Spine Center

Orthopedic Spinal Care

Back pain is the most common symptom of a spinal disorder. Spinal disorders can be caused by trauma or a result of wear and tear over an extended period of time.

In most cases back and neck pain can be treated by doctors or therapist using non-surgical treatment methods. Spine surgery is a last resort. Surgery of the spine is usually reserved for structural abnormalities that have not responded to conservative, non-surgical treatment methods such as physical therapy, medicines, and injections.

Back and Spine Conditions

Arthritis – inflammation of the facet joints in the spine or sacroiliac joints between the spine and the pelvis. Common symptoms include stiffness and lower back pain. Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis are common types of arthritis that can affect the spine.

Chronic Back Pain – chronic back pain can be the result of numerous conditions mentioned on this page. While the most common chronic pain issues are disc related, chronic back pain can be the result of numerous conditions including a narrowing of the spine or vertebral fractures

Degenerative Scoliosis – Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Adult Scoliosis normally occurs in adults over 65 with a history of scoliosis. In most cases of scoliosis, conservative treatment methods are recommended. Examples of conservative treatments could include anti-inflammatory medications and exercises that increase back strength and posture. Surgery might be recommended if a patient has an excessive curvature or conservative treatments have failed to reduce pain.

Disc Herniation – Herniated disc are common causes of lower back pain and sciatica. This condition can occur with age or as a result of twisting or turning while lifting. A herniated disc is damaged. A bulging disc remains intact even as it moves. Symptoms for a herniated or bulging may include tingling, numbness, pain and weakness.

Degenerative Disc Disease – With age disc can show signs of wear and tear. A condition in which a damaged disc causes pain. Symptoms can include pain that that gets worse while sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting. Tingling, radiating pain and numbness in extremities are also possible symptoms of degenerative disc disease.

Fractures – A fracture can occur anywhere along the spine. A spinal fracture or dislocation might pinch, compress or in some cases tear the spinal cord.

Kyphosis – Most forms of kyphosis do not require treatment. Most patients who have an abnormal kyphosis or rounding of the back benefit from physical therapy or in some cases a brace. Surgery may be recommended for patients suffering from severe symptoms.

Myelopathy – spinal cord injury caused by severe compression in the neck. There are 3 types of Myelopathy: Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar. Myelopathy can be the result of trauma, disc herniation or degenerative disease. Like many other spinal disorders, symptoms can include neck pain, lower back pain, tingling and numbness. Treatment options will depend on the severity of the disorder and the causes.

Osteoporosis – patients with osteoporosis have an increased risk of fractures. Patients with osteoporosis aren’t always aware they have this condition until they experience a fracture or break.

Radiculopathy – Nerve compression (pinched nerve) in the spine. Pain, tingling, and numbness are common symptoms.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction – Common causes include bursitis, arthritis, and trauma. Lower back pain is a common symptom SI joint, but pain can also occur in the pelvis, hips and buttocks. Rest, medications, and physical therapy are typical conservative treatment methods. Joint injections might be needed to relieve pain. SI joint surgery might be needed for patients who can’t enjoy pain relief from non-surgical treatment.

Spondylolisthesis – Slipped vertebra. Spondylolisthesis can be the result of physical stress on the spine, spinal degeneration or hereditary.

Spondylosis – Also referred to as spinal osteoarthritis. Spondylosis is chronic and degenerative condition. Conservative treatments for Spondylosis can include medication, physical therapy and injections.

Spinal Stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal, which leads to compression. Symptoms can include pain and limited mobility. While stenosis can occur in the neck, it more commonly affects the lumbar region of your back. A patient who has spinal stenosis is usually over 60. Stenosis may occur as the result of the degeneration of both the intervertebral discs and the facet joints. Conservative treatments methods for Stenosis can include anti-inflammatory drugs, injections and physical therapy. Spinal cord stimulation and percutaneous adhesiolysis are also potential treatment methods. Surgery may be necessary if your symptoms persist after conservative treatments have been exhausted.

Whiplash – Neck collars, rest and exercise are commonly used to help a patient who has suffered from whiplash to manage pain and regain motion.

Treating Back Pain Without Surgery

Most patients experiencing back or neck pain will not require surgery to manage their symptoms. Surgery is a last resort, and is only considered after conservative treatment methods have failed to reduce or alleviate pain.

The overwhelming majority of our back and neck patients benefit from a non-invasive or minimally invasive treatment.

After a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of a spine disorder, our highly trained orthopaedic specialist will educate and present a patient with individualized treatment options to improve their pain, mobility and function.

Non-Surgical Neck & Back Pain Treatments

Acupuncture – Hair thin needles are inserted into the skin at specific points around the body. A holistic alternative to pain medication for chronic pain in the upper or lower back regions. Acupuncture is treatment option for back pain after a diagnosis has been made.

Back and Neck Braces – A brace or immobilization device might be recommended after a back or neck procedure. Immobilization might also be recommended as a short term solution to relieve pain or allow an area of the neck or back to heal after trauma.

Medication – anti-infammatory, muscle relaxants and pain medications

Epidural Injection (ESI) – An epidural steroid (cortisone) injection is a minimally invasive procedure that can help relieve pain in the back, neck, arm or leg caused by inflamed spinal nerves. An ESI will limit or stop never inflammation, relieving pain and allowing a patient to progress with other non-surgical treatments.

An ESI can be used to benefit patients suffering from Disc Herniation, Degenerative Disc, Bone Spurs, Bursitis, Cervical Radiculopathy, Osteoarthritis, Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, Tenonditis or Sciatica.

Facet Joint Injection – medication is injected directly into a facet joint, which links the spinal bones together, with the help of X-ray guidance. Also know as a Facet Block. A Facet Injection is used to relieve pain, decrease joint inflammation and diagnose conditions such as Facet Joint Syndrome or Arthritis of the facet joint.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – Also known as a Radiofrequency Neurotomy, an RFA may be used to treat pain in patients who are suffering from joint degeneration or chronic neck and lower back pain. Electromagnetic waves are delivered to certain nerves to interrupt pain signals being sent to the brain. Typically used to target pain coming from the Facet or Sacroiliac Joint.

Sacroiliac Joint Injection – injection used to diagnose and provide pain relief to patients suffering from sacroiliac joint dysfunction, a common cause of lower back and leg pain. Also referred to as a Sacroiliac Joint Block. Once adequate pain relief if achieve, a patient can return to or start a rehabilitation or physical therapy program.

Discogram (Discography) – imaging test involving an injection used to evaluate patients who are not responding to non-surgical spine treatment. A discography is not a treatment, it’s a diagnostic test that can be used if a disc abnormality is suspected. A discography is not typically used during an initial back pain evaluation.

Surgical Spine Treatment

Some patients will not be able to reduce or alleviate their pain or other symptoms using conservative treatment methods. Our highly experienced spine surgeons can provide an accurate diagnose, evaluation and if spine surgery is recommended, our surgeons used the most current and advanced surgical techniques, including robotic surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery.

Make An Appointment With A Spine Doctor

If you are ready to see an orthopedic doctor about your back or neck disorder, contact us to schedule an appointment At Brooklyn Premier Orthopedics our specialist use traditional and advanced treatment methods and technologies to help reduce back pain and improve the quality of life of our patients. The primary goal of specialty trained team of Orthopedic Spine Surgeons and Interventional Spine Doctors is to provide effective and responsive spinal care.