My name is Donna Trimboli. My experience at Brooklyn Spine Center began with an initial…read moreconsultation on April 21, 2026. During that visit, Melinda Keller reviewed my intake forms and sent me for three X-rays before continuing the consultation. I was required to pay $125.00 for the X-rays that day. After reviewing the results, I was presented with an approximately $7,000 out-of-pocket treatment plan. When I asked how my progress would be measured and what specific improvements I should expect, I left feeling that my questions had not been clearly answered. The office also felt very high-volume, with one assistant caring for numerous patients, on different machines at the same time. Having previously worked for a chiropractor, I left feeling that the experience was more focused on selling a treatment plan than on individualized care.
After my visit, I posted a Google review describing my experience.
Shortly afterward, Melinda Keller personally called me and asked me to return to the office. During my second visit, much of our conversation centered on my review and the effect it could have on her business. She then offered several spinal decompression treatments at no charge so I could determine whether they would help.
I agreed.
On May 11, 2026, the assistant positioned me on the spinal decompression table and started the treatment. According to the manufacturer's safety instructions for the decompression table, patients should be provided with a handheld emergency stop button before treatment. I was not given one. I was also left alone in the treatment room -- on a machine that requires close monitoring while strapped into a high-tension mechanized machine - which, according to the manufacturer's instructions, was not consistent with the recommended safety procedures.
During the treatment, the table unexpectedly began pulling and jerking one side of my body downwards with tremendous force. I do not know whether the machine malfunctioned or whether incorrect settings were used. What I do know is that I repeatedly called out "Hello!" twice because I needed help, and no one came into the room. The force was so sudden and violent that it is one of the most frightening experiences I have ever had. Eventually, the machine stopped on its own, and I remained lying there frozen in shock, watching the timer count down to zero. When the assistant returned to unstrap me, I mentioned the machine acting erratically, but she offered no explanation - not even a raised eyebrow - just an awkward silence.
Afterward, because I already knew something had gone wrong and was concerned about the pain I was beginning to experience, I agreed to a cold laser treatment in the hope that it might reduce inflammation and help minimize any injury. As someone who has worked extensively with medical lasers in my own profession, that seemed like a reasonable decision at the time.
Before the cold laser treatment began, the assistant immediately handed me an emergency shut-off button and instructed me to use it if the treatment became too warm.
That moment has stayed with me ever since. I had just completed a treatment on a motorized decompression table while alone and without an emergency stop button, yet I was promptly given one for a laser treatment where I could have simply sat up if I became uncomfortable.
Approximately a week later, I emailed Melinda Keller explaining that I continued to experience significant pain and specifically asked what machine settings had been used during my decompression treatment. Instead of answering my question, or calling me to discuss what had happened, I simply received copies of my intake paperwork and X-rays. I never received the information I requested or any meaningful follow-up regarding the incident or my how I was feeling.
I am currently undergoing medical evaluation. Until that process is complete, I cannot say exactly what injuries I may have sustained. I can say that I continue to experience pain that began immediately after this treatment. Pain that I didn't have before the treatment experience.
This review reflects only my personal experience. Based on what happened to me, I cannot recommend Brooklyn Spine Center.
