Back Pain in Nassau County
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work and seek medical care — and one of the most undertreated. At his offices in Garden City and Lake Success, NY, Dr. Edward Rubin has helped hundreds of Long Island patients move from chronic pain back to the activities they love, using precise, minimally invasive procedures performed personally by Dr. Rubin himself.
What Is Back Pain?
Back pain ranges from a dull, persistent ache to sudden, sharp pain that makes it hard to move. It can affect the lower back (lumbar spine), mid-back (thoracic spine), or upper back — and it can radiate into the buttocks, hips, or legs.
Back pain is not a diagnosis on its own. It is a symptom with many possible causes, which is why accurate diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment.
Common Symptoms
- Dull or aching pain in the lower, mid, or upper back
- Sharp, stabbing pain with movement, bending, or lifting
- Pain that radiates into the buttocks, hips, or down one or both legs
- Stiffness that is worse in the morning or after sitting for long periods
- Muscle spasms or tightness alongside the spine
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
- Weakness in the legs when walking or standing
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain has many sources. The most common causes Dr. Rubin treats include:
- Lumbar disc herniation — a bulging or ruptured disc pressing on nerve roots
- Degenerative disc disease — discs that have worn down and lost their shock-absorbing ability
- Facet joint arthritis — inflammation of the small joints connecting the vertebrae
- Lumbar spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves
- Spondylolisthesis — a vertebra that has slipped out of alignment
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction — pain originating from the SI joint connecting the spine to the pelvis
- Muscle strain and ligament sprain — acute injuries from lifting, twisting, or sudden movements
- Compression fractures — vertebral fractures from osteoporosis or trauma
How Dr. Rubin Treats Back Pain
Dr. Rubin's approach is non-narcotic and minimally invasive. Every procedure is performed by Dr. Rubin personally — never delegated to a PA or NP. Treatment is tailored to the specific source of your pain:
Epidural Steroid Injections
Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid medication is delivered directly into the epidural space, surrounding the inflamed nerve roots. This is one of the most effective treatments for disc-related back pain and radiculopathy, with results lasting several months.
Medial Branch Blocks & Facet Joint Injections
For back pain originating from the facet joints — common in arthritis and degenerative disc disease — targeted injections at the medial branch nerves confirm the pain source and provide meaningful relief.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
When medial branch blocks confirm facet-mediated pain, RFA uses precisely applied heat to disable the pain-transmitting nerves. Relief typically lasts 12–24 months, and the procedure can be repeated.
Lumbar Nerve Root Blocks
A targeted injection directly at an irritated lumbar nerve root, used both diagnostically (to pinpoint the pain source) and therapeutically (to reduce inflammation).
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
For pain originating at the SI joint, steroid injections reduce inflammation and confirm the diagnosis.
Lumbar Sympathetic Blocks
Used for sympathetically mediated back pain or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) involving the lower back and legs.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
For patients with chronic, difficult-to-treat back pain that has not responded to other therapies, spinal cord stimulation modulates pain signals before they reach the brain, providing significant long-term relief.
FAQs About Back Pain
When should I see a pain specialist for back pain? If your back pain has lasted more than 6 weeks, has not improved with rest or over-the-counter medications, or is accompanied by leg numbness, weakness, or bladder/bowel changes, it is time to see a specialist.
Will I need surgery? The vast majority of back pain is treated successfully without surgery. Dr. Rubin's practice focuses entirely on non-surgical interventional techniques. If surgery is ultimately warranted, Dr. Rubin will refer you to the appropriate specialist.
How quickly will I feel better after an injection? Many patients feel improvement within 2–7 days after an epidural or nerve block. Radiofrequency ablation may take 2–3 weeks for full effect.
Does insurance cover back pain treatment? Yes. Most major insurance plans — including Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross — cover interventional back pain treatments when conservative care has been tried first.
Can Dr. Rubin treat back pain without opioids? Yes. Dr. Rubin's philosophy is non-narcotic by default. Interventional procedures, anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy collaboration come first.
Treating Back Pain on Long Island
Dr. Rubin sees patients at two convenient Nassau County locations — Garden City and Lake Success — and performs procedures at affiliated surgical centers including NYU Long Island and Northwell Health. Call 516-492-3100 to schedule your evaluation.