having an abnormal curve to their spine. Although rare forms of scoliosis can be caused by cancer or congenital abnormalities, the most common form is AIS or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Significant research is being conducted, and it is felt that there may be a genetic component to this disorder, but as its name suggests, this disorder is idiopathic (we don't know what actually causes this disorder).

In general, school screening will identify children with scoliosis. Specialists are concerned with identifying scoliosis in children, because studies have shown that the disorder can get worse during growth when the curves have a certain magnitude. The screening process involves a child without a shirt bending forward. The curve can be identified by an asymmetry of the rib cage. One side of the child's chest will appear more prominent than the other. A referral to a pediatrician will help to confirm the diagnosis with a device called a scoliometer that quantifies the rib asymmetry as well as x-rays. A spine surgeon will get involved if treatment may be necessary.

Treatment is usually unnecessary in a child with a curve below 20 degrees. However between 20 and 30 degrees bracing may be necessary. Whether or not to brace will depend on the severity of the curve and the amount of growth the child has left (skeletal maturity). The major goal of bracing is to prevent the curve from getting any worse, it will not straighten the curve. Surgery can be considered when the curve is over 40 degrees.

How scoliosis affects adults later on in life is controversial. We do know that many people with significant curves can lead comfortable productive and active lives despite having a different spinal shape. Patients who are obese or smoke cigarettes can be more prone to mechanical decompensation of the spine and problems later on in life.

If you have any questions or concerns about scoliosis, feel free to call our facility to meet with one of our specialists.


Now Enrolling!
The Next Step: Beyond Physical Therapy
We now offer a program to all physical therapy patients who are transitioning from their therapy program to an independent exercise program at home or the gym. "The Next Step" is a program designed to assist patients with this transition. Many patients are forced to cut physical therapy short due to financial constraints or insurance benefit maximums. These patients will now be able to continue for a 6-week period under PT supervision in a group setting. This will allow the patient to gain confidence and learn effective strength and mobility exercises to gradually transition them to a workout program of their own.

Click to view Brochure

Celebrating New Hampshire’s “Top Doctor”
for the 9th year, Dr. N. Ross Jenkins, MD, FACS

Once again, N. Ross Jenkins, MD, FACS is the recipient of the "Top Doc" honor in the specialty of Neurosurgery. This is the 9th year Dr. Jenkins has been acknowledged by his peers. In addition to his commitment to his patients, he also serves as the Chief of Surgery at Concord Hospital and is Chairperson for the Northeast quadrant of the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies. Dr. Jenkins' involvement in these societies furthers the research and the advancement of Neurosurgical care locally and nationally. Dr. Jenkins is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons and provides comprehensive and compassionate care for patients with brain and spine disorders. Working closely with the nationally recognized members of the NH NeuroSpine Institute, this multidisciplinary facility offers the most comprehensive NeuroSpine care in NH.