DR. BABARIA IS A TOP 20INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED SPINE PHYSICIAN AND WILL REMAIN IN NETWORK. VERIFY YOUR INSURANCE NOW AND AVOID OUT OF NETWORK BILLING SCHEMES.
Strategic imaging is not about "upgrading" to the most expensive scan; it is about selecting the modality that reveals the specific pathology:
X-Ray: Essential for initial screenings, assessing skeletal alignment, and identifying cortical bone breaks.
Computed Tomography (CT): Offers superior visualization of bony anatomy and calcifications, often used when an MRI is contraindicated (e.g., pacemakers).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): The primary tool for evaluating the "soft" components of the spine—intervertebral discs, nerve roots, and the spinal cord. At Amara Pain & Spine, we streamline the diagnostic process by providing direct referrals for imaging and integrating those findings into a multimodal treatment plan. By educating our patients on these tools, we improve compliance and reduce the anxiety often associated with diagnostic testing.
Author
Dr. Vivek Babaria, DODr. Vivek Babaria, DO, FAAPMR is a double board-certified specialist in Interventional Spine, Sports, and Regenerative Medicine. Known for his precision diagnostics and minimally invasive approach, Dr. Babaria integrates cutting-edge technologies like musculoskeletal ultrasound, biologic therapies, and image-guided interventions to restore function and relieve pain. He trained at top institutions and brings a high-touch, patient-first philosophy to every consultation. Whether you're a high-performance athlete, weekend warrior, or navigating chronic pain, Dr. Babaria is committed to personalized, evidence-based care that helps you move, feel, and live better. His practice blends modern medicine with a holistic understanding of the body, making him a leader in the future of non-surgical musculoskeletal care.
Back pain can result from an injury or known problem, but it can also have hidden causes. Keep reading to learn more about these causes and how to avoid surgery.
A 2023 study in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine followed patients with chronic back pain for 2 years after a spinal cord stimulator implant, and 82% still had at least half their back pain relieved.
Dr. Vivek Babaria co-authored a 2023 review on preventing fainting reactions during spine procedures and lead movement during spinal cord stimulator trials.
Dr. Vivek Babaria hosted a NASS SpineLine podcast on how social and community factors may affect access to spine care and recovery after surgery, and why those factors should guide support, not limit who gets care.
Sports Medicine has been inducted into the inaugural 2026 class of Distinguished Fellows of the North American Spine Society (DFNS). The designation recognizes sustained professional excellence, engagement, and service to the spine community.
Low back pain plagues millions of people in the U.S., and it doesn’t always go away on its own. Learn about nonsurgical treatments for low back pain and how Orange County Spine and Sports Physicians can help you get your life back.