Did you know that about 80% of Americans experience lower back pain at some time in their lives? Left untreated, lower back pain may interfere with your job or favorite activities, or your mobility in general. At his practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, pain management specialist Alexander Kulick, MD, regularly works with his patients to diagnose and treat lower back pain. To request an appointment, call the New York City office today or click the online booking tool.

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The lower back provides flexibility and support to your body. It is not surprising that this interconnected mechanism made up of the spine, muscles, tendons and ligaments can be vulnerable to injury and pain.

At the Center for Integrated Pain Management  we will devise a customized treatment plan to relieve your aching back. Below is a list of low back and spine conditions that the Center treats.

  • Coccydynia
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Lower Back Spinal Stenosis
  • Facet Joint Syndrome
  • Lower Back Spondylolisthesis
  • Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
  • Muscle Spasms
  • Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
  • Nerve Entrapment/Radiculopathy
  • Lower Back Spinal Osteoarthritis


A diagnosis will be made once Dr. Kulick reviews your family history, completes a thorough physical examination and conducts an in-office ultrasound. If necessary, Dr. Kulick may request that you obtain an MRI, CT Scan or additional X-rays in order to precisely determine your diagnosis and treatment plan.

To learn more about the treatment and relief of low back conditions please contact our office at 212-867-1777

What is lower back pain?

Lower back pain is a common musculoskeletal problem characterized by pain, stiffness, or general discomfort in the lumbar spine. 

Usually, lower back pain occurs as a result of an injury such as a muscle strain or sprain. However, certain diseases can also trigger lower back pain, including:

  • Sciatica
  • Arthritis
  • Kidney infections
  • Herniated disc
  • Fibromyalgia

In addition, lower back pain usually affects people between ages 30-50. Experts aren’t entirely sure why, but it’s thought that changes caused by the natural aging process play a role. 

As you get older, the fluids in your spinal column start to dry up. Over time, this causes your vertebrae to rub against one another. 

What are the symptoms of lower back pain?

The symptoms of lower back pain vary from person to person and depend on the underlying cause. That said, telltale signs of lower back pain include:

  • Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
  • Stiffness in your lower back
  • Weakness
  • Swelling
  • Pain when you’re sitting or standing

Acute lower back pain usually subsides within a few days and responds to conservative measures or treatment. If your lower back pain persists for more than a week, or it gets worse, make an appointment with Dr. Kulick as soon as possible. 

How is lower back pain diagnosed?

To diagnose lower back pain, Dr. Kulick thoroughly reviews your medical history and conducts a physical exam. 

He also asks you a series of questions about your symptoms and has you perform some in-office exercises to determine if your pain affects your range of motion. Dr. Kulick also checks your reflexes to see if your back pain affects your nerves. 

If these tests don’t provide enough information, Dr. Kulick might also order a series of X-rays or an MRI to get a closer look at your spine and the underlying structures in your spine. 

How is lower back pain treated?

Treatment for lower back pain depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. However, Dr. Kulick usually recommends noninvasive treatments, such as rest, light exercise, and over-the-counter painkillers. 

If your lower back pain doesn’t respond to these measures, he might recommend physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or a back brace. For serious cases of lower back pain, surgical intervention might be necessary. 

If you’re living with lower back pain, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. Call the office of Dr. Alexander Kulick today to schedule your appointment, or use the online booking tool.