Paul Yovino had a wonderful pain management experience with Madan K. Raj, M.D., and a successful spinal fusion with William J. Sonstein, M.D., F.A.C.S. Epidural injections and spinal surgery helped Paul manage his back pain.
Dr. Raj, a board certified interventional physiatrist, specializes in advanced pain management techniques and physical medicine and rehabilitation. He treats spinal conditions without surgery, practicing musculoskeletal medicine. “He’s one of the best doctors that I have ever gone to, as far as epidural injections. He’s a pleasant person to be around,” Paul said.
Paul also spoke highly of the other staff. “The staff, Divina and Lisa, are absolutely the best. Sometimes, they have to tell me to stop laughing before they give me the injection. It’s almost like it’s fun to go and see them and get the shot.”
Epidural injections for pain management were not as bad as Paul once thought. “The most you’re going to feel with Dr. Raj is a little pinch. He’ll work you right through it, and before you know it, you’re done,” he explained.
When Paul later consulted Dr. Sonstein, he found two fractures that other doctors missed. “He saw something that no one else saw. I went for many MRIs for this condition, and he said, “Forget the MRIs. I want an x-ray of you. No one ever asked me for an X-ray before,” he said.
Dr. Sonstein is a Board-Certified Diplomate, American Board of Neurosurgery. His interests include complex and minimally invasive spinal surgery, and he is Chief of Neurosurgery at LIJ North Shore University Hospital in Plainview.
Paul is grateful to Dr. Sonstein for his successful spinal fusion. “Dr. Sonstein is an excellent neurosurgeon,” he said.