Lower Back and Neck Pain in Manhattan, NY

The spine is complex and is prone to injury and degenerative disease, resulting in many chronic neck and back pain conditions. The stress put on the spine from bending, lifting, and twisting throughout the years can impact the vast nerve network rooted in the spinal column from the lower back to the neck. Spinal discs, vertebrae, facet joints, nerve roots, and the surrounding muscles and soft tissues in the neck and back are susceptible to injury and disease. Ospina Medical, located in Manhattan, diagnoses and treats even the most difficult and complex neck and back pain issues. Dr. Matthew Kohler, along with their experienced team, uses advanced techniques and treatments to offer an accurate diagnosis and effective relief and healing for our patients suffering from neck and back pain conditions.

Because the neck and the lower back are both part of the same complex spinal system, they share many of the root causes of pain and injuries. Muscle and tendon strains, sprains, wear and tear, disease, and injuries can have a major impact on function and cause chronic, debilitating pain. While similar, there are unique differences between the ailments of the lower back and neck.

Lower Back Pain

Most people experience the frustration of lower back pain at some point in their lives. Muscle strain can occur with overexertion, causing aching or stabbing pain in the lumbar back region. Spinal issues may also cause lower back pain that becomes chronic, affecting mobility and quality of life. Some of the causes of lower back pain include:

• Sprains and strains — The muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back are susceptible to injury and are a common cause of back pain. Ligament sprains and muscle or tendon strains can limit mobility and result in acute pain. Back sprains involve an injury to the ligaments attached to the facet joints, commonly occurring with sudden twisting or impact to the back. Back strains can also occur from accidents or overexertion, stretching, or overstressing muscles or tendons. Both can occur at the same time or separately, resulting in localized pain, inflammation, and mobility issues.
• Herniated discs — The intervertebral discs are essential for providing a cushion between the vertebrae, absorbing shock, and preventing damage. When a spinal disc is damaged from degenerative conditions, the effects of aging, or an injury and the inner portion of the disc protrudes through the outer shell, it can result in pain and loss of mobility. Herniated discs are a common cause of chronic back pain.
• Degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
• Osteoarthritis/spondylosis

Neck Pain

Strain on the neck from injuries or repetitive movements can result in damage to tendons, spinal discs, or facet joints. Degenerative disease and arthritis can impact the health of the cervical spine and result in inflammation. With inflammation and spinal changes, nerve root pressure can occur, resulting in localized neck pain and radiating pain from pinched nerves. Causes of neck pain can include:

• Bulging or herniated spinal discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Cervical radiculopathy, or pinched nerves
• Tendon or muscle strain
• Whiplash Syndrome

Additional Neck and Back Conditions Treated:

• Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)
• Cervical Spondylosis
• Discogenic Pain
• Facet Syndrome
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome – FBSS
• Lumbar Radiculopathy/Sciatica (Pinched Nerve)
• Lumbar Spondylosis
• Mid Back Pain/Thoracic Back Pain
• Post Laminectomy Syndrome
• Sacroiliac Joint Disease
• Spinal Stenosis (cervical or lumbar)
• Thoracic Radiculopathy
• Vertebral Compression Fracture

At Ospina Medical in NYC, we offer innovative and advanced treatments to help heal neck and back pain while promoting healing to restore normal functioning. Whether your pain is caused by soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains, disease, aging, or an injury, Dr. Kohler can personalize a treatment plan to address your specific needs. Our treatments include:

• Steroid, trigger point, and epidural injections
• Specialized image-guided procedures which use bone marrow concentrate to alleviate pain and improve function
• SCP therapy to reduce pain and stimulate natural healing factors
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Advanced physical therapy

What are steroid injections?
Steroid injections work by reducing inflammation in the affected area. This can help relieve pain and other symptoms caused by conditions like arthritis. Injections at Ospina Medical only take a few minutes and do not involve any downtime. The steroids used are also very effective — so you can expect results shortly after treatment.

How does SCP work?
SCP therapy uses your own blood to speed up the healing process. A small sample of blood is taken and then placed in a centrifuge. This machine spins the blood — so the platelets and plasma are separated. The platelets are then injected into the affected area, where they release growth factors that help repair tissue and encourage healing.

What happens if you don't treat back or neck pain?
If you don't treat back or neck pain, it can lead to chronic pain and disability. You may also be at risk for other health problems that impact your quality of life. Treating pain early on is the best way to prevent these complications. Our New York City staff is experienced in diagnosing and treating all types of pain, so you can get the care needed to feel better.

What is spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced treatment that uses electrical impulses to mask pain signals before they reach the brain. This can be an effective treatment for chronic back and neck pain.

What is lumbar radiculopathy?
Lumbar radiculopathy is another term for a pinched nerve in the lower back. This condition occurs when a spinal nerve root gets compressed, leading to pain that can radiate to other parts of the body like the legs and feet.

You don't have to live with chronic pain and limited mobility due to a spinal condition. Come see us at Ospina Medical in Midtown Manhattan for neck and back pain treatment that can help ease your pain, regain your mobility, and improve your overall quality of life. If you're in New York City or the Midtown Manhattan area, contact us today to learn more about our innovative treatments and schedule a private consultation. At Ospina Medical, we can treat your neck and back pain and help you get back to living an active life on your terms.