Back Pain Specialist

What are the main causes of back pain?

The back comprises a large area containing bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and other structures, and injuries to any of these elements can cause pain anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the tailbone. Most back pain is caused by overexertion and strain that causes the bones in the spine (the vertebrae) to move out of their normal alignment, pressing on nerves and causing discomfort and other sensations like numbness. Spinal diseases like osteoarthritis, spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis can also cause back pain. Sometimes, simple lifestyle habits like poor posture, bending over a cell phone, sleeping on an unsupportive mattress or wearing ill-fitting or high-heeled shoes can cause back pain. Having a comprehensive evaluation is the key to ensuring the most appropriate and most effective treatment is administered.

What is cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy is a condition that develops when the nerves in the neck become “pinched” or impinged, resulting in pain and sensations of numbness or tingling in the neck and often extending into the upper back or shoulders. The condition usually occurs as a result of a bulging or herniated disc in the neck.

How are back and neck pain treated?

Because most types of pain involve inflammation and irritation along the spine or in the supportive tissues and muscles, many patients benefit from injections of anesthetics, corticosteroids, and other medications to relieve pain and inflammation so the body has a chance to heal. Injections deliver medication directly to the site of injury for faster results compared to oral pain medications that aren't able to specifically target the area of injury. Nerve root injections can also be effective in blocking pain sensations, and minimally-invasive procedures like radiofrequency ablation. Rest, use of ice or heat, and therapeutic exercise or gentle stretching may also be recommended in addition to injections. Injections can also help make physical therapy more effective by reducing pain and improving range of motion. In very severe cases, minimally-invasive spinal surgery may be recommended to stabilize a portion of the spine or perform other repairs.

*Individual Results May Vary