About Santhosh A. Thomas, DO, MBA
Dr. Santhosh Thomas is a board-certified physician specializing in back and neck pain, sports medicine, musculoskeletal medicine, and pain management. He also serves as Co-Director of the Medical Spine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic’s Neurological Institute.
Dr. Thomas graduated from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury. He completed an internship at Massapequa General Hospital, Seaford, NY, followed by a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the New York University Medical Center. He received fellowship training in interventional spine care and pain management at the Florida Spine Institute in Clearwater, and he earned his Master in Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.
Dr. Thomas’ contributions to the spine and pain management fields include extensive presentations nationally and internationally. He has authored numerous articles in various journals as well as authored numerous chapters on spine related subjects.
He is also a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, International Spine Intervention Society, and the North American Spine Society.
Publications
Publications
Chand A, Swim T, Thomas, SA. A patient’s nemesis: Intractable emesis following Intra-articular hip injection. Pain Medicine 2018;19(4):828.
Thomas SA, Helber GJ. Cervical stenosis and myelopathy Case Studies in Pain Management, ed. Kaye, AD, Shah, RV. Cambridge University Press. 2014: 95-101.
Thomas SA, Bansal SK. Munchausen syndrome and pain. Case Studies in Pain Management, ed. Kaye, AD, Shah, RV. Cambridge University Press. 2014: 456-458.
Thomas, SA, Zeidman SM. Diagnostic Cervical Disc Injections. In. Benzel, EC, ed. The Cervical Spine, 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott 2012: 248-262.
Cleveland Clinic Arthritis Advisor. Consider These Non-Surgery Options for Knee Pain Relief. Pg. 1 June 2009.
Snooze Clues. Men’s Health, October 2008 Pg. 42.
What really makes your back hurt. Shape Magazine, April 2008 Pg. 104-108.
Thomas SA. Spondylolisthesis: Epidemiology and Assessment. In: Slipman C, Derby (eds): Interventional Spine: An Algorithmic Approach. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier; 2008: 1077-1084. The Role of Electrodiagnostic Testing in the Diagnosis of Radiating Pain. Frontiers in Rehabilitation. Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Winter 2006-2007, Pg. 3.
5 Ways You Can Beat Lower Back Pain. Arthritis Advisor. 2007; 6:May Lead Article.
Spinal Procedures Workshop Series Revamped. The Physiatrist. Dec 2006/Jan 2007 22: 10 8-9.
Fitting Form and Function at Home: Plain Dealer. January 11, 2007. Pg F4.
Two in Bed: Z Guide for Couples. Men’s Health. December 2006, Pg 154.
Sofabed Back. Reader’s Digest. December 2006, Pg. 147.
Orr, RD, Thomas SA. Intradural Migration of Broken IDET Catheter Causing a Radiculopathy. J Spinal Disord Tech 2005; 18:185-187.
Interventional Efforts Can Offer Lasting Relief. The Sun Herald. May 27, 2004. Pg A10.
Scoliosis Requires Regular Checkups. The Sun Herald. March 25, 2004.
Aging Process is a Real Pain in the Back. Lakewood Sun Post. March 04, 2004. Pg C6.
Children Can Have Back Pain Too. The Sun Herald. October 9, 2003. Pg. A14.
Thomas, SA. Spinal Stenosis: History and Physical Examination. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2003; 14:29-39.
Botwin KP, Thomas S, Gruber RD, Torres FM, Bouchlas CC, Rittenberg JJ, Rao S: Radiation Exposure of the Spinal Interventionalist Performing Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002; 83:697-701.
Thomas S. The Zygapophysial Joint and Low Back Pain. The Spinal Column. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Winter 2001; 1-2.
Thomas SA, Wilbourn AJ. Palmar Digital Neuropathy Post Carpal Tunnel Release. Muscle & Nerve 2001; 24:1410-1411.
Botwin KP, Gruber RD, Bouchlas CG, Torres-Ramos FM, Hanna A, Rittenberg J, Thomas SA: Complications of fluoroscopically guided caudal epidural injections. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2001;80:416-424.
Contributing Author: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Pearls. Hanley & Belfus, Editor: Lennard TA 2001. ISBN 1-56053-455-9.
Thomas SA, Figueroa LG, Botwin KB, Gruber RD, Rittenberg JD. Epidural Steroid Injection Treatment for Varicella Zoster versus Herniated Nucleus Pulposus. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2000; 81:1307.
Thomas SA, Figueroa LG, Botwin KB, Gruber RD, Rittenberg JD. Epidural Steroid Injection Treatment for Varicella Zosterversus Herniated Nucleus Pulposus. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2000;81:1307.
Thomas SA, Figueroa LG, Gruber RD, Tandon S, Thistle H. Temporo-parietal Ischemic Insult Leading to Persistent Alien Hand Syndrome. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 1999; 80:1204.
Thomas SA. Cerebrovascular Accidents and their Sequelae. Proceedings of The New York Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Volume 67 (4) 1999.
Presentations
Grand Rounds Neurosurgery Cleveland Clinic
Treatment of Spine Related Pain – Epidural Injections
February 19, 2020
Back pain and treatment options
Lorain Community College, September 17, 2019
Complications of Spinal Injections and Management
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, August 30th, 2019
Thottam, J; Thomas S. Picture This: Lobster Photo Op Leads to MRSA. A Case Report
Neurological Institute Trainee Research Day
Cleveland, OH, May 16th, 2019
Complications of Spinal Injections
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, August 30th, 2019
Back pain – What can be done?
Rose Senior Living
Avon, Ohio, February 20, 2019
Diagnostic Evaluation of the Spine: From Clinical Examination to the MRI
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
January 11, 2019
Clinical Failure of Lumbar Surgery Part 1: Diagnostic Considerations
North American Spine Society
Los Angeles, CA, September 28th, 2018
Panel Discussion – The Role of the Non-Operative Medical Specialist and How They Work with Surgeons
Cleveland Clinic Spine Review Course
Cleveland, OH, July 11th, 2018
Complications of Spinal Injections
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, July 2nd, 2018
Poster - Chand A, Swim TS, Thomas SA. Tenacious hiccups post intra-articular hip injection: A case report
Neurological Institute Trainee Research Day (Poster)
Cleveland, OH, May 24, 2018
Poster - Chand A, Swim TS, Thomas SA. A Patient’s Nemesis: Intractable Emesis Following Intra-Articular Hip Injection
American Academy of Pain Medicine
Vancouver, BC, April 26, 2018
Masqueraders of Spine Pain
Physical Medicine and Rehab Conference
Dubai, UAE, November 18th, 2017
Sports Injections & Therapies: The Spine
Physical Medicine and Rehab Conference
Dubai, UAE, November 18th, 2017
Lorain County Medical Society
REJ Health Center
Avon, OH, September 30th, 2017
Complication of Spinal Procedures
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, July 28th, 2017
Panel Discussion -The Role of the Non-Operative Medical Specialist and How They Work with Surgeons
Cleveland Clinic Spine Review Course
Cleveland, OH, July 12, 2017
Back Pain Management
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, July 5th, 2017
Poster – Thomas S, Reddy A. Gouty Arthropathy Leading to Rare Sacro-iliac Joint Erosion and Pain
World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Pain
Singapore, October 31-November 3, 2016
Innovative Payment Plans
Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
New Orleans, LA, October 20, 2016
Musculoskeletal Outcome Update – What Should We be Measuring and Why?
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
New Orleans, LA, October 22, 2016
Moderator and Presenter – Health Talks
Finding Solutions for Back Pain
Medical Management of Back Pain
CCF – REJ Avon, September 7, 2016
Panel Discussion - The Role of the Non-Operative Medical Specialist and How They Work with Surgeons
Cleveland Clinic Spine Review Course
Cleveland, OH, August 10, 2016
Complication of Spinal Procedures
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, July 15th, 2016
Opioids
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, July 5th, 2016
Poster – Carpenter C, Thomas S. Skin hypopigmentation as a complication of lidocaine patch use in a patient with vitiligo: a case report
Neurological Institute Research Day
Intercontinental Hotel
Cleveland, OH, May 26, 2016
Treatment of Spine Related Pain
Cleveland Clinic Avon
Avon, OH, April 14th, 2016
Complication of Spinal Procedures
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, August 14th, 2015
Poster – Reddy A, Thomas S. Rare Sacroiliac Joint Erosion and Pain Secondary to Gouty Arthropathy: A Case Report
Neurological Institute Research Day
Intercontinental Hotel
Cleveland, OH May 21, 2015
Creating an Outcomes Database and Measuring Patient Reported Outcomes
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
San Diego, CA, November 14, 2014
Poster - Thomas SA, Mazenec D, Papesh N, Modic M. Clinical Outcomes Measurement Using Care Path
15th World Congress on Pain
International Association for the Study of Pain
Buenos Aires, Argentina October 8, 2014
Complication of Spinal Procedures
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, July 18th, 2014
Pain Management: Diagnosis and Treatment
Spine Review Hands- Course Director: Ed Benzel
Cleveland, OH, July 9, 2014
Is a Bigger Lesion Better for Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Pain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 27-31, 2013
How to Give a Good Presentation
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, September 20th, 2013
Professionalism in Social Media
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, September 20th, 2013
Webchat – Managing Back Pain
Cleveland, OH, September 16th, 2013
Injection Complications
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, September 6th, 2013
Pain Management: Diagnosis and Treatment
Spine Review Hands- Course Director: Ed Benzel
Cleveland, OH, July 10, 2013
Instructor – Cervical Spine Injection Course
North American Spine Society
Chicago, IL, April 19-20, 2013
Complication of Spinal Procedures
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, June 10th, 2013
Professionalism and Media
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, June 8th, 2012
Moderator – The Latest Approaches to Managing Chronic Back Pain
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Avon, OH, November 7, 2012.
Medical Management of Back Pain
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Avon, OH, November 7, 2012
Cervical Spinal Injections
Essentials for the Spine Care Physician
Cleveland Clinic – Lutheran Hospital
November 3, 2012
Diagnostic Evaluation of the Spine: From the Clinical Exam to the MRI
2012 Neurology Update – A Comprehensive Review for the Clinician
Washington DC, August 4, 2012
The Medical Treatment of Lower Back Pain
2012 Neurology Update – A Comprehensive Review for the Clinician
Washington DC, August 4, 2012
Pain Management: Diagnosis and Treatment
Spine Review Hands- Course Director: Ed Benzel
Cleveland, OH, July 11, 2012
Medical Management of Low Back Pain
Department of Physical Therapy / Orthopedics
Lorain Institute, June 15th, 2012
Complication of Spinal Procedures
Cleveland Clinic – Fellows Lecture
Cleveland, OH, June 8th, 2012
Moderator – Vertebral Marrow Changes, Low Back Pain, and Radiculopathy: Natural History of the Imaging, Findings, Clinical Course, and Interobserver Variance of Key Findings
AAPMR Annual Meeting
Orlando, FL, November 17, 2011
Pain Management: Diagnosis and Treatment
Spine Review Hands- Course Director: Ed Benzel
Cleveland, OH, July 13, 2011
Mock Oral Board Examiner – MetroHealth Hospital
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Cleveland, OH, April 21, 2011
Moderator – It’s All About Managing Back Pain
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Westlake, OH, December 1, 2010.
Medications & Injections for Back Pain
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Westlake, OH, December 1, 2010
Cervical Spinal Stenosis. Clinical Manifestations (including myelopathy), and non-radiological diagnostic tests (PE, EMB, SSEP)
18th Annual Scientific Meeting – International Spinal Intervention Society
Maui, HI, July 13-17, 2010
Thomas SA. Cervical Injection Therapy
Spine Care for the Primary Care Physician
Cleveland, OH, November 7, 2009
Poster - Thomas SA. Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection: Missing the Target
5th World Congress of the International Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Istanbul, Turkey, June 13-17, 2009
Moderator – My Nagging Back Pain: What to do?
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Westlake, OH, September 25, 2008
Medications & Injections for Back Pain
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Westlake, OH, September 25, 2008
Faculty - Spinal Injection Workshop Course – Intermediate Level
Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Chicago, IL, September 13-14, 2008
Spinal Injection Procedures in Diagnosis and Management of Spinal Pain
6th Annual Comprehensive Pain Board Review Symposium
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Madison, WI, August 8, 2008
Pain Management: Diagnosis and Treatment
Spine Review Hands- Course Director: Ed Benzel
Cleveland, OH. July 16, 2008
Pain Management and Interventional Physiatry
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
New York, NY, July 8th, 2008
Faculty - Spinal Injection Workshop Course – Advanced Level
Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Plano, TX, June 7-8, 2008
Faculty - Spinal Injection Workshop Course – Intermediate Level
Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Memphis, TN, February 23- 24, 2008
What is Back Pain? What can be done? CME Presentation
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Westlake, OH, October 18, 2007
Oral Presentation – Do Disc Herniations Resorb?
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Boston, MA, September 27, 2007
Course Director & Faculty - Spinal Injection Workshop Course
Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Boston, MA, September 25-26, 2007
Course Director & Faculty - Spinal Injection Workshop Course
Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Dallas, TX, June 7-8, 2007
Course Director & Faculty - Spinal Injection Workshop Course
Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Memphis, TN, February 23-24, 2007
Oral Presentation – Medical Management of Back Pain in Children
North American Spine Society
Seattle, WA, September 29, 2006
Co-Moderator – Special Interest Group
Back Pain in Pregnancy and Children – When to Intervene
Seattle, WA, September 29, 2006
Course Director & Faculty - Spinal Injection Workshop Course
Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Memphis, TN, September 16-17, 2006
Pain Management: Diagnosis and Treatment
Spine Review Hands- Course Director: Ed Benzel
Cleveland, OH, July 19, 2006.
Pain Management. Magistral Conference
XXXI Jornada Cientifica – Centro Medico Paitilla
Panama City, Panama, July 14, 2006
Pain Mechanism
XXXI Jornada Cientifica – Centro Medico Paitilla
Panama City, Panama, July 14, 2006
Spinal Injections for Pain Management
XXXI Jornada Cientifica – Centro Medico Paitilla
Panama City, Panama, July 15, 2006
Pain Mechanism and Epidural Injections
Physical Therapy Department
CCF – Lorain, June 28, 2006
Course Director & Faculty - Spinal Injection Workshop Course
Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Memphis, TN, March 4-5, 2006
Faculty - Spinal Injection Workshop Course
Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Cherry Hill / Philadelphia, PA, October 25-26, 2005
How to Manage Pain?
Dept. of Physical Therapy
CCF – Independence, October 11, 2005
Pain Management: Diagnosis and Treatment
Spine Review Hands-On 2004, Course Director: Ed Benzel
Cleveland, OH, July 13, 2005
Interventional Pain Management and Conservative Care
Physical Therapy Department
CCF – Independence, May 23, 2005
Poster - Thomas SA, Orr RD: Complications of Intradiscal Electro Thermal Treatment
3rd World Congress of the International Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Sao Paulo, Brazil April 12, 2005
Poster - Thomas SA, Orr RD: Complications of Intradiscal Electro Thermal Coagulation
AAPM&R
Phoenix, AZ, October 7-10, 2004
Lumbar Spine Imaging
Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Phoenix, AZ, October 6, 2004
Faculty - Spinal Injection Workshop Course
Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Phoenix, AZ, October 5-6, 2004
Moderator - Let's Talk - Back
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Westlake, OH, October 20, 2004
Medical Management of Back Pain
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Westlake, OH, October 20, 2004
Lumbar Stenosis: Differential Diagnosis and Conservative Management
Conferences of the Americas- McKenzie Institute
Cleveland, OH, August 21, 2004
Lumbar Stenosis: Can WE Help and/or Do We Make A Difference?
Conferences of the Americas- McKenzie Institute
Cleveland, OH August 21, 2004
Pain Management: Diagnosis and Treatment
Spine Review Hands-On 2004, Course Director: Ed Benzel
Cleveland, OH, May 19, 2004
Moderator - Back pain: What's the solution?
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Westlake, OH, April 20, 2004
Spine Injections: When, Why and How?
Orthopedics for the Primary Care Physician
Cleveland, OH, October 18, 2003
Spine Injections for Pain Control
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Westlake, OH, August 21, 2003
Moderator - Winning the Battle: Joint Replacement and Resolutions for Back Pain
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Westlake, OH, August 21, 2003
Options for Acute and Chronic Pain Management before Spinal Surgery
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Dept. of PM&R Grand Rounds, July 25, 2003
Poster - Thomas SA. Intersection Syndrome: An Uncommon Diagnosis: A Case Report
2nd World Congress of the International Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Prague, Czech Republic, May 2003
Interventional Physiatry
Dept. of PM&R, University of Kansas
Kansas City, KS, April 18, 2003
Faculty - Spine Injection Course
Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Memphis, TN, March 15-16. 2003
Faculty - Zygapophysial Joint and Low Back Pain
The 2003 Winter Neuroscience Symposium
Advances in Clinical Neurosurgery
Snowmass, CO, February 27, 2003
Faculty - Spine Injection Course
Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation
Orlando, FL, November 19-20. 2002
The Sacroiliac and Facet Joints as Precipitants of Low Back Pain
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Dept. of PM&R Grand Rounds
March 27, 2002
Accepted for Osteoporosis Textbook Chapter In Physiatric Pearls by Hanley & Belfus
Common Clinical Syndrome's Affecting the Lumbar Spine
Metro Health Medical Center, Dept of Rehabilitation Medicine
Cleveland, OH, February 14, 2002
Low Back Pain due to Zygapophysial Joint
Dept. of Physical Therapy, Cleveland Clinic
Westlake, OH, January 31. 2002
Moderator - Treatment Options for Back Pain: Finding Resolution
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Westlake, OH, October 17, 2001
Interventional Approaches for Back Pain
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Westlake, OH, October 17, 2001
Poster - Thomas SA, Wilbourn AJ. Palmar Digital Neuropathy Post Carpal Tunnel Release
48th Annual Assembly of American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine
Albuquerque, NM, October 5, 2001
Assistant Moderator - Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
62nd Annual Assembly of American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
San Francisco, CA, November 3, 2000
Moderator - Low Back Pain
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Westlake, OH, October 11, 2000
Poster - Thomas SA, Figueroa LG, Botwin KB, Gruber RD, Rittenberg JD. Epidural Steroid Injection Treatment for Varicella Zoster versus Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
62nd Annual Assembly of American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
San Francisco, CA, November 4, 2000
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Community Talk
Clearwater, FL, January 22, 2000
Moderator - The Basics of Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Global Approach to a Worldwide Problem
61st Annual Assembly of American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Washington DC. November 14, 1999
Poster - Thomas SA, Figueroa LG, Gruber RD, Tandon S, Thistle H. Temporoparietal Ischemic Insult Leading to Persistent Alien Hand Syndrome
61st Annual Assembly of American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Washington DC, November 13, 1999
Lumbar Spine Disorders: PM&R Grand Rounds
VA Medical Center, Manhattan, September 30, 1998
Friedreich’s Ataxia: Pediatric PM&R Grand Rounds
New York University, June 25, 1998
Upper Lumbar Disc Herniations: Residents Night Paper Presentation
New York Academy of Medicine, May 6, 1998
Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation Issues: Dept. of PM&R
New York University, March 19, 1998
Upcoming Activities
Cost analysis: Non-surgical vs. Surgical for LBP. Medicare data base analysis. Accepted for publication
AAPMR 2019– Presentation on Collaborative effort with MSK Learning Collaborative
Spinal cord stimulation: Lead or two leads
Genicular nerve block in unilateral knee replacement
Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation – New indications
Presentation at NASS on Physical Exam
Najafi S, Thomas, SA Meralgia Paresthetica, Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions from Head to Toe. Springer; Editor Khan, SB. Pending publication
Articles Written by Santhosh A. Thomas, DO, MBA
Articles Reviewed by Santhosh A. Thomas, DO, MBA
Financial Disclosures
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Author's Statement
