Long Island’s Best Spine Surgeons Located in Patchogue

Neck and back pain happens more frequently than you might think. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 80% of people will experience some form of neck or back pain at some point in their lives.

While often the result of simple overuse or strain, neck and back pain can also be caused by more serious underlying conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis.

The pain levels associated with these conditions can range from mild and intermittent to chronic and debilitating. And if left untreated, neck and back pain can lead to more serious problems such as nerve damage or even paralysis.

If you’re experiencing neck or back pain, schedule a consultation with one of our spine specialists. We will conduct a thorough examination and review your medical history in order to determine the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Also known as narrowing of the spine, spinal stenosis is a common condition that occurs when the spaces within your spine become narrowed, placing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This thereby results in:

• Aching or burning pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• May also result in problems with balance and coordination

Spinal stenosis is most often caused by injury or the natural ageing process as the bones and tissues of the spine begin to degenerate, which we can overcome with the help of a spine surgeon. However, spinal stenosis can also be caused by conditions such as herniated discs, tumors, or degenerative disc disease. It can also be the result of an injury.

Thankfully, there are plenty of treatment options available for those suffering from spinal stenosis. These range from conservative measures such as physical therapy and medication, to more invasive procedures such as surgery. Schedule a consultation with one of our spine specialists to find out which treatment option is best for you.

Humans have 33 vertebrae which are separated by cushions of cartilage called discs. These discs act as shock absorbers, absorbing the impact of everyday activities such as walking, bending, and lifting.

Also known as slipped disc, a herniated disc occurs when the inner gel-like substance of the disc leaks out through a tear in the outer layer. This can place pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, resulting in pain. Herniated discs can occur anywhere along the spine, but are most common in the lower back.

Herniated discs are often caused by:

• The aging process
• Injury
• Lifting heavy objects
• Repetitive motions

While some herniated discs will heal on their own with time and rest, some may require more aggressive treatment such as physical therapy, medications, or even surgery. This is why it’s important to schedule a consultation with one of our Spine Doctor as soon as you start experiencing pain.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that occurs when the discs between the vertebrae of the spine begin to degenerate, or break down. This can happen as a result of the aging process, or from injury.

When the discs degenerate, they lose their ability to act as shock absorbers, which can lead to pain. DDD can also cause the spaces between the vertebrae to narrow, placing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can result in:

• Pain in the neck or lower back
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for degenerative disc disease, as the best course of action will depend on the severity of your condition. However, conservative measures such as physical therapy, medications, and injections may be recommended.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Schedule a consultation with one of our spine specialists to determine the best course of action for you.

Located in the lower back, the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body. It runs from the spine all the way down to the legs. Sciatica occurs when this nerve becomes compressed, resulting in pain that radiates from the lower back down to the legs. Symptoms of Sciatica include:

• Lower back pain
• Pain in the buttocks
• Thigh pain
• Leg pain
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Weakness in the legs

Sciatica is often caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis. However, it can also be caused by pregnancy, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle.

As for the pain, Sciatica can range from being a mild annoyance to severely debilitating. When dealing with severe sciatica, even everyday activities such as walking can become painful.

There are a number of different treatment options available for Sciatica, depending on the severity of your condition. Have our spine specialists take a look and determine the best course of action for you.

When a nerve is pinched or compressed, it results in a condition known as radiculopathy. The term “radiculopathy” covers a broad range of conditions, all of which involve nerve compression. Symptoms of radiculopathy include:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Pain
• Weakness

As for the cause, radiculopathy can be the result of many different conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.

The best course of action will depend on the underlying cause of the radiculopathy. A spine specialist will be able to diagnose the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint condition that occurs when the cartilage between the joints breaks down. When this happens, the bones begin to rub against each other, which can result in pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Osteoarthritis can occur anywhere in the body, but is most common in the hips, knees, and spine. The condition is often the result of the natural aging process, but can also be caused by injury or obesity.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are a number of different treatment options available to help relieve the pain and improve joint function. Talk to our spine specialists to find out which treatment option will work best for you.

If you’re experiencing difficulties with your fine motor skills, balance, or coordination, you may be suffering from myelopathy. Myelopathy is a condition that occurs when the spinal cord becomes damaged, specifically, the myelin sheath that covers and protects the spinal cord.

Myelopathy can be caused by a number of different conditions, including:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Tumors
• Trauma
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis

The pain associated with myelopathy can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the pain may be intermittent, while in others it may be constant.

Whichever the case may be, our spine specialists can help you find relief and get you back to your normal self. Schedule a consultation today and we will develop a treatment plan tailored specifically for you.