Neck & Back Pain Specialist

Neck and back pain can interfere with daily life, making it difficult to perform routine tasks like driving or bending over to tie your shoes. Orthopedic surgeon Sevag Bastian, MD, in Glendale, California, diagnoses and treats neck and back pain. If you suffer from neck or back pain, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What causes neck and back pain?

Your spine is a column of bones called vertebrae that support your back and neck. Other tissues, including ligaments, muscles, nerves, and intervertebral discs, help support your spine and keep it flexible. Damage to any of these structures may cause back or neck pain.

Dr. Bastian treats a wide range of conditions that cause neck and back pain, including:

• Muscle strains or ligament sprains from heavy lifting, twisting, or poor posture
• Neck injuries, such as whiplash from a motor vehicle collision
• Cervical (neck) disc degeneration
• Lumbar (low back) disc degeneration
• Herniated or ruptured discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Arthritis of the spine

Sometimes, an injured disc or bone spur can press on a spinal nerve and cause pain to travel to other parts of your body. When this happens, it’s called radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve. Sciatica is a common example of a pinched nerve in the low back that causes pain, numbness, and tingling to travel into your buttock and down the back of your leg. 

When should I see a doctor for neck or back pain?

Most neck and back pain is acute or short-term. This type of back pain usually results from a muscle strain and resolves within a few days with self-care like heat and ice. 

If you have neck or back pain that worsens or doesn’t go away with home treatments, you may have a problem that needs specialized care. You should call Dr. Bastian if you have neck or back pain that’s severe or occurs with other symptoms, like numbness and tingling that radiates into your arm or leg. 

How are neck and back pain diagnosed and treated?

First, Dr. Bastian carefully reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. He may take tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or diagnostic ultrasound, to determine the specific cause of your neck or back pain. 

Then, he spends time explaining your condition and discussing the treatment options so you can make an informed decision. Depending on the cause and severity of your neck or back pain, treatment may include:

• Medication to control pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy
• Wearing a brace
• Exercise, including yoga or pilates
• Acupuncture
• Steroid injections

He may also recommend regenerative medicine treatments, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells. If you continue to experience back or neck pain, surgery may be necessary. 

For comprehensive care of neck and back pain, call Sevag Bastian, MD, or book an appointment online today.