Neck Pain can result from various underlying pathologies, some serious and some benign. Causes may include injury or trauma, chronic wear and tear, and infection. The anatomy of the neck includes seven cervical vertebrae separated by intervertebral disks, eight cervical nerves as well as cartilage and ligaments.
A diagnosis is established through a careful history and physical examination, often in conjunction with imaging studies including x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Diagnoses include myofascial pain, torticollis, cervical spondylosis, cervical myelopathy, and facet arthropathy.
Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis, as well as the unique needs of each patient. Many symptoms can be relieved by conservative treatments such as hot or cold packs, over-the-counter pain medication, and physical therapy. However, persistent and painful conditions may require interventional pain management techniques performed by specialty spine physicians. Some cases may necessitate surgery. If your neck pain has been bothering you and doesn’t seem to go away, please call us to schedule an appointment.
Back pain is one of the most common causes of doctor visits in the United States and the most common cause of disability. Acute back pain is short-lived and usually resolves on its own. Chronic back pain is defined as lasting longer than several months and may necessitate intervention. The anatomy of the back is a complex combination of vertebral bodies, intervertebral disks, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and joints. The complex anatomic structures can confound making a diagnosis. A careful interview and physical examination, coupled with diagnostic studies, is the initial protocol in determining the root cause of pain. Studies include imaging with x-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and electrodiagnostic modalities such as EMG.
One of the common sources of back pain is the facet joint. Another common source is a bulging or herniated intervertebral disk. The disk may impinge or leak irritating substances around a nerve root, causing shooting pain down the leg. This is commonly referred to as sciatica. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may involve targeted injections performed by specially trained spine physicians. Let us help you diagnose and manage your chronic back pain.
The shoulder is composed of several joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. A variety of conditions can cause pain in the shoulder and disrupt its normal motion. Sports injuries, accidents, trauma and degenerative changes over time can lead to pain and dysfunction. The main bones of the shoulder include the humerus, the clavicle, and the scapula. The main joints are the AC, or acromioclavicular joint, and the scapula. The rotator cuff tendons provide motion to the shoulder. Injury or damage to any tendons that make up the rotator cuff can impair motion at the shoulder.
Shoulder pain may also result from referred pain from other parts of the body such as the neck or even systemic organs. Diagnosis involves a careful history and physical by a qualified physician, as well as diagnostic imaging including x-rays, MRI scans or CT scans. Surgical interventions are rarely needed and an appropriate diagnosis can be made by physicians including interventional pain management specialists. Most shoulder pain can be managed through conservative measures such as rest, over-the-counter pain medications, and physical therapy. Patients may also benefit from steroid injections performed by our trained and experienced interventional pain management physicians. If symptoms do not resolve through such therapeutic maneuvers, or if surgical intervention is warranted, we can refer patients to respected and experienced surgeons in the area.
The hip is one of the largest joints in the body. It is where the femur in the thigh joins the pelvis at a socket called the acetabulum. Tendons, ligaments, and cartilage are also part of the joint. A variety of anatomic structures, including the sciatic nerve, pass close to the hip joint. Many conditions can lead to hip pain. These include arthritis, fractures, sprains, strains, diminished blood supply, sciatica, bleeding and many others.
Severe, unremitting pain, inability to bear weight or move at the hip and swelling are among the conditions that should be treated emergently. Mild to moderate chronic pain can be evaluated at a physician’s office during a scheduled appointment. Most conditions are benign and can be managed conservatively through rest, over the counter pain medications, massage and physical therapy. Specialized steroid injections may be needed. These are performed by properly trained and experienced physicians such as those at Urban Spine and Rehab. Diagnostic imaging such as x-rays, MRI scans and CT scans may be required. We can order these to assist us in making the appropriate diagnosis. Surgical intervention may be needed in cases that involve significant fractures and other painful conditions. However, most conditions involving mild to moderate pain can be managed through non-surgical interventions.
If you have been experiencing mild to moderate hip pain, please call us today to schedule an appointment.
Comprised of bones, meniscus, ligaments, and tendons, the knee is a hinge joint responsible for weight-bearing and movement. The bones of the knee include the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap). Positioned at the front of the knee, the patella is a small, triangular bone with a thick layer of cartilage. The knee contains two types of cartilages – meniscus and articular cartilage. Menisci are crescent-shaped discs functioning as shock absorbers, while articular cartilage is a thin, shiny layer of cartilage that reduces frictional forces as bones move over one another. Ligaments of the knee include the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, and lateral collateral ligament. Although not technically parts of the knee, the hamstrings and quadriceps are muscles that help flex the knee.
The severity and location of knee pain depends on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include swelling, stiffness, warmth to the touch, instability, crunching noises, and inability to straighten out the leg. Common causes of knee pain include injuries, mechanical issues, arthritis, and other problems. Injuries can affect the tendons and ligaments surrounding the knee, as well as the tendons, ligaments, bones, and meniscus that comprise the joint itself. Some mechanical problems that lead to knee pain include loose pieces of bone or cartilage, a dislocated knee cap, foot pain, and hip pain.
Diagnosis involves a physical exam by our expert physicians, imaging tests such as x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, and lab tests (if infection or inflammation is suspected). Treatment for knee pain varies depending on the underlying cause. Common treatment modalities include medications to alleviate pain and treat underlying issues, physical therapy, specialized injections, and in some cases surgery.