Why Choose Luminis Health?
Unlike retail med spas, our cosmetic services are delivered within a trusted healthcare system.
Treatments performed by medically trained professionals, not technicians
Access to board-certified plastic surgeons
Hospital-level safety standards
Personalized treatment planning
Full spectrum of cosmetic care (surgical + nonsurgical)
When you choose Luminis Health, you choose experience, safety and results.
Treatment
Conditions/Services/Treatments Page
Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedures
Refresh Your Look — No Surgery, No Downtime
At Luminis Health Plastic Surgery, our medically trained aesthetic specialists offer advanced nonsurgical cosmetic treatments that deliver natural-looking results with minimal recovery time.
Board-certified medical oversight
Medical-grade laser technology
Customized treatment plans
Natural, subtle enhancements
Convenient Annapolis location
0
Wellness
General Page Tier 3
What Your Back Pain Might Be Telling You
Blog
Millions of us suffer from back pain. In fact, it’s one of the most common health problems in the United States. From a steady, dull throbbing to a sharp, sudden pain that radiates down your leg, there’s a wide range of ways you might experience it — and an even wider range of ways it can happen.
Whether your pain developed suddenly after a fall or progressed slowly from age-related changes, the result is the same: symptoms that interfere with your daily life. That’s why it’s important to let a specialist take a closer look, so you can better understand your options and work together to build a treatment plan.
Causes of back pain symptoms
Almost everyone will experience back pain at some time in their life. Several factors can contribute to back pain, including your:
Age
Diet
Family history
Fitness level
Job-related risk
Stress level
Weight
When to see a doctor about your back pain symptoms
Plan to see your doctor right away if you have pain that doesn’t improve after a few weeks, or if you have these symptoms:
Back pain after a fall or injury
Fever, which can be a sign of discitis or an epidural abscess
Numbness and tingling
Severe back pain that medicine doesn’t help
Trouble urinating
Unplanned weight loss
Weakness
Treatment for back pain
The right treatment depends on the cause of your pain. Your doctor will do a full exam, which may include X-rays and scans, to better pinpoint what’s causing your pain and how best to treat it. An accurate diagnosis is essential as many different structural problems can give similar and often overlapping symptoms.
In some cases, you can improve back pain with lifestyle changes, such as staying active to increase strength and balance. You could also work to maintain a healthy body weight to lower stress on your back.
Traditional and complementary treatments
Your doctor may suggest traditional treatments such as muscle relaxers or numbing injections.
Your provider may also suggest complementary approaches such as acupuncture, spinal manipulation, Tai chi or yoga.
When you may need surgery for back pain
Conservative therapy, including physical therapy, is effective in nearly 80 percent of cases. If physical therapy and other traditional or complementary treatments are not providing relief, surgery may be an option to help alleviate your back pain.
Surgical approaches range from minimally invasive procedures to more complex open operations, and an experienced surgeon can partner with you to develop a personalized treatment plan aligned with your overall health and wellness goals. In about 20 percent of cases, sacroiliac, or SI, fusion may be the most effective way to relieve back pain and restore stability.
What is SI fusion?
The SI joint is where the spine and pelvis meet. SI fusion makes the SI joint more stable since it, like any joint, can break down over time or because of an injury. The result is often a painful lower back.
Your neurosurgeon will make a small incision and use an implant system to stabilize and fuse the SI joint to prevent ongoing pain. The procedure is designed to help you recover faster with fewer complications and better outcomes.
SI fusion is a minimally invasive surgery that has a very high success rate. After surgery, patients typically recover in about three weeks using a walker or crutch. Most don’t need physical therapy during this time.
Expert care for your back pain is within reach
If you haven’t been able to find relief from back pain, ask your doctor if the pain could be related to your SI joints. If you are diagnosed with an SI joint condition, please contact Christopher Taleghani, MD at 443-451-4994.
Authors
Christopher Taleghani, MD, has performed more than 500 sacroiliac joint fusion procedures, making him one of the most experienced minimally invasive spine surgeons in the world. He is an invited lecturer, educator, and innovator in the development and advancement of minimally invasive surgical techniques.
0
Why Depend on Us for Spine Rehabilitation?We're dedicated to getting you back on your feet as safely and quickly as possible from your back injury or spine surgery. You should choose us because:We're part of one of Maryland's top spine surgery programs. That kind of volume gives us a wealth of experience guiding patients like you through recovery.Our physical therapists specialize in spinal conditions. Helping people with a spinal condition achieve optimal results is our sole focus. Because of that narrow focus, our physical therapists are experts in all aspects of recovery, whether it's for a new injury, chronic condition or surgical recovery. For surgical recovery, we advise you on wound care, post-operative precautions and how to safely resume activity following surgery. No matter your condition , we customize a rehab program specifically for you. Altogether, this gives you the best chance of reaching your goals.We'll work seamlessly with the rest of your care team. Our physical therapists stay in touch with your referring provider or your surgeon if you have spinal surgery. This ensures you get the most appropriate care during each stage of your recovery. If you have surgery, we can securely send photos of your incision to your surgeon through your electronic chart. We also work closely with the nurse navigator who coordinates your care. We know communication between patient and the entire care team is pivotal to ensure optimal recovery.We have clinics in many locations. With clinics located throughout the area, you won't have to travel far for appointments.
Condition
Conditions/Services/Treatments Page
Spinal Conditions
Luminis Health Physical Therapy uses treatments from manual therapy to a range of exercises for people with spinal conditions. We treat patients who need physical therapy for new conditions, chronic conditions and surgical recovery.Physical Therapy for Spinal Conditions at Luminis HealthOur physical therapists help you strengthen the muscles that support your spine. We also help you avoid nerve pain and other nerve symptoms. We respond to your unique needs, goals and lifestyle. Our goal is to help you be the best you.We're trained in several internationally renowned approaches, from the McKenzie Method to neural mobilization. We draw from a variety of evidence-based techniques, perfecting your program based on how you respond.We increase your range of movement, increase your strength and stop your pain at the source. We work with you to find out your goals and help you achieve them.Your physical therapist team helps guide you every step of the way through your rehab process and cheers on each new accomplishment!
0
Patient Stories, Cancer Care
General Page Tier 3
Turning a Cancer Diagnosis into Advocacy: Rossalynn’s Story
Blog
When Annapolis business executive Rossalynn Abbott Ripper was diagnosed with breast cancer, she did not want chemotherapy. She asked her oncologist, Dr. Young Lee of Luminis Health, if she could skip it.
“Dr. Lee is incredibly supportive and encouraging. She talked to me about chemotherapy and why I needed it and answered all of my questions,” Ripper said.
Ripper was concerned about losing her hair. Dr. Lee introduced her to scalp cooling, which can help patients retain their hair during chemotherapy. Ripper chose to approach chemotherapy and scalp cooling with a positive mindset, and she was grateful to complete treatment with her hair intact.
Today, she advocates for scalp cooling coverage for all cancer patients, while also running a business and raising her 16-year-old son.
As for her treatment, Ripper said, “The nurses at Luminis Health are life-changing. To have a smiling face and a hug when you’re going through treatment is so powerful.”
To learn more about cancer treatment at Luminis Health, visit Luminis.Health/CancerCare.
0
News & Press Releases
General Page Tier 3
Luminis Health Hosts Third Annual Community Baby Shower for Prince George’s County Families: Event Aims to Combat Rising Delays in Prenatal Care
Blog
Glendale, MD — As new federal data shows more women are delaying prenatal care, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) is hosting its third annual Community Baby Shower Saturday, April 11, 2026 from noon to 4 p.m.
Due to growing popularity and a desire to reach more families, LHDCMC is partnering with Reid Temple A.M.E to host this year’s Community Baby Shower at the church’s campus in Glendale.
The Community Baby Shower is free and open to the public and will support expectant mothers and families with children up to age 2 through:
Educational presentations on pregnancy, maternal mental health, and lactation.
Local vendors offering baby essentials and supportive services.
A raffle for breast bumps, a car seat, and stroller.
Diaper and other baby giveaways.
“During the pandemic, Reid Temple A.M.E. Church was a trusted partner in helping us educate and vaccinate the community against COVID-19,” said Temi Oshiyoye, Luminis Health’s director of Community Health Improvement.
“We are proud to partner again to ensure families have the knowledge, resources, and support they need for a healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.”
The need for early and consistent care is more urgent than ever. A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that a quarter of women delay prenatal care, which increases the risk of complications and maternal mortality.
The trend is especially concerning in Prince George’s County, where eight out of 10 women leave the county to deliver their babies. Black women also continue to face disproportionately high maternal mortality rates, approximately 50% higher than the national average.
LHDCMC is committed to addressing the maternal health crisis. Next month, the hospital will break ground on a new Women’s Health Pavilion on its Lanham campus. The pavilion will have inpatient obstetric services, including labor, delivery, and postpartum care.
These expanded women’s health services are scheduled to launch in 2028. Once fully operational, LHDCMC expects to deliver approximately 2,000 babies each year.
“By expanding access to comprehensive women’s health services, we can help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in our community and build healthier, thriving families for generations to come,” said Deneen Richmond, president of LHDCMC. “Our annual Community Baby Shower is one way we are helping families start that journey with the support they deserve.“
In addition to expanding hospital-based services, Luminis Health is strengthening its investment in community-based prevention efforts. This summer, the health system will launch the Start Well Preconception Program, a cohort-based initiative designed to support women before pregnancy. Led by registered nurses, midwives and doulas, and community health team members, the program connects participants with trusted clinical guidance and a supportive peer network as they navigate important health decisions.
Sessions include education and on-site health screenings such as A1C testing, diabetes risk assessment, nutrition counseling and blood pressure checks. Thanks to a generous grant from Care First and the Greater Washington Community Foundation, the program will be offered free of charge beginning in July, and no insurance is required.
Together, these efforts reflect Luminis Health’s commitment to ensuring every family in Prince George’s County has access to the care, education, and support needed for a healthy baby before, during, and after pregnancy.
0