First State Spine

01/09/2026

Epidural Steroid Injections treat pain that radiates from the spine to different areas of the body. Pinched nerves in the cervical and lumbar spine can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms. Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or radiculopathy can compress nerves and cause inflammation and pain. A cervical or lumbar epidural steroid injection can be used to reduce this inflammation. This treatment involves an anti-inflammatory medication injected into the space through which the spinal nerves travel to relieve pressure and decrease swelling. To find out if you're a candidate, contact First State Spine today to learn more. https://firststatespine.com/non-surgical-options/treatment-options/

01/04/2026

What is degenerative disc disease (DDD)? DDD is the wearing down of spinal discs, which are rubbery cushions located between the bones in your spinal column. These discs act as shock absorbers and facilitate comfortable movement, bending, and twisting. It is a natural part of aging for everyone's spinal discs to degenerate over time. The primary symptoms of degenerative disc disease are neck pain and back pain. The pain may come and go, lasting for weeks or months at a time, and it can cause numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. Additionally, the pain may radiate down the lower back and buttocks and worsen with sitting, bending, or lifting. DDD is caused by the natural aging process, which leads to the wearing down of spinal discs. As people age, the soft core of the discs, which is primarily composed of water, gradually loses water content. Consequently, the discs become thinner and offer less shock absorption than before. Minor injuries can also result in small cracks in the spinal discs, often near nerves. These tears can be painful, even if they are minor. The pain associated with DDD can occur in the neck or lower back and may extend into the arms, hands, buttocks, and legs. Contact First State Spine today to find out more about degenerative disc disease and the treatments available. https://firststatespine.com/surgical-options/treatment-options/conditions/

01/02/2026

Vertebral compression fractures are often caused by osteoporosis or trauma. They result in sudden back pain and loss of vertebral height and shape. Kyphoplasty aims to relieve pain by lifting and supporting the collapsed bone. During the procedure, a cement-like material is injected into the fractured area using small instruments. After it hardens, this stabilizes the bone and fracture. For those with osteoporotic compression fracture pain, kyphoplasty provides effective long-term relief. If you have back pain from a vertebral compression fracture, contact First State Spine for a consultation.

12/31/2025

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

12/30/2025

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) uses heat to destroy targeted tissue. For pain management procedures, radiofrequency waves are transmitted through a carefully positioned needle to generate localized heat around select nerve fibers. This process effectively interrupts the transmission of pain signals to the brain, providing relief. RFA is a minimally invasive technique that offers patients an alternative to more extensive surgical interventions or long-term pharmacotherapy in properly selected cases.​ Learn more and find out if you're a candidate today https://firststatespine.com/non-surgical-options/treatment-options/procedures/!

12/24/2025

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

12/22/2025

Getting timely medical care is essential for recovering from a workplace injury. Early diagnosis and treatment can expedite your return to normal activities. If you have questions or require an evaluation by a specialist, contact First State Spine. Our team is committed to guiding each patient according to your unique needs, with the goal of you returning safely to productivity. First State Spine is dedicated to your health and well being as you recover! https://bit.ly/41Xl6no

12/18/2025

What is Degenerative disc disease (DDD)? DDD is the wearing down of spinal discs, which are rubbery cushions located between the bones in your spinal column. These discs act as shock absorbers and facilitate comfortable movement, bending, and twisting. It is a natural part of aging for everyone's spinal discs to degenerate over time. The primary symptoms of degenerative disc disease are neck pain and back pain. The pain may come and go, lasting for weeks or months at a time, and it can cause numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. Additionally, the pain may radiate down the lower back and buttocks and worsen with sitting, bending, or lifting. DDD is caused by the natural aging process, which leads to the wearing down of spinal discs. As people age, the soft core of the discs, which is primarily composed of water, gradually loses water content. Consequently, the discs become thinner and offer less shock absorption than before. Minor injuries can also result in small cracks in the spinal discs, often near nerves. These tears can be painful, even if they are minor. The pain associated with DDD can occur in the neck or lower back and may extend into the arms, hands, buttocks, and legs. Contact First State Spine today to find out more about degenerative disc disease and the treatments available. https://firststatespine.com/surgical-options/treatment-options/conditions/

12/16/2025

Another wonderful review for for Dr. James Zaslavsky and PA Alexandre Mikhail. Read the full review here: This year I underwent an ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion) surgery. I could not be more grateful for the exceptional care that I received from Dr. Zaslavsky and his Physician Assistant, Alexandre Mikhail. From my initial pre-op visit to my post-op visits, Dr.Zaslavsky and Alex demonstrated outstanding professionalism and compassion. As a nurse, I truly appreciated all of the thorough explanations, the genuine care, and their excellent bedside manner. I felt confident and supported every step of the way. Before surgery I was experiencing multiple symptoms including numbness, tingling, and weakness in both arms and severe neck pain. I was dropping things and had difficulty with daily activities. My procedure was a success, and I am thrilled with the results. My recovery went smoothly and today I am pain free and symptom free.
I truly appreciate the dedication, skill, and kindness shown by Dr.Zaslavsky and Alex. I highly recommend this team to anyone in need of an ACDF surgery. You will be in the best hands!"

12/15/2025

Nerve block injections can effectively treat acute or chronic pain conditions. By blocking pain signals along targeted nerves, these procedures aim to provide patients relief from painful symptoms and inflammation. Additionally, nerve blocks allow for the diagnosis of the underlying source of a patient's pain by observing their response to the medication. This diagnostic information can then be used to develop a customized treatment plan for the individual. Nerve blocks are performed using image guidance technologies like CT or fluoroscopy to precisely deliver medication to the targeted area associated with the pain. This image-guided approach helps ensure the safe and effective treatment of pain while minimizing risks. Contact First State Spine today to find out if you're a candidate. https://firststatespine.com/non-surgical-options/treatment-options/procedures/

12/11/2025

The team at First State Spine is considered “Second Opinion Spine Specialists” because of their unique advanced qualifications and years of experience treating spinal disorders. We are available to see you for a consultation and review films to help you make the proper decision about treatment.

SECOND OPINION SPECIALISTS MAKE AN EDUCATED DECISION The team at First State Spine is considered “Second Opinion Spine Specialists” because of their unique advanced qualifications and years of experience treating spinal disorders. We are available to see you for a consultation and review films t...

12/10/2025

First State Spine helps you get back to your maximum function and enjoy your best life! Dr. James Zaslavsky performed an ADCF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) surgery, an operation to remove a damaged spinal disc, relieve pressure on nerves/spinal cord, and fuse the vertebrae for stability. Dr. Zaslavsky specializes in operative care of the adult spine with a focus on the treatment of the cervical spine and the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques. This focus, combined with the use of the most advanced technology, uniquely enables Dr. Zaslavsky to preserve and optimize the motion of the spine utilizing the safest techniques possible. If you're suffering from chronic neck or back pain, contact First State Spine today to get the care you need to get on the road to recovery! https://bit.ly/3LeE5lV