Top NYC Orthopedic Back Pain Doctors
Our Top Back Doctors:
Written by: Dr. Popovitz.
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon | Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center | FAAOS
Co-Founder, NY Bone & Joint Specialists | Lenox Hill Hospital - Northwell Health
Recognized: New York Magazine Best Doctor | New York Times Super Doctor | IAOS Leading Physician of the World | IAOS Top Orthopedic Surgeon in New York
Date Published: July 24, 2018
Last Updated: September 25, 2019
Last Medically Reviewed: September 25, 2019
This page has been written and reviewed by a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of clinical experience. All clinical claims are supported by peer-reviewed literature and current AAOS and AOSSM guidelines. See References section below.
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Upper East Side: 1198 Third Ave | Midtown: 425 Madison Ave
Surgery performed at Lenox Hill Hospital - Northwell Health
Back Pain Doctors in New York City
As some of New York’s top back pain doctors, New York Bone & Joint Specialists provides comprehensive care for all types of back pain, from muscle strains to herniated discs and chronic conditions. Our team of world-class back specialists offers a wide range of non-surgical and surgical treatment options, successfully resolving over 90% of cases without surgery.
We focus on understanding the root cause of your discomfort to develop personalized treatment plans that promote your body’s natural healing abilities and help you return to an active lifestyle. With multiple locations across New York City and a compassionate approach to care, we’re committed to guiding you from diagnosis through complete recovery.
What are the causes of back pain?
Back pain can have many different causes. The root of the problem will determine what treatment looks like.
- Muscle/ligament strain from improper lifting or sudden movement
- A herniated disc that bulges and presses on nerves
- Arthritis causing joint inflammation
- Osteoporosis that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break
- Improper use of back muscles during daily activities, like heavy lifting
- Overuse from repetitive movements
- Stress causing muscle tension
- Trauma from accidents or falls
- Poor posture over time
What types of back pain do we treat?
We treat a wide variety of back pain issues and concerns at New York Bone & Joint Specialists. Our dedicated team is experienced in sporting injuries, long-term health conditions, sprains, strains, and much more.
Our back pain doctors in New York will help you diagnose and treat your injuries, no matter the severity or duration of your pain, helping you achieve the active lifestyle you want. We treat conditions of both the upper and lower back at New York Bone & Joint Specialists.
Upper back pain affects the thoracic spine region (between your neck and lower back). This area connects to your ribs and chest, spanning from the base of your neck to the bottom of your ribcage. Upper back pain is often described as:
- Muscle tension or stiffness
- Burning or sharp pain between the shoulder blades
- Discomfort that may radiate to the shoulders, neck, or arms
Lower back pain occurs in the lumbar spine region, which is the curved section at the bottom of your spine supporting most of your upper body weight. This type of pain:
- May range from dull, constant aching to sudden, sharp sensations
- Often affects the five vertebrae in the lumbar region
- Can radiate to your buttocks, legs, or feet (sciatica)
- Is typically more common than upper back pain

Our approach to treating back pain in New York
Our top-rated orthopedic back pain surgeons believe in prioritizing non-surgical treatments first. This means we’ll try less invasive treatment options, with surgery being reserved for only the most severe of injuries.
Non-invasive treatments are better for you, our patients, in that they promote the body’s natural healing abilities.
Other benefits of our treatment methods include:
- No surgical complications. Non-invasive methods don’t risk surgical complications.
- Promote the body’s natural methods. 90% of our cases are resolved without turning to surgery.
- Learn what works. Multiple non-invasive methods may work for your condition, giving us time to find the one that works best.
- Learn new skills. Gain new preventative knowledge, like stretches and exercises, that you can incorporate into your daily routine.
- Improve posture. Benefit from improved posture and guidance around correct form to relieve the long-term causes of some injuries.
- Faster recovery. Holistic recovery practices have less downtime and can often be performed as part of your regular lifestyle.
Surgery is sometimes the best bet for severe injury or long-term health conditions.
Your course of treatment will depend on a range of factors, including your injury, health history, and what we believe will work best for you. We may suggest one or a mix of options. Including:
Physical Therapy:
- Targeted rehabilitation – Customized exercises and techniques that strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and correct movement patterns that might be causing pain.
Massage Therapy:
- Soft tissue healing – Breaks down muscle knots, releases tension, and improves blood flow to damaged tissues, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Corticosteroid Injections:
- Precision anti-inflammatory – Powerful medication delivered directly to inflamed areas of the spine for rapid reduction of swelling and pain when other treatments aren’t sufficient.
Muscle Relaxation:
- Spasm interruption – Techniques and medications that reduce involuntary muscle contractions, breaking the painful cycle of tension that can worsen some back injuries
Anti-inflammatory Painkillers:
- Inflammation and pain reduction – Medications that reduce swelling throughout the body, decreasing pressure on nerves and easing pain from various back conditions.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS):
- Neural interference – Mild electrical currents that disrupt pain signals traveling to the brain, providing non-medication pain relief that patients can do themselves after simple instructions.
Why choose us as your New York back specialist?
Many people suffering from back pain have chosen us as their partners in helping them return to a pain-free life. Here’s why:
- We prioritize keeping your joints healthy so you can get back to your best.
- We resolve over 90% of our orthopedic cases without surgery.
- Our team includes world-class back pain doctors.
- We offer compassionate and comprehensive care from diagnosis to recovery.
- We have multiple practices across New York City, giving you more options for your recovery.
- Our conservative treatments and expert surgical skills ensure a complete recovery for every patient.
Make an appointment today
Start your healing journey and book an appointment with New York Bone & Joint Specialists today.
Our back specialist doctors in New York
Our back pain doctors are among the top-ranked specialists in the USA. Your options include both surgical and non-surgical experts in conditions of the back and neck.
The team includes Fabien D. Bitan, MD, the chief of spine surgery at Northwell-Lenox Hill Hospital. Dr. Bitan is internationally recognized as one of the very best spine surgeons in the world. The team also includes Michael Y. Mizhiritsky, MD, co-founder of New York Bone & Joint Specialists and a leader in non-surgical spine management.
All of our doctors and specialists are nationally recognized as experts in treating back pain, among other injuries. Take a look at our world-renowned team above.
What back pain conditions do we treat?
We treat a wide range of back pain conditions and related injuries. Here are some of the more common conditions we specialize in.
- Arthritis & Osteoarthritis
- Back Pain & Strain
- Back Pain in Pregnancy
- Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Specialists in New York
- EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
- Herniated Disc Treatment Specialists in New York
- Interventional Pain Management
- Lower Back Pain
- Muscle Spasm
- Pain Management for Acute & Chronic Pain
- Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Symptoms, Treatment & Physical Therapy in NYC
- Sciatica Specialists in New York
- Sprains & Strains
- Trigger Point Injections
- Vertebral Compression Fractures
Back Pain Specialists in NYC: FAQs
Many insurers cover medically necessary back pain treatment, with varying limitations or restrictions. Contact your medical insurance provider if you have any questions about your coverage before you start treatment.
Treatment duration will depend on the type and severity of the injury you have. Most treatment plans require several sessions spread over a few weeks. You should also plan for downtime for rest and recovery after your sessions.
Your back specialist in NYC will be able to give you a clearer picture of what your recovery plan looks like.
Finding the best back pain doctor near you involves researching providers and surgeons in your area.
Start by looking at orthopedic specialists close by, like right here in New York.
Be sure to read existing patient reviews, ask questions, and check websites for accreditations and awards before you choose a provider to proceed with.
Patient Reviews
You can book your appointment with New York Bone & Joint online by submitting the appointment request form here:
Book an appointmentOur Locations
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Upper East Side: Full Service Orthopedic Center & Walk-In
1198 3rd Avenue, Between 69th and 70th Street New York, NY 10021Physician appointments: Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm, Sat 8:30am–4:30pm
Physical therapy: Mon–Fri 7am–7pm, Sat 8am–2pmPhone: (212) 759-4553 -
Orthopedic Doctor Midtown Manhattan NYC — New York Bone & Joint Specialists
425 Madison Ave, Suite 200 (second floor) New York, NY 10017 (corner of East 49th Street)Physician appointments: Mon–Fri 8:00 am–6:00 pm
Physical therapy: Mon–Fri 7 am–7 pm, Sat 8 am–2 pmPhone: (212) 759-4553 -
Orthopedic Doctor Upper East Side NYC — New York Bone & Joint Specialists
130 E 67th St New York, NY 10065Physician appointments: Mon–Fri 8:00am–6pm, Sat 8:30am–4:30pm
Physical therapy: Mon–Fri 7am–7pm, Sat 8am–2pmPhone: (212) 759-4553