Back Pain Brooklyn, NY
- Low Back Specialists
- Decompression & Adjustments
- No Drugs or Surgery
We always receive concerns about back pain here at Nuro Chiropractic in Brooklyn. I am Dr. Brian Donovan, and let me tell you that back pain alone is not considered a diagnosis. It is just a symptom of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed specifically.
There are people who experience a dull ache in their lower backs lingering for months already. Some just bent, and now they walk in odd ways, while others experience a pain that starts in the buttock down to their lower body. Those are different issues; that is why treatment varies from one person to another.
What is Back Pain for Patients
Before I start touching the spine, patients describe how they feel and give me a cue of what’s going on. These are the most common things that I hear from them at our Brooklyn office:
- A dull, constant ache across the lower back
- Sharp pain with bending, twisting, or standing up
- Stiffness that is worst getting out of bed
- Pain traveling into the buttock or leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg
- Sudden pain for no reason at all
The last one is the most common. People just experience sudden back pain without even knowing what caused it. Regardless of that, there is a reason why you have that symptom, worthy of an investigation.
Why Back Pain is More Complex Than You Think
The joint, a muscle, a disc, a nerve root, the sacroiliac joint, or the hip are the usual causes of low back pain. People usually refer to it as sciatica once the pain radiates down the leg. It is the number one misconception because you only name where you are experiencing pain rather than what causes it.
It does not matter what you call that, but mechanical stiffness and a disc pressing on a nerve can be very uncomfortable, especially if you usually sit the whole day at work. However, the treatment for them is different, and knowing what type of back pain you have is important to address the issue properly and to know if chiropractic care will help.
The Process of Evaluating Back Pain at Our Brooklyn Office
Expected to be evaluated on your first visit; do not expect that a treatment plan will be given to you once you enter the door. To give you an idea, here is the process:
- 1 Write a detailed account. When it began, what you were doing, what makes the symptoms better or worse, and whether the pain radiates to the leg.
- 2 Check your spinal range of motion, strength, reflexes, sensation, joint movement, muscle function, hip mobility, and movement patterns.
- 3 Conduct orthopedic and neurological tests to find out where the symptoms originate.
- 4 Imaging must only be taken if beneficial. There is a digital X-ray available in the office and if an MRI is needed a referral will be made.
After a session is done, you’ll have an overview of what’s going on, is this the right place for help, and the possible treatments. If there are other concerns, you’ll know that too.
Treatment Plan Depends on the Diagnosis
- I noticed that chiropractic adjustments mixed with mobility work, stretching, soft-tissue treatment, and gentle exercise are successful in managing mechanical low back pain and stiffness.
- A patient who is having a hard time moving because of an acute condition. Treatment may start with comfortable positioning, gentle mobility, massage or soft-tissue work, or instrument-assisted treatment, then progress as symptoms lessen.
- If there are disc-related conditions or radiating symptoms, spinal decompression may be done as well.
- Class IV laser, PEMF, and cryotherapy come in handy too when there is a clinical reason to use them, not as mandatory options.
There is a big misconception that if the case is worse, more therapies will be done. My treatment plan does not usually work that way.
“Severity does not determine how many machines I put somebody on. The diagnosis determines the treatment.”
Dr. Brian Donovan, D.C.When Back Pain Needs a Medical Evaluation
Medical evaluation is urgent if you have worsening leg weakness, bowel or bladder control issues, and groin or saddle area numbness. Delaying evaluation is not advised.
On top of conservative care, there are instances where I suggest further evaluation. If I find something unusual or quickly worsening symptoms, as well as back pain following significant trauma, fever or systemic illness with significant back pain, unexplained weight loss, and a history that raises concern for cancer or infection, medical evaluation is urgent.
They will be evaluated and may get advanced imaging, lab testing, or more. While evaluating, I will tell you if there are patterns that do not fit a musculoskeletal problem. A chiropractor cannot solve every case of back pain because some of them have other underlying issues. I want to make sure that you are in the proper office.
Back Pain FAQs
If I have back pain, should I see a chiropractor or a primary doctor?
If you have no red flags and are just experiencing mechanical back pain, either one is a great choice. If you want to know if you have a musculoskeletal problem, I will examine you and, if deemed appropriate, develop a hands-on plan. However, if you have symptoms like fever, unexplained weight loss, a recent significant injury, or symptoms that seem not back-related, a physician’s advice is recommended. I can work alongside your medical provider.
I can’t move properly after my back went out. Is it still treatable?
Most of the time, yes, but not with a similar approach; I would do that two weeks after. Those with an acute and guarded condition get comfortable positioning, gentle mobility, and soft-tissue work first. Manipulation will be added once they can tolerate it. It does not mean that you are in severe pain; you are not already qualified for care; the start of treatment just varies.
How frequently should I visit for back pain related problems?
The diagnosis will be the basis for the number and frequency of visits you should have. I can give you a realistic range once the examination is done. Continuous reassessment is done as your treatment progresses. The number of visits may change depending on your body’s response to treatment.
Why am I experiencing back pain even if I did not do anything to it?
Back pain may be experienced even without a dramatic event. Even when sitting, sleeping, or doing any physical activities, the load can accumulate and eventually lead to something symptomatic; there is a root cause even without injury. The cause can gradually accumulate over time, and a nerve-related problem can start the same way.
Are back pain visits covered by insurance?
If you are qualified, you will be covered with no-fault and worker’s compensation. There are also various payment methods like HSA and FSA cards, CareCredit, and more. Also, there is a fifty dollar new patient offer includes consultation, X-rays (if needed), and 2-day treatment. Verifications are made to ensure that your coverage cover our services.
Know The Root Cause of Back Pain
Do not make a conclusion that back pain alone will tell you the proper treatment for it. The right evaluation knows what must be treated and builds a plan to improve your movement and function, not just mere pain alone.
Nuro Chiropractic, 9408 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209. Serving Bay Ridge, Staten Island, Bensonhurst, Park Slope, Prospect Park, Borough Park, Manhattan, Dyker Heights, Williamsburg, and the greater Brooklyn area.