iMsk & Spine Group
iMsk & Spine Group
New Patients
Existing Patients
Spinal Disorders Hicksville

Spinal Disorders

Joint Disorders Hicksville

Joint Disorders

Nervous System Disorders Hicksville

Nervous System Disorders

Arthritis Rheumatology Disorders Freeport

Arthritis & Rheumatology Disorders

Sports Related Injuries Far Rockaway

Sports Related Injuries

Other Pain Disorders Freeport

Other Pain Disorders

Neck, Mid-back, and Lower Back

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Compassionate, Expert Care for the Full Range of Spine Conditions

Back and neck pain can impact every part of your day — from simple movements to sleep and long-term quality of life. At iMsk & Spine Group, we understand how deeply spinal disorders affect your comfort, independence, and emotional well-being. That’s why our team takes the time to evaluate not just your symptoms, but the full story behind them. With advanced diagnostics, years of spine-focused expertise, and a warm, patient-first approach, we help you find the true cause of your pain and build a personalized plan for long-term relief.

Below are the spinal conditions we treat, organized into easy-to-understand categories. Each includes a simple explanation of what it is, the symptoms you may notice, and how we typically help you heal.

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Spinal Disc Disorders

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

What it is:
A condition where one or more spinal discs wear down over time. These discs normally act as shock absorbers between vertebrae. Aging, repeated strain, or injury can speed up this degeneration.

How we treat it:
Treatment focuses on restoring mobility, strengthening supporting muscles, and relieving pain through physical therapy, lifestyle modification, anti-inflammatory strategies, and interventional pain procedures when needed.

Symptoms:

  • Chronic neck or back pain
  • Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, or sitting
  • Stiffness and reduced flexibility
  • Occasional radiating pain if nearby nerves are affected

Herniated Disc

What it is:
A disc herniation occurs when the soft inner disc material pushes through a tear in the outer layer, often pressing on spinal nerves. This can occur in the neck or lower back.

How we treat it:
Most herniated discs improve without surgery. We use targeted physical therapy, interventional pain management, posture correction, nerve-relief strategies, and activity modification. Severe cases may require more advanced interventions.

Symptoms:

  • Sharp or radiating pain into the arms or legs
  • Tingling, numbness, or weakness
  • Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or coughing
  • Limited range of motion

Spondylolisthesis

What it is:
A condition where a vertebra slips forward out of alignment, usually in the lower back. This can compress spinal nerves and alter normal spinal structure.

How we treat it:
Treatment may include core-strengthening therapy, stabilization exercises, pain-relief procedures, bracing (in certain cases), and guidance on proper movement techniques. Severe cases may need additional therapeutic interventions.

Symptoms:

  • Lower back pain or spasms
  • Pain radiating into the legs
  • Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
  • Tight hamstrings or limited flexibility

Vertebrogenic Pain

Vertebrogenic Pain

What it is:
A specific type of chronic low back pain caused by damage to the vertebral endplates — the tissue between the disc and vertebral bone. These changes often appear on MRI as Modic changes. The basivertebral nerve (BVN) carries pain signals from these inflamed endplates to the brain.

How we treat it:
We use targeted therapies including physical therapy, interventional pain procedures, posture correction, and — for some patients — emerging BVN-targeted treatments designed specifically for vertebrogenic pain.

Symptoms:

  • Deep, aching pain in the mid or lower back
  • Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, lifting, or physical activity
  • Limited tolerance for prolonged positions

Spinal Nerve Disorders

Radiculopathy (Including Sciatica)

What it is:
We identify the root cause (disc herniation, arthritis, stenosis, etc.) and create a plan that may include nerve-calming medications, physical therapy, spine-stabilizing exercises, ergonomic coaching, and interventional pain treatments.

How we treat it:
We use a combination of gentle neck rehabilitation, soft-tissue therapy, strengthening to restore stability, ergonomic guidance, and targeted pain-relief treatments as needed. Our goal is to reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and prevent long-term dysfunction.

Symptoms:

  • Sharp, shooting pain into the arms or legs
  • Numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles”
  • Muscle weakness
  • Burning or electrical sensations

Spinal Stenosis

What it is:
A narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves. It can occur in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine).

How we treat it:
Therapies may include strengthening and flexibility training, injections to reduce inflammation, posture correction, and individualized rehabilitation strategies.

Symptoms:

  • Neck or back pain
  • Numbness or weakness in arms or legs
  • Difficulty walking or standing
  • Pain relieved by sitting or bending forward

Post-Laminectomy Syndrome (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome)

What it is:
Persistent pain that continues or returns after previous spine surgery. This pain may come from scar tissue, nerve irritation, instability, or incomplete resolution of the original issue.

How we treat it:
We focus on identifying the remaining pain generator and addressing it with interventional pain procedures, rehabilitation, nerve treatments, and careful long-term support.

Symptoms:

  • Continued back or leg pain
  • Stiffness
  • Difficulty returning to normal activity
  • Muscle weakness or sensitivity

Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet Joint Syndrome

What it is:
Inflammation or degeneration of the small joints connecting your vertebrae. These joints allow motion in the spine but can become painful due to arthritis, overuse, or injury.

How we treat it:
Focused physical therapy, spinal stabilization exercises, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, and lifestyle modifications help reduce inflammation and restore mobility.

Symptoms:

  • Localized neck or back pain
  • Pain triggered by twisting or bending
  • Morning stiffness
  • Pain relieved by sitting or leaning forward

Bone Disorders

Compression Fractures of the Spine

What it is:
Treatment varies from bracing and activity modification to interventional procedures (such as vertebral augmentation) and osteoporosis management for long-term bone health.

How we treat it:
Focused physical therapy, spinal stabilization exercises, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, and lifestyle modifications help reduce inflammation and restore mobility.

Symptoms:

  • Sudden back pain
  • Height loss
  • Stooped posture
  • Pain worsening with standing or walking

Osteoarthritis of the Spine

What it is:
The most common form of spinal arthritis, caused by gradual breakdown of cartilage between spinal joints.

How we treat it:
We use targeted strengthening, posture training, anti-inflammatory therapies, interventional procedures, and lifestyle strategies that support joint health.

Symptoms:

  • Stiffness
  • Aching back or neck pain
  • Pain that worsens with movement
  • Limited flexibility

Spondylosis

What it is:
General degeneration of the spine at any level, often linked to aging or repetitive stress.

How we treat it:
Our care plans include core strengthening, spinal stabilization, mobility therapy, and pain-relief techniques.

Symptoms:

  • Chronic spine discomfort
  • Stiffness
  • Reduced mobility
  • Occasional nerve irritation

Scoliosis

What it is:
An abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, most commonly developing in childhood or adolescence.

How we treat it:
We provide monitoring, strengthening programs, pain-relief strategies, physical therapy, and referrals for additional interventions if needed.

Symptoms:

  • Uneven shoulders or hips
  • Visible spinal curvature
  • Back pain
  • Fatigue with activity

Kyphosis

What it is:
A forward rounding of the upper spine caused by vertebral deformity, degeneration, or poor posture.

How we treat it:
Therapy may include posture correction, spinal extension exercises, bracing (in certain cases), and targeted pain-management techniques.

Symptoms:

  • Rounded upper back
  • Stiffness
  • Back pain
  • Fatigue

Muscle Disorders

Upper Back Muscle Strain (Trapezius Strain)

What it is:
Widespread musculoskeletal pain often associated with fatigue, sleep issues, and heightened sensitivity.
How we treat it:
We take a gentle, supportive approach — combining physical therapy, relaxation techniques, activity pacing, and lifestyle strategies to reduce discomfort.

Symptoms:

  • Body aches
  • Fatigue
  • “Brain fog”
  • Tender points

Neck, Mid-Back & Lower Back Disorders FAQ

How do I know what’s actually causing my back or neck pain?

Because so many spine structures can contribute to pain — discs, nerves, joints, muscles, or bone — an accurate diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation. At iMsk & Spine Group, we combine clinical examination, imaging (when needed), and a detailed discussion about your symptoms and lifestyle to pinpoint the true source of pain. We always explain our findings clearly so you understand what’s happening and why.

Can back or neck disorders heal on their own?

Some mild strains or temporary flare-ups may improve with rest and proper movement. However, ongoing pain often means there is an underlying issue that needs professional care. Early evaluation helps prevent the condition from worsening and speeds your recovery.

Do most spine disorders require surgery?

No — in fact, the majority of spinal disc, nerve, muscle, and joint disorders can be successfully treated without surgery. We specialize in conservative and minimally invasive treatments first, using physical therapy, rehabilitation, interventional pain procedures, and lifestyle strategies to help patients avoid unnecessary surgeries.

Why does my back pain travel into my leg or arm?

Radiating pain often indicates nerve involvement. When spinal nerves are irritated or compressed — from a herniated disc, stenosis, or inflammation — the pain can travel along the nerve’s path into the arm or leg. This is why an evaluation of both the spine and the affected limb is essential.

My MRI showed “degeneration.” Is that serious?

Degenerative changes such as disc wear or arthritis are extremely common, especially with age — and they don’t always correlate with severe symptoms. Our goal is to understand how these findings relate to your pain and create a plan that focuses on function, comfort, and long-term health, not just what appears on imaging.

How long does it take to recover from common spinal disorders?

Recovery time varies depending on the condition, its severity, and your overall health. Many patients begin to see improvement within a few weeks of targeted treatment. We design personalized plans that support steady, safe progress — without rushing the healing process.

Will I need ongoing treatment forever?

Not necessarily. Once we identify and treat the underlying problem, many patients transition to a maintenance plan involving home exercises, improved ergonomics, and occasional check-ins. Our goal is always long-term independence, not dependency on ongoing treatments.

What can I do at home to support my spine health?

Regular stretching, core strengthening, maintaining good posture, staying active, proper lifting mechanics, and managing stress all support spinal wellness. We’ll provide a customized home program so you know exactly what’s safe and effective for your specific condition.
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