Dr. Thomas Dowling
Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Commack, NY
42 years experience male
Locations
Long Island Spine Specialists, PC
Commack, NY
Phone
Practice website
Insurances accepted
HIP Health Plans
Oxford Health Plans
United HealthCare Insurance Company
About
Bio
Fellowship trained, board certified orthopaedic surgeon in a mulitispecialty practice limited only to the treatment of spinal disorders. The practice is composed of all board certified and fellowship trained physicians & orthopaedic spine surgeons guiding treatment. Long Island Spine Specialists, PC is the most established & experienced spine practice on Long Island offering comprehensive care of spinal issues.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Doctor Q&A
2.3K Answers
380 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Yes but with all: Medications there may be side effects or even contraindications to use in certain people but when indicated and monitored by your physician, risks can... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
No -No concerns or : Worries for you self manipulation of the spine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Type of approach : This describes the way into the spinal canal by removing a portion of the roof or lamina of the spine which is termed a laminectomy to get access to t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
First, understand : That sciatic nerve pain is pain radiating into the leg with back pain that may or may not be associated with it. If there is no leg pain, then there ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 52-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
That is a good one : There can be many reasons including that maybe you should not have had the laminectomy in the first place to that you are out of shape or you never w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Several possibilitie: In that region, pain can arise from a hip, spine or si joint problem. It can also be a referred pain from your abdominal or pelvic region organs as w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
If it limits your : If it limits your activity or exercise level as well as your general nutritional status, yes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
It is a structure: That acts like a joint by joining 2 bones together while allowing motion and weight bearing. It is 90% water at birth and dries up as we age. It has... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
That depends on your: Type of spine surgery as guided by your surgeon. Staying fit is the best way to keep a healthy back but too much of certain extreme positions or load... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Given for diagnosis: Facet blocks are used for diagnostic purposes and can be also combined with a steroid such as kenalog (triamcinolone) for additional short term reli... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Careful exercise: Start by avoiding prolonged positioning & any repetitive twist or bend maneuvers. If you had physical therapy, resume those exercises. Use of otc me... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
No unless you never : Grow older than 10 as discs can be seen to degenerate as early as that age. You can minimize the rate by not getting obese, not smoking and by exerci... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
No: No-it is not dangerous, harmful or risky as long as you are doing it yourself.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Time: Time is biggest healer for disc herniations -90% get better independent of what treatment given. Medication can range from over counter types to pres... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Several : For most with symptoms, time is the best healer. Other treatment ranges from activity modification, medication, exercise, physical therapy, epidural... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Usually a year: It takes about one year for a multilevel fusion related to a scoliosis to fully heal but this varies on the age of the patient at the time of surgery ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Use a innversion : Table to achieve the traction effect of spinal decompression.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
There is no one drug: There are several types of medication or combinations depending on your allergy history, concurrent use of other medication and underlying medical iss... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
The difference is : That a lumbar puncture is a spinal tap to obtain fluid and measurements of the cerebral spinal fluid while a myelogram is the same procedure but then ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 52-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
It is removal of a : Portion of the roof or posterior bone of the spinal canal to decompress or relieve pressure on the nerve tissue or as a way to gain access to remove s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Yes, there are types: Of scoliosis that can occur from birth. One type is congenital and the other is infantile. The most common, idiopathic does not present at birth.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Yes with the : Yes, once cleared by surgeon, there should be no issues. The clearance is mainly to see that there are no post op issues like wound healing issue or... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Varies: Varies on the type of fusion & approach, number of levels, whether you are a smoker, your overall fitness & condition as well as health & you age. Th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
You cannot as the : Only population that this has never been found in arecthose that never walked!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Possible: More common in terms of the combination of back & leg pain in terms of a sciatica is nerve involvement with 20% experiencing some neurologic symptoms ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
No one unless they : Treat you for free as it offers no benefit over any other treatment done non-operatively.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Type of approach : This describes the way into the spinal canal by removing a portion of the roof or lamina of the spine which is termed a laminectomy to get access to t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
The most recent : Studies reveal that weight loss is mostly dependent on calorie intake rather than activity level or exercise.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
This depends on : The symmetry of your body and balance which is related to the size, type and location of your curve. The more symmetric or balanced, the better you a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Yes as long as : The pain or other potential symptoms or issues like potential weakness limit you or aggravated by walking. Exercise in general is good treatment for ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Yes in several cases: Typical or idiopathic scoliosis is a painless spine deformity but if large it may cause muscular pain & if it extends into the lower back it can accel... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Unlikely: Usually a scoliosis will progress while you still are growing or if a curve has exceeded 50 degrees in size or if you become osteoporotic. Occasional... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Decompressive ones: You need to open up the spinal canal to free the nerve tissues. This can be done directly and in some cases indirectly when correcting deformities and... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Yes. There are : Several indications for there use such as in certain disc surgeries or with treating certain tumors as well as in other limited indications.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Several: Activity modification, use of a 0 degree lordosis back brace, use of a cane or walker, medications, exercises/physical therapy as well as epidural ste... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
This is dependent on: How in shape and how flexible you are in the first place as well as not having any hip or leg issues at the same time. The type and extent of your su... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
That is dependent on: Your age at the time of surgery, the level of the surgery and the number of vertebrae fused.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
If you mean epidural: If you mean epidural spinal injections, these can work for about 50% of people long term & can be repeated as needed as long as they give good relief ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Several that lessen : Several that lessen as you heal. Initially, you can walk and climb stairs as tolerated whlie avoiding twisting, bending & heavy lifting. Going into ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Mostly nonop: Time, rest, activity restriction, medication, physical rherapy, epidural steroid injections, chiropractic, guided exercise - some or most in combinat... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Nonop v op v type: This depends on multiple factors such as the cause of the scoliosis, the age of the patient, the health and nutrional status of the patient and the se... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
No: No, however, lying on your stomach may increase the arch or sway or lordosis of your lower back that could aggravate your symptoms and if thereis adva... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
No: No. The deformity does not change in size.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
It can be: There is a genetic variety and some believe it may also be virally induced.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
As you are never are: Going to be able to perform that feat you can use ice or heat on your back or neck or alternate them based on what feels most comfortable to you. The... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Not back but neck: It may make the discogenic or degenerative/arthritic pain worse in the back but your spinal canal is opened more in a sitting position while in the ne... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Not typical but: The injection may have been more of a spinal rather than an epidural giving you pain and the weakness or it could be a bleed (epidural hematoma) or a ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
From don't worry : This depends on your age and the size of the curve and whether your bone density is normal and if there are any associated issues such as spinal steno... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Not usually but: Not in the lumbar spine except in severe, long standing cases or in people with an underlying neuropathy, there can be muscle wasting or atrophy or ev... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Unlikely: Unlikely, but there are syndromes that are associated with smaller than average spinal canals that have a genetic basis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
18
Recommendations
2.8K
Thank you notes
Mar 23, 2013
Dr Dowling provides an exceptional public service through Health Tap. His response are universally suberb. He provides indepth yet concise, acurate and understandable information. I recommend Dr. Dowl...Read More
Aug 5, 2014
Very knowlegible and conservative about when to do surgery thats good
Dec 28, 2012
Commack is lucky to have such a top doc!
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thanks this is helpful for me. I've been experiencing a small popping noise from my upper back. It doesn't hurt but is super annoying. I will continue to stretch it. Hop...Read More
HealthTap member
Thank you. This has been helpful and a positive exchange. When you say "rigorous in exercise" I assume you mean continuing to strengthen my core/back and increase flexibility and mobility.
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! thank you for taking ur time to answer these questions. I feel better knowing that its more than likely just a pinched nerve. I was worrying could be lung cancer
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Boston University
Graduated 1981MD
Residency
State University of NY at Stony Brook
Residency
NORTH SHORE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Awards
Top Doctor Orthopaedic Surgery Castle Connolly Guide
Assistant Clinical Professor Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine
Most Influential, Third Place, East Long Island, NY - Winter
2013
Affiliations
Long Island Spine Specialists, PC
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