National Spine and Pain Centers - Marina Protopapas, DO

"A few years ago, with chronic back pain and just low-grade shots offered by a Doctor from a large Group Practice, my chiro sent a referral to see Dr Protopapas and it was one of the best referrals to a Doctor I have ever received. Dr P and her staff are very accommodating and professional. She has an amazing reputation from her peers (as I found out later). Its not easy getting in to see her given how in demand she is but you first get in to see an Assistant and then if needed, you are scheduled in for anyone of several treatments after Imaging is provided. I still remember after my first imaging; she saw something I needed to check out with my PCP and I did. Getting injections/treatments from her is as good an experience one can hope for given the circumstances. Her nurses (male and female) are very patient and prep you well answering questions. Dr P will also visit and explain/ask questions. Then she very patiently will proceed always asking how you are feeling and letting you know what is about to come (tip look away from the needles). Then when you are finished you are provided instructions and not allowed to leave unless you are feeling up to it. Her current assistant Chris is awesome to deal with and very patient. He has really helped me out with procedures, prescriptions and medical advice. The Front Office is great with Ana and I believe Greg the Manager who can also act as a nurse for procedures. Located near Fair Oaks Hospital with great parking. Worth the drive from Ashburn to Fairfax. Another tip. If you need PT, ask Dr P for a recommendation. She gave me one and my therapist is awesome. Dr P's reports are very complete and other Doctors can quickly follow exactly want was done. Strong recommendation for Dr P and her staff. They ROCK!!!!"

"I have been seeing Dr Portopapas and Salil Mehotra for years related to chronic back pain. They have such compassion and genuine care for your well being. I couldn't be happier with the care I receive from them. Someone on her mentioned that they put you in a room after for 15-20 minutes... that is to make sure you don't have a reaction and are safe to go. The staff checks on you and let's you know when you are allowed to go."

"This review goes back to 2007 when I was treated by Dr. Protopapas for severe back pain and she gave me my life back. After being in a car accident in 2006, I went to my PCP's practice several times seeing my primary doctor and at times his associates at the practice and an orthopedic MD and then a physical therapy doctor for physical therapy of what all these doctors said was wrong. They all misdiagnosed what was wrong. I was in agony, I could not sleep in a bed, I had to sleep in a recliner or chair for months. My PCP said I had to learn to live with the pain, there was nothing that could be done. I was exhausted, depressed and near suicidal. Eventually my PT doctor suggested I see the pain management clinic next door to the PT center. refered me to Dr. Protopapas for spinal pain injection treatments. With all my doctors wrong diagnosis Dr. Protopapas started a series of spinal injections. First one round than another. Midway through the second or third series, she said if the other doctors diagnosis was right the injections would have helped by then, but it was clear I was still in pain. She asked for a few days to rereview my diagnosis as she suspected it was wrong. I then met her again and she said she suspected it was something else and I should have a rheumatologist confirm and perhaps refine her new diagnosis. In the mean time she offered me a RX for a medication she thought would work because the Vicodin and other meds prescribed to me by my PCP didn't help much at all for the pain even after being on it for about 9 months. The medicine she prescribed helped almost immediately with the pain and it wasn't a narcotic. The rheumatologist confirmed her general diagnosis and refined it further. He then started me on medication that both ended the pain and brought the condition into remission. Dr. Protopapas saved my life."

"Outstanding practice! I've been coming to this practice for over two years, and they have been a lifesaver in many ways. I've seen Salil quite a bit in 2024 after having major back surgeries and complications related to it. I've seen him or Dr. Protopapas more than 20 times in 2024 and 10 times in 2023. They are as good if they are better than advertised. Dr. P is outstanding! The staff is excellent, and even though others have indicated in the reviews that it is nearly impossible to get them on the phone, it has gotten tremendously better. Once you have appointments and have been in the practice for a while, it is easier than making the initial appointment. I did have a little help initially, as my referring doctor was close to Dr. P and her staff and was able to connect me more easily. I'm thrilled with my progress since my initial visit, designed to help lengthen the time before needing back surgery. Based on what I saw from the initial appointments, nothing has changed, and the practice has been outstanding. The pain I experienced before seeing Dr. P has significantly dissipated, and I did not need to see Dr. P again after those November 2022 epidurals. I highly recommend a visit here if you are in pain and looking for an alternative to surgery. Salil and Dr. P are outstanding in their work. The supporting office staff and techs, like Joseph, are exceptional in assisting Dr. P with her fluoroscopic epidural injections."

"This doctor absolutely hit the spot! These injections don't always work but her's really did, much more than my previous experiences. It is now one year later...not even a twinge."

"Dr Protopapas is absolutely amazing. I have seen many doctors in the past 20, by far she has been the most amazing physician I have worked with for my pain. I highly recommend her."

"Dr. Marina Protopapas has been my physician for 10+ years. She and her Medical assistant Joseph and her receptionist Ms Rachna Gupta are delightful. I have excellent experience at her clinic. I trust her to provide me with the best medical care for my current condition. I would highly recommend her because of her medical knowledge."

"My significant other and I were treated by Dr. P a few years ago. Immediately, we noticed significant improvement even before we left the office. Dr. P was very professional, while at the same time very personable. We felt very at ease with her and trusted her judgment in our treatment. Yes, the wait time is frustrating but well worth the wait. I would endure the wait again just to see her and receive treatment from her."