UPPER BACK PAIN
Costochondritis
What is Costochondritis?
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage in the chest area. Your upper ribs are connected to the sternum or breastbone by soft tissue known as cartilage. When this cartilage becomes irritated it can cause chest pain that may radiate to the back or stabbing pain when taking deep breaths. There is no definitive cause but it may be the result of a trauma to the chest, bacterial, fungal or viral infections in the chest or osteoarthritis between the ribs.
Seek Treatment for these Symptoms:
- Tenderness when ribs pressed
- Pain when coughing or taking deep breaths
- Sharp pain that may radiate to back
- Pain typically felt on upper left side of chest
Next Steps
Consult the Center for a diagnosis and for treatment options. Non-steroidal pain medication, ultrasound-guided nerve block or corticosteroid injections may be indicated.
What is Intercostal Neuralgia?
You may experience sudden pain to the chest, a band of stabbing pain wraps around your ribcage and numbness may radiate to the back. However, in this instance it is a chronic condition called Intercostal Neuralgia and is the result of nerve inflammation in the chest. Your rib cage is composed of twelve ribs and between each are the intercostal nerves. When the nerves become irritated it is called neuralgia. This painful condition may be the result of nerve compression by the surrounding muscles and ligaments or may occur because of a trauma to the area, previous thoracic surgery, a shingles outbreak or even pregnancy.
Seek Treatment for these Symptoms:
- An ongoing band of pain around the chest area
- Pain radiates from the back to the front of the chest
- Continuous stabbing, burning or dull aching pain in the chest area
- Pain increases when you laugh, cough, breathe or sneeze
- Shortness of breath because of pain
Next Steps
Consult the Center for a diagnosis and for treatment options. If there is a nerve entrapment then a hydrodissection to relieve nerve compression or a series of ultrasound-guided nerve block injections or corticosteroid injections may be indicated. Anti- inflammatory medication may be recommended.
To learn more about the treatment and of Intercostal Neuralgia please call our office at 212-867-1777.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
The spinal column is made up of bones (vertebrae) between which are jelly-like cushions called discs. These rubbery discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. The spine allows you to twist and bend. These discs may degenerate as a result of aging, back injuries and daily wear and tear. In addition, the outer wall of the disc may sustain minute tears that are replaced with scar tissue. Even so, the disc wall can become progressively weaker and the jelly-like center of the disc containing water and proteins may begin to dry out. If the disc completely ruptures or cracks it is called a herniated disc. As the disc loses water it compresses and the joints in the vertebrae begin to rub against each other causing osteoarthritis pain and stiffness. The compressed disc may also put pressure on nerves as they exit the spine through its openings and cause further pain, numbness or tingling. You may endure pain in the upper back or neck while others may experience no pain.
Seek Treatment for these Upper Back Symptoms:
- Pain in the upper back
- Pain that may worsen when sitting or bending
- Pain may lessen when walking or lying down
- Numbness and tingling in the legs
- Weakness in the leg muscles
Next Steps
Consult the Center for a diagnosis and for treatment options. Depending upon the diagnosis, treatment options may include ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections, ultrasound guided injections of platelet rich plasma (PRP), ultrasound guided prolotherapy injections, stem cell therapy, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. If nerve entrapment is indicated then a steroid-free hydrodissection to release the nerve or ultrasound-guided nerve block injections may be recommended. To learn more about the treatment and relief of Degenerative Disc Disease please call our office at 212-867-1777.
What Is Facet Joint Syndrome?
Facet Joint Syndrome is pain in the joints of the vertebrae, the bones that comprise the spine. Each vertebra has 2 facet joints that connect it to the next vertebra. The joints both stabilize the spine so that it does not move too far forwards or backwards and they allow you to bend and twist. Soft tissue called cartilage, as well as a lubricating fluid, cushion the joints. An injury to the back or neck, daily wear and tear or osteoarthritis can cause the cartilage to deteriorate and the joints to rub against each other causing stiffness and pain. This may in turn cause bone spurs or an overgrowth of bone that results in increased inflammation. If the joints swell too much then the openings in the spine through which nerves travel may narrow and cause nerve compression and even greater discomfort.
Seek Treatment for these Symptoms:
- Need to turn entire body to look left or right
- Unable to bend or twist body
- Trouble standing up straight or getting out of a chair
- Back or neck pain
- Pain that extends into your buttocks and upper thighs
- Muscle weakness in the arm, shoulder, or leg
Next Steps
Consult the Center for a diagnosis and for treatment choices. Depending upon the diagnosis, treatment options may include ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, ultrasound guided injections of platelet rich plasma (PRP), ultrasound-guided prolotherapy injections, stem cell therapy, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. If nerve entrapment is indicated then a steroid-free hydrodissection to release the nerve or ultrasound-guided nerve block injections may be recommended.
To learn more about the treatment and relief of Facet Joint Syndrome please call our office at 212-867-1777.
What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?
Failed back surgery syndrome is a general term for chronic pain that does not dissipate following spine surgery. The surgery may not have been effective or may have resulted in scar tissue that compressed a nerve. The cause of the initial back pain may have been misdiagnosed so that the the procedure did not address the correct root of the back pain. Regardless, the result is continued pain, stiffness and discomfort.
Seek Treatment for these Symptoms:
- Dull aching pain in the back or neck
- Pain radiating to the legs or arms
- Sharp or burning pain in the legs or arms
- Limited ability to walk and move
Next Steps
Depending upon the reason for the pain, treatment options will vary. These may include ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections, ultrasound-guided injections of platelet rich plasma (PRP), ultrasound-guided prolotherapy injections, stem cell therapy, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. If nerve entrapment is indicated then a steroid-free hydrodissection to release the nerve or ultrasound-guided nerve block injections will be recommended.
To learn more about the treatment and relief of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome please call our office at 212-867-1777.
Upper Back Spinal Osteoarthritis
What Is Spinal Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, including joints in the spine. It causes the gradual weakening of the cartilage. Cartilage is connective tissue that protects the ends of the bones and allows the bones to glide smoothly in the joint. In the spine, the facet joints of the vertebrae are lined with cartilage. These joints allow the spine to bend forward, extend backwards and to twist. When the cartilage deteriorates, bones rub against one another creating inflammation, stiffness and pain. Bone spurs, are an overgrowth of the bone, and they often develop and may place pressure on the nerves further intensifying the pain. Aging and daily wear and tear increase the degeneration of the joint. Other risk factors include excess weight, family history and gender. Osteoarthritis is more common in postmenopausal women than in men in the same age range.
Seek Treatment for these Symptoms:
- Back stiffness when awake in the morning or after periods of inactivity
- Intermittent back pain
- Back pain that radiates into the buttocks, thighs, pelvis, or down the back of the leg
- Grinding or popping noise when you turn your neck
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or arms
- Neck pain, tenderness, or numbness
Next Steps
Seek a diagnosis and treatment options. Dr. Kulick will design a customized treatment plan designed to alleviate the symptoms suffered. Options include anti-inflammatory medication, ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections, ultrasound-guided injections of a hyaluronic injection acid such as Synvisc or Supartz to help cushion the joints, ultrasound-guided prolotherapy injections and physical therapy. Cutting edge therapy such as, ultrasound guided injections of platelet rich plasma (PRP) or ultrasound-guided stem cell injections that may stimulate the growth of new cartilage and ultrasound- guided nerve hydrodissections are other options.
To learn more about the treatment of Osteoarthritis please contact our office at 212-867-1777.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
The vertebrae of the spine encase the spinal cord which is made up of nerves and bundles of nerves in an open space called the spinal canal. These nerves branch out from the spinal cord through openings in the vertebrae in order to allow the brain to send nerve signals throughout the body. When the canal narrows, it places pressure on the nerves, causing numbness, pain and/or tingling. This typically occurs in the cervical spine (neck), upper-back and the lumbar spine (lower back). It is a degenerative process and is often associated with aging. Ligaments surrounding the spine may thicken and bulge into the open spaces of the vertebrae, osteoarthritis may cause bone spurs to jut into the spinal canal, herniated discs or tumors can narrow the canal and spinal injuries or post spinal surgery swelling can cause stenosis. These conditions all result in compression of the nerve root.
Seek Treatment for these Symptoms:
- Persistent stiffness, numbness or pain in back, legs, neck or arms
- Sciatica with pain radiating down the leg
- Difficulty walking
- Cramps in legs or arms
Next Steps
Consult the Center for a diagnosis and for treatment options. A steroid-free hydrodissection will release the nerve and ultrasound-guided nerve block injections will provide relief. Depending upon the cause of the stenosis, additional treatment options may include ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections, ultrasound-guided injections of platelet rich plasma (PRP), ultrasound- guided prolotherapy injections, stem cell therapy, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. And, only after complete treatment failure will Dr. Kulick refer you to a neurosurgeon for surgery.
To learn more about the treatment and relief of Spinal Stenosis please call our office at 212-867-1777.
What is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one of the vertebra of the upper back, slips forward over another vertebra, pushing the spine out of alignment. This can place pressure on the spinal cord or one of the nerve roots inducing severe pain. Spondylolisthesis may be caused by a traumatic injury, a fracture or the degeneration of bones, ligaments or discs due to aging. Some people have no symptoms as a result of Spondylolisthesis while others suffer pain from nerve compression.
Seek Treatment for these Symptoms
- Upper/lower back or leg pain
- Muscle weakness in the legs
- Sciatica
Next Steps
Consult the Center for a diagnosis and for treatment options. A steroid-free hydrodissection will release the nerve and ultrasound-guided nerve block injections will provide relief if there is nerve compression. Depending upon the cause of the spondylolisthesis, additional treatment options may include ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections, ultrasound-guided injections of platelet rich plasma (PRP), ultrasound-guided prolotherapy injections, stem cell therapy, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication.
To learn more about the treatment and of Spondylolisthesis please call our office at 212-867-1777.
What Are Muscle Spasms?
Muscle spasms are very common and can happen without warning. Perhaps you pick up a heavy box, reach for an item or even sleep in an awkward position. This suddenly triggers a muscle spasm in your upper back that makes you incapable of movement or straightening. Muscle spasms are the involuntary contraction or tensing of one or more muscles. They commonly occur in the neck, upper or lower back and legs. Muscle spasms may be caused by heavy lifting, muscle overuse, weak muscles, nerve compression, spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease (link to degenerative disc disease) or a herniated disc, and many sports injuries. Some sports including golf, football, weightlifting and basketball that require the constant twisting of the spine may lead to back spasms. Spasms may seem to appear out of nowhere however; typically small tears in the muscle may have developed over time. These tears may lead to swelling that compresses the nerves surrounding the muscle. This in turn sparks a muscle spasm that can cause pain, cramping or twitching.
Seek Treatment for these Symptoms:
- Muscle pain that does not dissipate on its own
- Constant muscle cramps
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Muscle appears hard or distorted
Next Steps
If the muscle spasm does not resolve by itself after a few days of rest, icing the area for short periods of 10 to 20 minutes every two hours or using a heated pad, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, then seek treatment. Consult the Center for a diagnosis and for options. The spasm may be the result of an underlying condition that can be treated. Once identified, treatment options may include ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections, trigger point therapy, ultrasound guided prolotherapy injections or anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxant medication. Ultrasound guided injections of platelet rich plasma (PRP), or stem cell therapy may be advised. If nerve entrapment is indicated then a steroid-free hydrodissection to release the nerve or ultrasound-guided nerve block injections will be recommended. It is also important to note that trigger points can cause radiating pain and frequently the underlying cause of migraine headaches can be mistaken for sinusitis and can cause knee and hip pain unrelated to any underlying pathology in the knee or hip.
To learn more about the treatment and relief of Muscle Spasms please call our office at 212-867-1777.
