If you have an ongoing spine condition or injury, you want the best spine specialists in New York on your case. You want spine specialists who have your back—literally and figuratively. The New York spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint are committed to helping you get back on your feet. Whether you have an acute injury or chronic condition, the spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint are ready to help.
We’re committed to providing the best care to our patients, and to helping you find treatment plans that only include surgery if absolutely necessary. In fact, we now solve more than 90% of our orthopedics cases without surgery.
If you’re looking for a New York spine specialist who can help you reduce your pain, regain mobility, and improve your quality of life, then you want the spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint.
How do you know it’s time to see a New York spine specialist?
If your back is causing you long-lasting pain, you’ve experienced an injury, or you’ve already been diagnosed with a spine condition, now’s the time to talk to a spine specialist. When it comes to your spine, prevention is the best medicine, so don’t wait. Patients who seek treatment quickly often see better results.
For many people, back pain improves over time and with rest. But that isn’t always the case. Schedule an appointment with one of our New York spine specialists if your pain:
- Is severe
- Lasts more than a few weeks
- Worsens despite home care or rest
- Spreads down one or both legs, especially if you experience pain below your knee
- Comes with numbness or tingling in your legs
- Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
Sometimes, back pain can signal a serious medical issue. Seek immediate medical attention if your pain:
- Causes bowel or bladder issues
- Comes with a fever
- Follows a fall, blow to the back, or other injury
There’s more to spine conditions and injuries than just pain, however. If you’re experiencing any combination of the following, or even just one of these symptoms alone, it may be time to talk to a New York spine specialist.
Stiffness and reduced mobility
Difficulty bending, twisting, or moving the spine normally, or morning stiffness that improves with movement, may suggest an inflammatory spinal condition, especially when combined with pain.
Muscle spasms
Involuntary muscle contractions in the back or neck can cause intense pain and further limit movement. These spasms often occur as the body’s protective response to injury or inflammation.
Neurological symptoms
Back pain may be caused by nerve compression or damage. If you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, seek prompt medical evaluation to prevent potential permanent damage.
Changes in posture
Visible changes in posture, such as leaning to one side or difficulty standing upright, can indicate structural problems or severe muscle imbalances that require a spine specialist’s evaluation.
Sleep disturbances
Chronic back pain often interferes with sleep quality, leading to fatigue and reduced ability to cope with daily activities. Pain that worsens at night or prevents comfortable positioning requires evaluation.
The best spine specialists in NYC are at New York Bone and Joint. Working with you, they’ll assess your spine condition or injury and determine the best course of care for you.
What spine conditions do spine specialists treat?
There are a number of different conditions that can affect your spine. Many are easily managed without surgery through treatment plans including physical therapy and pain management.
Our spine specialists can help diagnose and treat numerous conditions.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in many joints, but it can also affect the spine. When arthritis develops in the back (often referred to as spinal arthritis or osteoarthritis), it can lead to the breakdown of cartilage between the bones in your back (called vertebrae). This wear and tear may result in pain, reduced flexibility, and sometimes nerve irritation if surrounding structures become compressed.
Many people with spinal arthritis experience symptoms such as chronic back pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), and discomfort that worsens with activity. Over time, these symptoms can interfere with daily movement and overall quality of life. In more advanced cases, arthritis in the spine may contribute to conditions like spinal stenosis or nerve-related pain radiating into the arms or legs.
Working with New York spine specialists can help you better understand your condition and explore treatment options. From physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to minimally invasive procedures, our spine specialists focus on relieving pain, improving mobility, and helping you maintain an active lifestyle despite arthritis.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a specific type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, leading to chronic back pain and stiffness. It often begins in early adulthood and tends to progress gradually, causing inflammation in the joints between the vertebrae and the pelvis that may lead to the fusion of spinal bones. One of the hallmark symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis is persistent lower back pain that improves with movement but worsens with rest, especially in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.
Degenerative disc disease
Degenerative disc disease is a common condition that affects the spine as the discs between the vertebrae gradually lose hydration, flexibility, and height over time. Though everyone experiences some degree of wear and tear on their discs as they age, not everyone experiences pain. For those that do, the degeneration of the discs in the spine can lead to chronic back or neck pain when the discs no longer cushion the spine effectively.
People with degenerative disc disease often experience persistent back pain, stiffness, and discomfort that may worsen with movement, sitting, or bending. In some cases, the condition can lead to nerve compression, causing symptoms like radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs.
Herniated or ruptured discs
A herniated or ruptured disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer, often irritating nearby nerves. This condition most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine) and can result from aging, repetitive strain, or sudden injury.
Symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on its location and severity. Many people experience localized back or neck pain while others may feel radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs due to nerve compression. It’s important to talk to a New York spine specialist to determine the source of your pain, get an accurate diagnosis, and ensure a personalized treatment plan.
Sacroiliitis
Sacroiliitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of one or both sacroiliac joints, which connect the lower spine to the pelvis. This inflammation can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips, and in some cases, discomfort may radiate down the legs. Sacroiliitis is often associated with conditions like arthritis, injury, pregnancy, or prolonged stress on the joints.
Symptoms can vary but commonly include persistent lower back pain, stiffness (especially after periods of rest), and increased discomfort with standing, walking, or climbing stairs. Because sacroiliac joint pain can mimic other spinal conditions, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose without a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often forming an “S” or “C” shape. While it commonly develops during adolescence, scoliosis can also occur in adults due to age-related degeneration of the spine. The severity of the curve can vary, and in some cases, it may progress over time, leading to noticeable changes in posture and alignment.
Many people with scoliosis experience few symptoms, but others may develop back pain, muscle fatigue, or stiffness, especially as the condition worsens. In more advanced cases, the uneven curvature can place added stress on the spine and surrounding muscles, contributing to discomfort and reduced mobility. Adults with scoliosis may also experience worsening symptoms due to wear and tear on the spine.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nearby nerves. It most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine), often developing as a result of age-related changes such as arthritis, thickened ligaments, or disc degeneration.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can vary but often include back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. Many people also experience discomfort that worsens with standing or walking and improves when sitting or bending forward. In more advanced cases, spinal stenosis can significantly impact mobility and daily activities.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, often affecting the lower back. This shift can place pressure on nearby nerves and disrupt the normal alignment of the spine. It may develop due to stress fractures, age-related degeneration, or conditions that weaken the joints and ligaments supporting the spine.
Symptoms of spondylolisthesis can include lower back pain, stiffness, muscle tightness, and discomfort that worsens with activity or prolonged standing. In some cases, nerve compression may cause radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. The severity of symptoms can vary, with some individuals experiencing mild discomfort and others facing more significant limitations in mobility.
Spondylosis
Spondylosis is a general term used to describe age-related wear and tear affecting the spine, particularly the discs, joints, and bones. It most commonly occurs in the neck (cervical spondylosis) and lower back (lumbar spondylosis), developing gradually as the spine undergoes natural degeneration over time. As discs lose hydration and flexibility, and bone spurs may form, the spine can become less stable and more prone to stiffness and discomfort.
Many people with spondylosis experience chronic back or neck pain, reduced range of motion, and stiffness that may worsen with activity or prolonged periods of sitting. In some cases, changes in the spine can lead to nerve compression, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
The New York spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint can treat all these conditions—and others, too!
What are some of the other conditions our New York spine specialists treat?
Our spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint are highly skilled in treating numerous back conditions, including (but not limited to):
- Back And Neck – Spine Care
- Back Pain & Strain
- Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- Facet Joint Syndrome
- Lower Back Pain
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
- Muscle Spasm
- Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
- Scoliosis, Kyphosis & Lordosis
- Spinal Fusion Surgery
- Spondylolisthesis
- Torticollis
- Total Disc Replacement
- Vertebral Compression Fractures
How can New York spine specialists help me?
The New York spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint are highly experienced providers who prioritize both effective treatment and long-term spinal health. If you’re interested in pursuing non-surgical care journeys, the New York spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint are your best choice: we treat over 90% of spine conditions without surgery. Our New York spine specialists use approaches like physical therapy, pain management, and targeted injections to help you find relief without the risks or recovery time associated with surgical procedures.
Our New York spine specialists provide comprehensive evaluations to accurately diagnose the root cause of your pain. Using advanced imaging and thorough physical assessments, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition, lifestyle, and goals.
Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury, chronic back pain, or a complex spinal condition, our team includes both non-surgical and surgical experts who collaborate to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.
Working with the New York spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint means having a dedicated team focused on reducing pain, restoring mobility, and helping you return to your daily activities with confidence.
Is spinal surgery right for me?
Long-term spine conditions can be debilitating. The pain may keep you up at night, and you may find your mobility decreased and your quality of life lowered. But don’t worry: the New York spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint are ready to help you find the best treatment plan for you.
For some people suffering from a spine condition or injury, surgery might not be the next right step. New York’s spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint can help you assess that decision and provide you with guidance. They’ll help you determine your best option.
How do the best spine specialists determine if spine surgery is right for you?
During your appointment, New York spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint will begin with a thorough exam. They’ll take your medical history and learn about your pain. The best spine specialists in New York ask about the severity of your pain and do a physical exam, which may include:
- Taking a look at your spine and posture
- Asking you to move to assess how those movements impact your pain
- Testing reflexes and strength
Sometimes, the New York spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint may order a blood test. Blood tests allow spine specialists to check for inflammation or medical disorders.
While most people don’t need blood testing, New York’s spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint may suggest imaging tests. Imaging tests help the best spine specialists see the structure of your spine and assess any mechanical or structural concerns.
Imaging tests for spine condition or injury are usually pain-free. The spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint may order imaging tests such as:
- X-rays to see if there is damage to the bones in your spine
- MRIs to diagnose damage to soft tissues, like the discs, ligaments, tendons, and nerve roots throughout and around your spine
- CAT scans (or CT scans) to take images of your back, allowing your spine specialist to diagnose concerns with the spine canal
- EMGs to assess electrical activity in the muscles of your back
If the spine specialists at New York Bone and Joint discover the cause of your spine condition or injury through these tests, they’ll work with you to determine the best course of action. For many people suffering from a spine condition or injury, spinal surgery isn’t necessary. However, all our New York spine specialists are qualified surgeons. If surgery is the right part of your care plan, we’ll guide you through it.
How do our New York spine specialists treat pain?
At New York Bone and Joint, our primary focus is on non-surgical methods for spine pain recovery and providing comprehensive support throughout your treatment journey. We perform surgery only when absolutely necessary, although all our spine specialists are highly proficient surgeons.
Non-surgical treatment options include:
- Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that make your pain worse and incorporating gentle exercises to improve mobility
- Physical therapy: Targeted exercises aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and range of motion
- Medication management: Ranging from over-the-counter pain relievers to more potent medications for acute pain management
- Inflammation reduction: Applying ice to recent injuries and inflammation, and utilizing heat for muscle stiffness and chronic pain
- Supportive devices: Temporary aids, such as braces or corsets, may be advised to provide stability to the spine during the healing process
Additional treatment possibilities:
- Injection therapies: For significant or persistent discomfort, corticosteroid injections are available. These can deliver pain relief for several months.
- Surgical procedures: Complex injuries, like spinal fractures, often require surgery. Procedures such as spinal fusion or disc replacement might be needed for appropriate healing. Our team of the best spinal specialists in New York has extensive expertise in performing a wide variety of invasive treatments.
Why we’re considered the best spine specialists in NYC
New Yorkers have depended on our spine surgeons for many years, and here’s why:
- Prioritizing spinal health: Our primary focus is ensuring your spinal well-being to fundamentally support an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Offering comprehensive care solutions: We cover every step from diagnosis to full recovery, with our dedicated pain and spine specialists delivering expert support across diverse spine conditions.
- Providing effective non-surgical treatments: Over 90% of spine problems are successfully treated through our orthopedic methods, frequently eliminating the need for surgery.
Our New York spine specialists are dedicated to your comprehensive recovery, utilizing both conservative treatments and expert surgical intervention when required.
Our best-rated pain and New York spine specialists
New York Bone and Joint’s spine specialists prioritize your long-term joint health and function, ensuring complete peace of mind with top-tier care. We are dedicated to preserving natural bodily structures, enabling 90% of our patients to recover without surgery, and fostering lasting joint well-being.
Our team of expert spine doctors includes both surgical and non-surgical experts in the back and neck.
Michael Y. Mizhiritsky, MD, co-founder of New York Bone & Joint Specialists and a leader in non-surgical spine management, is also one of our renowned New York spine specialists. He specializes in nonsurgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions in the spine, neck, and lower back, and is an attending physician at Northwell/Lenox Hill Hospital.
Nickhil Gupta, DO, excels in nonsurgical treatments of musculoskeletal injuries. Dr. Gupta is an Affiliate of the Mt. Sinai Health System, SurgiCare of Manhattan, and the Midtown Surgery Center, and has received numerous honors from distinguished organizations in the field.
Faton Bytyci, MD, is a board-certified Sports Medicine physician with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions. He treats patients of all ages for a wide range of orthopedic and sports injuries, including joint arthritis, back and neck strains, fractures, and more.
We bring decades of experience to the treatment of spinal conditions, mobility problems, and injuries, delivering highly specialized care.
Treat your spine condition today with our New York spine specialists
You don’t have to suffer with your spine condition or injury. At New York Bone and Joint, our New York spine specialists are ready to help you treat your injury or condition through non-surgical options that improve your quality of life—and give you peace of mind.
If you’re ready to work with our spine specialists, book an appointment today. Your spine will thank you.
New York spine specialist FAQs
When should I see a New York spine specialist?
You should see a spine specialist if your back pain lasts more than a few weeks, worsens over time, or is accompanied by symptoms like numbness, tingling, or reduced mobility. Severe pain or pain following an injury should also be evaluated promptly.
What conditions do New York spine specialists treat?
New York spine specialists treat a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and nerve-related issues that cause back or neck pain.
Do all spine conditions require surgery?
No. Many spine conditions can be treated without surgery. Your condition may improve with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, injections, and activity modifications.
What treatments do New York spine specialists offer for back pain?
Treatment options may include physical therapy, pain management, lifestyle modifications, supportive devices, and injections. Surgery is typically only considered if other treatments are not effective.
How do spine specialists diagnose back pain?
Spine specialists use a combination of medical history, physical exams, and diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or EMGs to identify the cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan.
