02 Jun Back and Neck Pain Treatment in New York
According to research from Mount Sinai, approximately 80% of adults experience lower back or neck pain. Back and neck pain can be debilitating and significantly impact your day-to-day life. At New York Spine Specialist, we provide a range of procedures and treatments to manage neck and back pain. Our team can create a personalized treatment regimen sensitive to your needs.
Call today to speak to a New York Spine Specialist!
Conditions That Cause Back and Neck Pain
Like many other types of musculoskeletal pain, the causes of neck and back pain are diverse and widespread. The connection of the neck and back to the rest of the body means that many things can trigger pain. Some of the most common causes of neck and back pain we treat include:
- Overuse and straining
- Injury or past trauma from surgery
- Vertebrae degeneration and compression
- Infection
- Bone spurs or abnormal growths
- Muscle strains or sprains
- Joint issues
- Herniated or slipped disc
- Bad posture or poor muscle tone
- Congenital bone or vertebrae abnormalities
- Aortic aneurysm
Depending on the specific cause of the pain, treatment regimens can differ. For instance, neck pain from a muscle sprain requires stretching and exercises to rehabilitate and strengthen the muscle. Pain from a herniated disc or bone spur may require surgery.
Symptoms of Neck and Back Pain
Because of their location on the body, neck or back pain can manifest a number of symptoms. Common symptoms accompanying neck and back problems include sharp pain in the back, dull aching, numbness in your lower back or legs, stiff or sore lower back and legs, and pain after sitting or standing.
Severe pain in the back may also cause loss of bladder function and difficulty walking. Symptoms that commonly occur with shoulder pain include:
- Headaches
- Pain radiating up the neck muscles
- Stiffness near the base of the neck
- Shooting pains in shoulder blades
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Difficulty raising or moving arms
Generally, you can divide neck or back pain into two main types: acute and chronic. Acute pain is localized and comes on quickly before going away. Chronic pain is pain that subsists for an extended period greater than six weeks.
Treatments for Neck and Back Pain
Your doctor will typically diagnose your neck or back pain through a combination of visual inspection, manual manipulation, and imaging technologies, like MRIs or X-rays. These types of diagnostic techniques allow experts to identify injuries to tissues, tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
Treatment methods for neck and back pain are as diverse as their causes and typically include exercises, massage and physical therapy, heat treatments, cold packs, aerobic exercise, and over-the-counter pain medications. Serious neck and back pain might require surgery to address.
How to Manage and Prevent Neck and Back Pain
Severe neck and back pain can be debilitating and impact your life. Fortunately, you can use several at-home remedies to reduce your pain or stop its occurrence in the first place.
Exercise
Exercise strengthens the muscles in the neck and the back so that they can support your spine and keep it properly aligned. The stronger and better toned your muscles are, the less likely you are to develop neck or back pain. You can also target specific pains with certain exercises and stretches.
Reduce Stress
Stress can cause tension in your body and contribute to neck and back pain. Managing your stress through a proper diet and getting enough sleep can reduce tension and pain levels. If you have trouble sleeping, there are pillows specifically for managing back and neck pain.
Don’t Smoke
Research has also found a link between smoking and neck/back pain. Smoking reduces blood flow to the joints and tissue in your vertebrae, which can cause them to degrade and cause pain. Smoking also restricts blood flow and can cause soreness and tightness in the neck and back.
Use Ergonomic Equipment
Using things like smartphones, computers, or watching TV with your head tilted too high can all contribute to neck and back pain. If you work at a desk for your job, you should invest in an ergonomic office chair and computer equipment to reduce the chance of developing issues.
Vitamin D
Research has also found that vitamin D deficiencies may cause increased rates of neck and back pain. Vitamin D deficiency induces muscle spasms and makes them more prone to cramping and seizing.
Spine Specialist in New York
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Additionally, same-day appointments may be available. If you would like to learn more about how we treat back and neck pain, contact us online or call the New York Spine Specialist at (516) 355-0111!
Back and Neck Pain Treatment FAQ
Read on to learn the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our back and neck pain treatment regimens.
What Is the Fastest Way to Cure Neck and Back Pain?
The fastest way to treat neck and back pain is to use a combination of stretching, heat treatment, over-the-counter pain medication (e.g., muscle relaxant, Ibuprofen, etc.), and massage therapy. Exercise and losing weight can contribute to long-term pain relief.
How Long Does It Take for Neck and Back Pain to Go Away?
Some neck and back pain goes away after a few days, while chronic pain can last for over a month. Performing neck and back exercises and stretching routines can make the pain go away faster.
When Is Neck Pain a Serious Problem?
You should schedule a medical appointment if you have back or neck pain that persists for more than six weeks. You should also get medical attention if the pain prevents you from working or performing daily tasks.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Neck and Back Pain?
The most common cause of neck and back pain is simple wear and tear due to aging or improper use. Changing your daily routine can minimize the impact of back and neck pain.