Chronic pain affects millions of adults, and residents in Woodmere and the Five Towns are no exception. Many individuals delay evaluation because they hope their symptoms will resolve on their own. However, chronic pain—defined as pain lasting longer than three months—often requires professional intervention to prevent long-term complications. Common causes include arthritis, nerve damage, spine conditions, old injuries, and musculoskeletal imbalances.
Chronic neck and back pain affects millions of adults across the United States, and individuals living in Woodmere and the surrounding Five Towns communities are no exception. While occasional soreness or stiffness is common, pain that persists for more than three months is considered chronic and often requires professional evaluation. Many people delay seeking care, hoping their symptoms will improve on their own. Unfortunately, untreated neck and back pain can worsen over time, leading to decreased mobility, poor sleep, and a diminished quality of life.
There are many possible causes of chronic neck and back pain. Common contributors include arthritis, herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, nerve compression, degenerative disc disease, and old injuries that never fully healed. Poor posture, repetitive movements, prolonged sitting, and physically demanding jobs can also place stress on the spine. When inflammation or nerve irritation develops, pain may radiate into the shoulders, arms, hips, or legs, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.
One of the most important steps in managing chronic neck and back pain is identifying the underlying cause. At Mosaic Pain Management, we use advanced diagnostic tools such as imaging studies, nerve evaluations, and comprehensive physical examinations to determine what is driving a patient’s symptoms. Because spine-related pain often has multiple contributing factors, an accurate diagnosis allows for more effective, targeted treatment rather than temporary symptom relief.
Treatment options for neck and back pain vary depending on the source and severity of the condition. For many patients, conservative measures such as physical therapy, activity modification, and medication management may provide relief. However, when inflammation around the spinal nerves is a primary contributor, interventional treatments like epidural steroid injections can play a critical role in reducing pain and improving function.
Epidural steroid injections are a minimally invasive procedure designed to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal nerves. This targeted approach helps decrease swelling and irritation that can cause neck and back pain, particularly when nerve compression is involved. By reducing inflammation at the source, epidural steroid injections can relieve pain that radiates into the arms or legs and allow patients to move more comfortably.
Patients often choose epidural steroid injections because they can provide significant pain relief without surgery. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes only a short amount of time. Many individuals experience improvement within days, while others notice gradual relief over several weeks. Although results vary, these injections can be especially beneficial for patients with disc herniations, spinal stenosis, or nerve-related neck and back pain.
In addition to pain relief, epidural steroid injections may help patients participate more fully in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs. When pain is reduced, it becomes easier to strengthen supporting muscles, improve posture, and restore mobility. This combination approach often leads to better long-term outcomes and may help delay or avoid the need for more invasive treatments.
Residents of Woodmere, Cedarhurst, Hewlett, Lawrence, and nearby communities frequently report that chronic neck and back pain interferes with sleep, work, and family life. Some patients struggle with standing or sitting for extended periods, while others find it difficult to exercise or enjoy hobbies they once loved. Left untreated, chronic pain can also affect mood and energy levels, creating a cycle that further impacts overall well-being. Early intervention, including appropriate use of epidural steroid injections, can help break this cycle and restore daily function.
At Mosaic Pain Management, we understand that no two patients experience neck and back pain in the same way. Our approach is personalized, compassionate, and focused on long-term relief. We take the time to discuss treatment options, answer questions, and develop a plan that aligns with each patient’s goals and lifestyle. Whether pain is caused by a recent injury or a condition that has developed over time, our team is committed to helping patients achieve meaningful improvement.
If chronic neck and back pain is limiting your ability to enjoy life or perform routine tasks, it may be time to consult a pain management specialist. Epidural steroid injections are just one of the advanced treatment options available to help reduce pain and improve mobility. With early evaluation and evidence-based care, many patients can return to the activities they value most.
You don’t have to live with persistent neck and back pain. Mosaic Pain Management proudly serves the Five Towns region, offering comprehensive, minimally invasive solutions designed to help patients move better, feel better, and regain control of their lives.