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Dr. Atif Malik

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Frederick, MD
25 years experience male

Locations

American Spine

Frederick, MD

Address

1050 Key Parkway, Suite 103, Frederick, MD
Directions

My office hours

Thursday: 8:00am - 4:00am
Show more

Practice website

Fax

2406293932

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Minimally Invasive Pain & Spine

Hackettstown, NJ

About

Bio

<strong>Atif Malik, M.D.</strong>, grew up in Houston, Texas, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at the Houston Baptist University. Graduating with Cum Laude honors in Fine Arts, Biology and Chemistry, Dr. Malik went on to finish his Medical Degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. Dr. Malik completed his residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine where he was then chosen to serve as Chief Resident. He then went on to sub-specialize by completing an Interventional Pain Fellowship from Harvard Medical School at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He further trained in percutaneous and endoscopic spine surgery under world renowned spine surgeon, Dr. Thomas Hoogland of the Alpha Klinic in Munich, Germany and fellowship trained in advanced spinal surgical technique developed by Wooridul Hospital in Soul, Korea. Dr. Malik has been one of the first physicians to educate and train endoscopic spine surgeons in the United States in a bloodless and minimally invasive technique to preserve normal disc tissue. As one of the of the original founders of Spine PulseTM treatments, Atif B. Malik, MD, has dedicated his practice to the advancement of minimally invasive spinal surgery and endoscopic spine surgery. Additionally, he has served as a spinal consultant to numerous companies related to minimally invasive spine products and has also been involved in the development of intradiscal transplantation of stem cells and platelet-rich plasma, laser thermodiscoplasty, percutaneous and endoscopic discectomy / foraminotomy, and the use of laser, radiofrequency and bipolar technology. He is an advocate of redefining the algorithm for the treatment of degenerative spinal disorders and the preservation of spinal segmental motion using minimally invasive techniques. Furthermore, he has authored peer-reviewed research journal articles, scientific abstracts, reviews, and book chapters in the field of pain and spine medicine. This vision has led Dr. Malik, to co-found American Spine, a multi-speciality practice that offers the least invasive alternatives to open-back operations. These alternatives take the form of percutaneous and endoscopic outpatient spine procedures which allow neck and back pain sufferers to find relief, recover quickly, and improve function while minimizing short and long term complications. Using Spine PulseTM technology, American Spine practitioners challenge the current open-spine surgery and offers comprehensive, least-invasive surgical options for common ailments that plague the back and neck. Additionally, Dr. Malik believes a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, when used appropriately, has the best outcome for patients when treating chronic pain. Such an approach includes spinal blocks, rational poly-pharmacy, physical therapy, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, spinal manipulation, and psychological treatment. Dr. Malik is Board Certified in Pain Management and is active with The International Society of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, American Pain Society, and North American Spine Society. Dr. Atif B. Malik finds true reward in providing his patients with pain relief and an increased quality of life. While his core focus is on providing excellent patient care, he has also been lauded with much recognition including the Oliver R. Smith Jr., M.D. award for Clinical Excellency, Letter of Recognition from President Bush for Humanitarian Relief work, and Top Docs, a distinction voted by his peers in New Jersey Monthly. Outside of medicine, Dr. Malik’s other interests include, fine arts, especially Racu pottery, print-making, photography, hunting, fishing, and most important, spending quality time with his family. Dr. Malik is fluent in Urdu and Punjabi.

Specialties
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.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Pain Management

Languages spoken

English, Hindi, Mandarin, Punjabi

Doctor Q&A

39 Answers
544 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Pressure: One leading theory points to changes in air pressure. Although many people say that their pain worsens with damp, rainy weather, research has shown th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 53-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Vegies: Most likely the damage has been done but generally speaking a vegan diet would be one to consider.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Contamination: Formula contamination caused by improper handling and storage of formula and equipment can also induce diarrhea, cautions the oley foundation. Likewis... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
It's complicated: U/s is a form of deep heat. You may need an orthopedic or sports medicine evaluation to figure out your knee pain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 52-year-old female asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Yes: I would always be careful in the kitchen, however, your conditions are not uncommon; you should be managed by a good pain management physician for the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 48-year-old female asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
MRI: I recommend you get an MRI and see a pain management physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Yes: Yes it could be a pulled muscle but i would advise you to see your doctor to figure this out.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Yes: Wait it out, check a pregnancy test as well. If not better see your primary care or ob.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Depends: All depends on how long you do it for i suppose.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Cervical Disc: This could be a cervical disc herniation. Please see your doctor. You need a neurological exam and an MRI possibly.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
No: If you're 37 y/o what growth are you worried about? Losing fat is always a good thing.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
No: Not generally, unless there is neurovascular compromise or sepsis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Not necessairly: Could be from disc herniation as well....
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 56-year-old female asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Epidural: Depending on the cause of the sciatica, you could really benefit from an epidural steroid injection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Stye: Use warm compresses, possibly seeing your doctor. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/stye.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Effusion: You probably have involvement of your ankle joints. Consider seeing your rheumatologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
MRI: If this is a new head pain, consider getting MRI of the head.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 42-year-old female asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Yes: Ocular migraines are a particular subset of migraines so if you're prone to getting them then almost anything case cause them.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Use NSAIDs: Anti-inflammatory could help as first step, if pain and spasm persists then see your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 40-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Research still slow: A number of established agents have recently been investigated for their potential as neuroprotective agents, including antibiotics and minocycline. P... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Liver: Wilson's disease is a liver condition obviously that can cause hypertension.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 51-year-old female asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Yes: Yes, neck exercises can help with some amount of the pain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Muscle relaxants: Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine hcl) tends to cause more sedation and is a stronger muscle relaxant.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Many: But should not take more than 3-4 per day.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Lack of flow: If good collaterals have formed, symptoms of leg swelling and pain may not occur or may only be mild. However, in some people collaterals do not get ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Sleepiness: Using zolpidem together with cyclobenzaprine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may al... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 64-year-old female asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Need more tests: Foot and ankle swelling is quite common and can be caused by many things, including prolonged standing or sitting; foot and ankle injury or trauma, su... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
MRI: I would go see a specialist about this and do a proper workup first.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Yes: The heavier the weight the more the mass gained.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 26-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Radiculopathy: This could be from a cerivcal disc herniation. You need to get a cervical mri.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Arm rest: Get a chair with good arm rest and upper back and neck support.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
No: For adults use of canes and walkers to prevent falls, home modifications (e.g., grab bars, raised toilet seats, and ramps) for mobility, weighted eati... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Fat: Milk has a lot of fat and eggs have a lot of cholesterol.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 38-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Yes: Yes depending on your ability.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
TKR: Depending on your function level, one surgery may be better than the other. Usually tkr is better.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Yes: This could be arthritis or carpel tunnel. See a pain management specialist or pm&r doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Tendinitis: It could be some kind of tendonitis...Is there any specific position it hurts in? Like maybe only when you lay down and the leg is fully straight (wit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 29-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Loss of control of 4: Quadriplegia, is paralysis caused by illness or injury to a human that results in the partial or total loss of use of all their limbs and torso; parap... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Atif Malik
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 25 years experience
Herniated discs: Herniated discs in the neck (cervical spine) can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and hands. In some cases a ver... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Testimonials
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.

3
Recommendations
41
Thank you notes
Sep 15, 2013
Thank you for bringing you experience, caring and time to answer some difficult questions. I truly appreciate your work here!
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Malik is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Malik is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you, This makes do much sense! Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. YOUR AMAZING(:
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! thank you very much doctor for your tip i will certianly wanna try tha
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Ty, Well have not had much ability!

Education & Training

Medical/Graduate school

St. George's University School of Medicine, Grenada
Graduated 1998MD

Residency

Baylor College of Medicine

Awards

Top Docs 2012, NJ Monthly
Top Docs 2011, NJ Monthly
Newton Chamber of Commerce 2011 Community Service Award with special recognition for humanitarian efforts during Haiti Earthquake disaster during January of 2010 – Specialty Surgical Center, Sparta, NJ

Affiliations

American Spine
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