Surgery is not the only option, Spine Center helps patients get healthy
A year ago, Connecticut resident Rich Conine was terrified something was seriously wrong. Suffering from numbness, tingling and then an inability to move his limbs, he was told by several different health care providers that he may have a terminal motor neuron disease. In early 2020, he couldn’t feel his hands and couldn’t control his feet. After getting MRIs and X-rays in another state, he came back to Connecticut to see a specialist. His research led him to Dr. Khalid Abbed. Abbed reviewed the tests that were already done, then ordered his own. Abbed was just about to open the Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute Spine Wellness Center. Conine was his first surgical patient at St. Vincent’s Medical Center as the project geared up. “Upon review, we were able to tell him he was going to be okay. He had spinal compression,” Abbed said. “He was extremely emotional because he went from ‘I have to get my stuff in order because I’m going to die’ to getting his life back again.” Conine underwent surgery at Hartford HealthCare’s St. Vincent’s Medical Center. All other avenues were explored first, however. That is what the Spine Wellness Center in Westport is all about. The point, Abbed said, is to see the whole patient and promote a holistic healing approach that includes long-term lifestyle changes meant to keep people healthy for years to come. “It’s not a very common care paradigm, and a lot of healthcare systems focus on the procedures, injections and surgeries,” Abbed said. “But other factors like nutrition, exercise, mental health are also essential in treating the patient’s quality of life.” That focus is what has made the Spine Wellness Center in Westport a standout. In just one year, the Center has doubled the number of physical therapists, brought in the best neurosurgeons, and added a new specialty: headache neurology. The center has also added more clinical psychologists. Patients are flocking to the Spine Wellness Center because of the whole body approach- and the promise that every option is available. “Most patients love it because they don’t want surgery unless absolutely necessary. This is not a cookie cutter process,” Abbed said. “Knowing the patient is key as is selecting the right procedure or treatment options for that patient. That means talking to the patient, understanding what is affecting their quality of life. What you are seeing on the MRI films might not be their real root problem. You need to understand all the problems: spiritual, mental and physical.” “Some patients are looking for the quick fix that they’ve been told surgery is, so they are skeptical of the other methods,” he said. “Sometimes surgery can fix the problem today, but if we still don’t fix those other issues, they’ll be back for another surgery soon enough.” At the Spinal Wellness Center, patients come to explore their issues of neck and back pain, including arthritis, degenerative conditions like Conine’s, headaches, herniated discs, muscle strains, scoliosis, osteoporosis, sciatica, and even spine trauma like whiplash. With such a large mix of problems, Abbed points out that it’s imperative to treat the cause of the issue, not just the symptoms. Obesity and weakened core muscles can affect spinal health as well as lack of mobility in daily life. Getting a good night’s sleep is also imperative, in modern day life, however, many people allow that to slip. “Many people are so far down in the cycle, they are entrenched in habits they don’t want to change or think they can’t change,” Abbed said. “The thought of a diet or of an exercise program is intimidating and scary for them. They’d rather have surgery and risk their life than considering these lifestyle changes.” Conine is now in the process of making these lifestyle changes so that his degenerative condition doesn’t become exacerbated now that he’s recovered from surgery. He’s starting an exercise regime and eating healthier to lose some excess weight to relieve the pressure on the spine and neck. “[Abbed] made it so I am walking again and no signs of a wheelchair any time soon. My mobility is coming back but with nerve damage it can be quite a long process with no guarantees that it will ever be back to normal. Right now it is looking great,” Conine said. His time at the facility and with Abbed marked a turning point in his medical care, not only from professionals, but in his own mind, he said. “These doctors don’t rush into surgery, they believe in rehab, surgery is the last option. The care that came from [Abbed’s] bedside manner was incredible. I wish I could have him as a best friend. He’s as good as it gets.” For Abbed, that’s par for the course. He wants to know his patients inside and out so his team can treat the whole person rather than just the disease. “Our goal is that patients feel like they are part of our family by the time they are done.” This is just one example of Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute bringing more specialists and providers to the community. Tune into CT Post’s Facebook Live discussion, where you can ask your questions, September, 30 at noon. And for more information, log onto HartfordHealthCare.org/ Neuro.