Advanced spine pain relief in Cumming & Alpharetta, GA

A Therapeutic Pain Specialist is a physical therapist with advanced post-graduate certification in pain science and the treatment of persistent pain. Dr. Manan Patel is one of the few certified Therapeutic Pain Specialists in North Atlanta. For you, that means a clear explanation of why it hurts and a plan that calms a sensitized nervous system while building strength.

Neck pain and cervicogenic headaches, pinched nerves in the neck, whiplash and auto accident injuries, herniated and bulging discs, low back pain, sciatica, persistent (chronic) pain, and rehabilitation after neck or back surgery.

Because the neck, the balance system and pain are closely linked. Neck problems can cause dizziness and headaches, whiplash and concussion often happen together, and persistent pain and persistent dizziness respond to some of the same principles. Dr. Patel is both a Certified Vestibular Specialist and a certified Therapeutic Pain Specialist, so these problems can be treated in one plan.

Yes. Neck-related (cervicogenic) dizziness can follow whiplash or come with neck pain and stiffness. Because inner-ear problems can feel similar, Dr. Patel tests the neck and the inner ear in the same visit.

Yes. Cervicogenic headaches usually start at the base of the skull, are often one-sided and change with neck movement or posture. They respond well to hands-on care and specific neck exercise.

Usually not. Guidelines advise against routine imaging for back pain without warning signs, and disc changes on MRI are common in people without pain. We screen for warning signs at your first visit and refer you to a physician if imaging is needed.

Many people improve with conservative care that calms the irritated nerve and restores movement and strength, and many herniated discs shrink on their own over time. We screen for warning signs and coordinate with your physician if a surgical opinion is needed.

Once a doctor has ruled out a fracture or other serious injury, usually within days. Early, guided movement generally helps whiplash recover better than prolonged rest or a soft collar.

Yes. We accept personal injury attorney Letters of Protection, Auto MedPay and Workers' Compensation, with $0 at your visit, and provide objective documentation for your physician, attorney or case manager.

Yes. We provide rehabilitation after cervical and lumbar fusion, discectomy and laminectomy, following your surgeon's protocol and keeping their office updated.

Pain lasting more than three months often involves a more sensitive nervous system. Dr. Patel's pain neuroscience approach, with graded exercise and hands-on care, is designed for this kind of persistent pain.

Treatment is matched to what your body tolerates. Some exercises cause mild, temporary soreness, but we avoid flaring your pain and adjust as you go.

It depends on your condition and how long you have had it. Recent injuries often improve faster than pain that has lasted for months. We give you an estimate after your evaluation.

Yes. The $129 flat rate covers a full 60-minute, 1-on-1 visit for neck and back pain for self-pay patients and out-of-network plans, including Aetna, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare.

No referral is needed to start. Georgia law lets you begin physical therapy without one. If your care continues past 21 days or 8 visits, Georgia requires a referral from your physician, and we coordinate that with your doctor's office. Some insurance plans have their own rules, so we check your benefits first.