Spinal Pain Specialist

New York Pain Medicine

Pain and Sports Management Physicians & Physical Therapy located in Midtown East, New York, NY

Since humans rely so much on their spines to turn, bend, and twist, back pain makes it difficult to perform normal activities. The specialists at New York Pain Medicine investigate the cause of your back pain and provide effective treatment. Dr. Douglas Allen coordinates medical interventions like medication and injections, while Dominic Farnan oversees your physical therapy. Make an appointment at the Midtown East, New York City facility online or over the phone.

Spinal Pain Q & A

 

What causes back pain?

Back pain affects almost everyone at some point in their life. The discomfort usually results from an acute injury, an overuse injury, or a medical condition, such as the following:

  • Pulled or strained muscle
  • Bulging disc
  • Arthritis
  • Scoliosis
  • Osteoporosis

Dr. Allen provides comprehensive diagnostics for determining the cause of your pain, allowing him to create an effective treatment plan.

When should I see a doctor about my back pain?

Any time you experience new back pain or your discomfort interferes with your daily functioning, you can reach out to Dr. Allen. You should also see him if your back pain:

  • Is the result of an accident or injury
  • Changes or gets worse
  • Doesn’t get better with rest and at-home therapies
  • Is accompanied by bowel or bladder problems
  • Causes numbness or tingling down into the legs

You should always make a doctor’s appointment anytime you hurt your back in an accident rather than waiting to see if it goes away on its own. Fever and bowel or bladder problems indicate more severe medical problems and require urgent attention.

What treatment options are available for back pain?

Dr. Allen and Dominic provide multiple treatment modalities to help moderate pain and improve your recovery. They may incorporate home remedies, medication, injections, and physical therapy into your treatment repertoire.

Home Remedies

Dr. Allen and Dominic encourage self-care methods whenever possible. They may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, hot or cold therapies, and exercises as the first line of treatment.

Medication

If store-bought pain relievers don’t provide adequate relief, Dr. Allen may prescribe muscle relaxers, NSAIDs, or antidepressants for certain types of pain. He can make adjustments to the type and dosage of medications to find the right approach for you.

Injections

Epidural steroid injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication to your spine, providing relief for several weeks to months while you heal. Selective nerve root blocks are steroid and lidocaine injections that provide more targeted pain relief at the exact site of injury.
Another type of injection-based treatment is medial branch nerve blocks with ablation. This treatment involves radiofrequency waves and a local anesthetic to disrupt pain signals along the spinal nerves.

Physical Therapy

Physical and rehabilitative therapies help build your strength and flexibility, relieve pain, and restore normal function. Dominic also provides targeted stretches and exercises to correct imbalances and improper movement patterns.
If you suffer from back pain, contact New York Pain Medicine to begin treatment today.