Neck And Back Pain Specialist

Suffolk Spine & Joint Medical

Mike M. Pappas, D.O.

Physiatrist & Sports Medicine and Pain Management Specialist located in Riverhead, NY & Northport, NY

There are a few things that are more debilitating, and more common, than back and neck pain. In fact, 15-20% of adults in the United States have back pain at any given time, and 10-20% report neck pain. At Suffolk Spine and Joint Medical, Mike M. Pappas, DO, has extensive experience helping his patients in Riverhead, Northport, and Ronkonkoma, New York, to successfully treat their neck and pain. To learn more, call the closest office or use the online scheduling tool.

Neck and Back Pain

What constitutes the neck and back?

At the core of your foundational musculoskeletal structure is your spine, which is comprised of 33 vertebrae that are divided into five sections:

Your cervical spine, or neck
Your thoracic spine, or midback
Your lumbar spine, or low back
Your sacral region
Your coccyx

While all of these areas are able to move, your cervical and lumbar spines enjoy the most freedom of movement, which is why they’re also the most common locations for neck and back pain.

What are the most common causes of neck and back pain?

There is any number of reasons why you may experience pain in your neck or back, with the following leading the charge:

Herniated or bulging disc
Whiplash in your neck
Muscle strains or sprains
Arthritis
Joint diseases
Bone spurs
Compression fractures
Structural issues in your spine
Stenosis

While this list may seem fairly long, these represent only the most common reasons behind back and neck pain. Given the enormous strain these areas are under, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of conditions that can lead to back or neck pain.

How is neck and back pain treated?

If you’re experiencing back or neck pain, Dr. Pappas’ first goal is to locate the source of the problem. To do this, he reviews your symptoms, conducts a physical exam, and uses advanced diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Once he has an idea of what’s going on inside your neck or back, he tailors a treatment plan to your unique situation and goals, which may include one or more of the following:

Anti-inflammatory medications
Corticosteroid injections
Trigger point injections
Nerve blocks
Ultrasound-guided joint injections
Physical therapy

Dr. Pappas uses a nonsurgical approach to back and neck pain, preferring to treat the pain in a more holistic way. Rest assured, his primary goal is to help you find relief.