Dr. Sean McCance, a top rated best in class NYC back & neck pain specialist, routinely diagnoses and treats lower back pain (including non-surgical & surgical intervention) at his Upper East Side medical practice in Manhattan. Lower back pain is a very common medical condition affecting most adults at some point in their lives. Fortunately, back pain episodes are usually short-lived, but some people develop chronic lower back pain and may develop the need for back surgery.

“I could not have chosen a better doctor in NYC for my lower back pain! His surgical hands worked magic on my spine. I am ever so grateful to him  – he gave me my quality of life back! His P.A. Diana and all the kind hearted and skilled staff who took such great care of me. They are an amazing team and you need not worry. You will be in, “Great hands!” and they will get rid of your back pain. Best back pain doctor in NYC – for real.” ~ RateMDs

Causes of Lower Back Pain

  • Sprain or strain of muscles or ligaments in the area caused by:
    • Heavy lifting
    • Improper or repetitive bending
    • Sudden awkward strains or movement
    • An accident or fall
  • Herniated disc
  • Disc degeneration, caused by aging or arthritis
  • Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal
  • Spondylolisthesis, slippage of a bone in the lower back
  • Scoliosis can cause low back pain
  • Fractures due to trauma and/or osteoporosis
  • Fibromyalgia a condition that causes muscle aches and fatigue
  • Ankylosing spondylitis, a hereditary disorder involving the spine
  • In rare cases:
    • Benign or malignant tumors
    • Infections
    • Arterial problems such as an aortic aneurysm

Risk Factors For Lower Back Pain

  • Stressful activities, such as lifting
  • Family history or genetic predisposition
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Smoking
  • Injury
  • Psychological factors, such as low job satisfaction
  • Fatigue or sleep deficit
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Stress, anxiety, or depression

Lower Back Pain Diagnosis

Pain is usually localized in the low back. It can get worse with back motion, sitting, standing, bending, and twisting. If a nerve is irritated, the pain may extend into the buttock or leg on the affected side, and muscle weakness or numbness may be present. Acute lower back pain often gets better after rest.

  • The NYC lower back pain specialist doctor will ask about your symptoms and review your medical history.
  • We will perform a physical exam.
  • We will examine your back, hips, and legs and test for strength, flexibility, sensation, and reflexes.
  • We will perform a neurological exam.
  • Additional medical diagnostics tests may include X-Ray, MRI, CAT Scan, EMG, etc.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options For Lower Back Pain

  • Medications
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin (Bayer), or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
  • Muscle relaxants for muscle spasm (not recommended when you need to be alert, such as driving or operating machinery)
  • Short-term narcotics (Vicodin, Percocet, Codeine)
  • Oral steroids (Medrol dose pack)
  • Cortisone injections / Pain block injections
  • Antidepressants may also be prescribed for chronic low back pain
  • Short-term rest: Bed rest is generally recommended for severe debilitating back pain but not for more than 1-2 days. We may recommend that you restrict activities for a period, and then resume activities as soon as possible. Activity and exercising may help shorten your recovery time.
  • Physical Therapy
  • Applying hot or cold packs
  • Stretching, strengthening, and balance exercises
  • Aerobic exercises, such as walking or swimming
  • Massage therapy
  • Ultrasound treatments or electrical stimulation
  • Chiropractic, focusing on relief of spasm and mobilization of the spine
  • Spinal injections, which can include trigger point injections, facet blocks, or epidurals
  • Acupuncture

Lower Back Pain Surgery Offered by the NYC Back Pain Specialist Surgeon

Lower back pain surgery becomes medically necessary if patients develop chronic symptoms that don’t respond to conservative treatment and consistently interfere with the quality of life or functionality. Lower back pain surgery can be indicated if nerve problems develop or other treatments fail to provide relief. Common back pain surgeries performed by the NYC back pain surgeon include laminectomy, microdiscectomy, and spinal fusion. The choice of these procedures, and the techniques used to perform these procedures, depends on the particular cause of the pain.

When Should Contact the NYC Back Pain Specialist?

Often, back pain improves with time and self-treatment. However, some serious symptoms can occur which may require more immediate medical attention.

  • Call the doctor’s NYC office if your back or neck pain:
    • Is severe or gets significantly worse
    • Spreads down your legs
  • Is associated with:
    • Numbness, weakness, or tingling in your buttocks, genitals, legs
    • Loss of bowel or bladder control
    • Difficulty with urination
    • Fever, unexplained weight loss, or other signs of illness
  • Has not started to improve within 7 to 10 days
  • Causes difficulty walking, standing, or moving
  • Is worse at night, or worse when you lie down
  • If you suffer from lower back pain, ask about ergonomics at work. Some suggestions include learning correct lifting techniques, improving your posture, and sitting correctly.

Our best in class, Upper East Side, NYC back & neck pain diagnosis & surgery practice, Spine Associates, is honored to provide you with highly personalized and comprehensive care. Our philosophy of direct management of your case by an expert spine surgeon has made us one of the most trusted and respected spine surgery practices on the Upper East Side in NYC and the world. Feel free to contact the back & neck pain diagnosis and spine surgery specialist today to discuss your unique lower back pain condition and start yourself on the road to recovery.

Dr. Sean McCance
1155 Park Avenue, Suite E
New York, NY 10128
(212) 360-6500