FAQs - Buffalo Spine and Sports Institute

Office Facts
Where are your office locations and hours?
Is there a phone number that I can call to get directly to individual offices?

Appointment/Treatment
What is a spinal stenosis?
What is a disc herniation?
What is an epidural injection?
How do I know if I need surgery ?
Can my condition be improved or cured?

Insurance/Worker's Comp
If I am injured at work and am covered under Worker’s Comp or Disability, who decides when I am able to go back to work?

If a BSSI doctor releases me to go back to work with some physical restrictions, what happens

if my employer refuses to accept those limitations?
What happens if I cannot return to my job?

Requesting Medical Records
How do I request medical records?

Where are your office locations and hours?
- 100 College Parkway, Suite 100, Williamsville M-F 7am-4pm

- 200 Sterling Drive, Suite 500, Orchard Park M-F 7am-4pm

- 6000 Brockton Dr. Suite 103, Lockport Tues. 10am-3pm / Wed. 8am-4pm /
     Th. 1:30pm-4:30pm

- 6133 Route 219, Suite 1005, Ellicottville Tues. 1pm-4pm / Fri. 8am-2pm
     (use the Peakside Chiropractic Entrance)

Physical Therapy
   - 100 College Parkway, Suite 100, Williamsville M-Th (7am to 6pm) Fri (7am to 2pm)
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Is there a phone number that I can call to get directly to individual offices?
Due to the varying hours of our locations and our desire to serve you as efficiently as possible, there is one main number for all of our offices: 626-0093.
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What is a spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the nerve openings either around the spinal cord or nerve roots that can cause symptoms similar to a pinched nerve. It can cause leg pain in anyone, but most often does so in older people. Patients with spinal stenosis can have trouble walking, and the difficulty is usually relieved by sitting down or bending forward. It can cause aching or heaviness in the back and legs.
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What is a disc herniation?
A herniated disc is the rupturing of the tissue that separates the vertebral bones of the spinal column.

The center of a disc is called the nucleus. It is soft and springy and receives the shock of standing, walking, running, etc.. The outer ring of the disc, which is called the annulus (Latin for ring), provides structure and strength to the disc. The annulus consists of a complex series of interwoven layers of fibrous tissue that hold the nucleus in place.

A herniated disc is often referred to as a slipped disc. This term came from the action of the nuclear tissue when it is forced from the center of the disc. The nuclear tissue located in the center of the disc can be placed under so much pressure that it can cause the annulus to rupture.

When the disc has herniated or ruptured, it may create pressure against one or more of the spinal nerves which can cause pain, weakness or numbness in the neck and arm. Other names for herniated discs are prolapsed and ruptured discs.
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What is an epidural injection?
An epidural injection is the administering of an anesthetic substance into the epidural space of the spinal cord in order to produce a numbing of the epidural area.
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How do I know if I need surgery ?
As a BSSI Patient, one of the most important procedures you will go through is our comprehensive physical exam. Through this thorough examination of your body, your outlook, your lifestyle, your pain and your existing medical conditions, we will assess your medical needs and custom design a treatment program for you. Should surgery be an option that you will you will need, we will connect you with one of the surgeons that we are confident can capably perform whatever surigical techniques you need.
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Can my condition be improved or cured?
We are often asked this question and many times it is very challenging to answer, as a person’s recovery from pain and injury is as much related to their attitude and their genetics as it is to the treatments that we prescribe. So while we cannot guarantee that we can cure you of your pain, we can promise that we will do everything within our power and abilities to isolate your pain and help you manage it.   Ultimately, our goal is always to help you take back your lifestyle.
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If I am injured at work and am covered under Worker’s Comp or Disability, who decides when I am able to go back to work?
The doctor and the physician’s assistant will be the ones to assess your disability and the progress you make in working through your injury or condition. Therefore, when the doctor or the physician’s assistant deems that the treatments have achieved all that is possible and you are physically able to return to work, they will issue that letter to those required.
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If a BSSI doctor releases me to go back to work with some physical restrictions, what happens if my employer refuses to accept those limitations?
You will collect partial payments, if you are eligible.
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What happens if I cannot return to my job?
You will have to consult with your Worker’s Comp or Disability representative for that information.
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How do I request medical records?
It is the policy of Buffalo Spine and Sports Institute that all medical records requests must be made in writing.
• You can mail your request to: 100 College Parkway #100, Williamsville, NY 14221
• Fax your request to: 716-626-9193
• E-mail your request to: information@buffspine.com
• Bring your request to: 100 College Parkway #100, Williamsville, NY 14221

Please allow 10 business days to process your request.

If you have any questions, please call 626-0093, extension 326
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