First time patient

Your Initial Visit with a CNI Neurosurgeon

Common Questions Our Neurosurgeons Will Ask:

  • Where is your pain located?
  • What type of pain are you experiencing? (e.g., burning, stabbing, tingling)
  • How long have you been experiencing this pain?
  • What medications are you currently taking? Please include names, frequencies, and dosages.
  • Have you undergone previous treatment such as surgery or had diagnostic testing such as x-ray, MRI, CT?
  • If applicable, could you provide previous X-ray or MRI images?
  • What is the name and phone number of your pharmacy?

Your Initial Visit with a CNI Neurologist

Common Questions Our Neurologists Will Ask:

  • When did your symptoms first appear?
  • Do you notice anything that improves or worsens your symptoms?
  • Is there a family history of neurological conditions?
  • When did you start taking your current medications?
  • How often do you take these medications?
  • Have you undergone previous treatment such as surgery or had diagnostic testing such as x-ray, MRI, CT?
  • What is the name and phone number of your pharmacy?

Treatment Plans

Our treatment plans are customized to meet your specific needs and may include a combination of the following:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Epidural Injections/Blocks
  • Medications/Pain Management
  • Infusion Therapy
  • Neurology Referrals
  • Home Health Services
  • Other Specialty Referrals
  • Surgery

At CNI, we utilize advanced imaging technology to ensure accurate diagnostics:

  • MRI and MRA
  • EMG/NCS
  • EEG

New Patient Forms

To expedite your visit, please review and complete the patient forms before your appointment. Be sure to bring these completed forms with you.

Consent and Release for Treatment
New Patient Financial Policy Form
Dr. Hecker's New Patient Medication List
All Other Providers New Patient Medication List

Post-Surgical Care

Comprehensive post-surgical care is provided to support your recovery and ensure optimal outcomes.

CERVICAL SPINE SURGERY

  • Avoid any heavy lifting, straining, swimming, golfing, driving or riding a bicycle until after your postoperative appointment at 1 to 3 weeks.
  • Daily walking at a pace that avoids fatigue or severe pain. Increase your distance a little each day.
  • You may climb stairs when you feel able.
  • Discomfort is normal while you gradually return to normal activity, but pain is a signal to proceed more slowly.
  • Sexual relations may be resumed during the recovery period, but avoid positions that strain the neck or cause pain.
  • At your 1 to 3 week postoperative appointment, specific instructions will be given regarding an exercise program you can do at home.
  • Not all patients require a collar to use so follow your physician’s instructions.
  • If you are discharged with a hard cervical collar, it is to be worn as directed by your physician.
  • If you are given a soft collar for comfort, please use while active and remove when resting.
  • Your doctor will determine when you can return to work and any restrictions.
  • Restrictions are individualized depending on the type of work and the amount of lifting, bending and twisting required at your work
  • You should not drive a car until released by your physician, usually after your first postoperative visit.
  • Never drive after pain medications.
  • You may ride as a passenger at any time and may also ride in a plane as necessary.
  • Take several short trips prior to a long trip. If going on a long trip, take frequent breaks (at least every hour).
  • Prescription pain medications will be given for discomfort which is not relieved by over-the-counter medications.
  • We expect the use of pain medicines to be very mild and dispense enough pain medicines to last the patient throughout the recovery period.
  • Heat, moderate exercise and rest will also help to improve the recovery and decrease the pain.
  • Laxatives should be used as needed. Narcotic pain medicines generally cause mild constipation.
  • You may experience some difficulty swallowing and sore throat for a few days. You may want to eat soft foods and avoid hot items during this period.
  • Drink plenty of fluids when you eat.
  • Refills of narcotics are generally done only during post-operative visits and will not be prescribed over the telephone unless there are extenuating circumstances.
  • Narcotics will not be filled on weekends beginning at noon on Friday or after-hours.
  • You may take a shower once the original dressing is removed from the wound. This is usually done in the hospital or the day after the discharge.
  • Do not let the shower hit directly on the wound and do not submerse the wound under water such as in a hot tub or bathtub for at least three weeks.
  • If the wound is wet, merely pat it dry. Do not rub it dry.
  • Do not put any ointment or lotion on your incision.
  • If steri-strips (butterfly tape) were applied, you may take them off after five to seven days.
  • If Dermabond (glue) is used, this will slowly come off over two weeks.
  • If sutures are in place, they will need to come out about 1 week after surgery. If the skin sutures were removed before your discharge from the hospital, it is not necessary to keep the incision covered.
  • It is important to look at your wound on a daily basis and inspect the area for signs of redness, swelling, drainage or pus.

If you experience any of the following report it to CNI immediately.

  • Body temperature increases to 101 or greater
  • Difficulty with swallowing becomes worse
  • Pain equal to or greater than your pre-operative state.
Dr. Hirsch Carpal Tunnel Release and Ulnar Transpostion Post Op Instructions
Dr. Hirsch ACDF Post Op Instructions

LUMBAR SPINE SURGERY

  • Avoid any heavy lifting, straining, swimming, golfing, driving or riding a bicycle until after your postoperative appointment at 1 to 3 weeks.
  • Daily walking at a pace that avoids fatigue or severe pain. Increase your distance a little each day.
  • You may climb stairs when you feel able.
  • Discomfort is normal while you gradually return to normal activity, but pain is a signal to proceed more slowly.
  • Sitting down should be minimal during the post-op period as this will increase your back pain. You may sit to eat or when using the commode.
  • Standing for long periods will also irritate your back.
  • Sexual relations may be resumed during the recovery period, but avoid positions that strain the neck or cause pain.
  • At your 1 to 3 week postoperative appointment, specific instructions will be given regarding an exercise program you can do at home.
  • If you are discharged with support stockings, you may remove them as desired unless otherwise directed by your physician.
  • Your doctor will determine when you can return to work and any restrictions.
  • Restrictions are individualized depending on the type of work and the amount of lifting, bending and twisting required at your work
  • Your doctor will determine when you can return to work and any restrictions.
  • Restrictions are individualized depending on the type of work and the amount of lifting, bending and twisting required at your work
  • You should not drive a car until released by your physician, usually after your first postoperative visit.
  • Never drive after pain medications.
  • You may ride as a passenger at any time and may also ride in a plane as necessary.
  • Take several short trips prior to a long trip. If going on a long trip, take frequent breaks (at least every hour).
  • You will notice back irritation when riding in a car.
  • Prescription pain medications will be given for discomfort which is not relieved by over-the-counter medications.
  • We expect the use of pain medicines to be very mild and dispense enough pain medicines to last the patient throughout the recovery period.
  • Heat, moderate exercise and rest will also help to improve the recovery and decrease the pain.
  • Laxatives should be used as needed. Narcotic pain medicines generally cause mild constipation.
  • Refills of narcotics are generally done only during post-operative visits and will not be prescribed over the telephone unless there are extenuating circumstances.
  • Narcotics will not be filled on weekends beginning at noon on Friday or after-hours.
  •  
  • When lying flat, place one or two pillows underneath your knees to stay elevated.
  • When lying on your side, place a pillow between your knees and pull them up toward your chest.
  • When waking, up a stiff back is not uncommon and may be relieved with a short walk or a warm shower.
  • Take short rests throughout the day during recovery period.
  • Sleep medication is not routinely given.
  • You may take a shower once the original dressing is removed from the wound. This is usually done in the hospital or the day after the discharge.
  • Do not let the shower hit directly on the wound and do not submerse the wound under water such as in a hot tub or bath-tub for at least three weeks.
  • If the wound is wet, merely pat it dry. Do not rub it dry.
  • Do not put any ointment or lotion on your incision.
  • If steri-strips (butterfly tape) were applied, you may take them off after five to seven days.
  • If Dermabond (glue) is used, this will slowly come off over two weeks.
  • If sutures or staples are in place, they will need to come out about 1 week after surgery. If the skin sutures were removed before your discharge from the hospital, it is not necessary to keep the incision covered.
  • It is important to look at your wound on a daily basis and inspect the area for signs of redness, swelling, drainage or pus.

If you experience any of the following report it to CNI immediately.

  • Body temperature increases to 101 or greater
  • Difficulty with swallowing becomes worse
  • Pain equal to or greater than your pre-operative state.
Dr. Hirsch Lumbar Discectomy Post Op Instructions
Dr. Hirsch Lumbar Fusion Post Op Instructions