The Spine Center at the Hospital of Central Connecticut specializes in treating adults who are experiencing new back and neck pain, as well as other spinal injuries and disorders that have recently worsened.
From your very first visit, you will be evaluated by one of our specialty-trained physicians or advanced practice providers. Our aim is to initiate a positive change in your pain management right from the start. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
What conditions are treated at the HOCC Spine Center?
- Neck pain
- Mid-back pain
- Low back pain
- Buttock pain
- Back or neck injuries
- Back muscle spasms
- Disc herniations
- Radiculopathy (sometimes referred to as a “pinched nerve” in the neck or back or as “sciatica”)
- Spinal stenosis
Location
The Hospital of Central Connecticut
100 Grand Street, Suite 170 New Britain, CT 06052 To schedule an appointment or to learn more information about the HOCC Spine Center, please contact us at 860.224.5535.
Walk-in appointments are accepted Mon. thru Fri. from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
What does a visit involve?
At the spine center, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your discomforts, conducted by either a specialty-trained physician or an advanced practice provider. We will review with you any imaging and other testing that has been done, so you understand how the test findings may relate to your symptoms. Throughout this process, we prioritize educating you on the nature of your symptoms and determining the best approach to help you return to the activities you enjoy.
What treatments may be used to treat your pain?
The HOCC Spine Center focuses on non-operative treatments to relieve your pain. Treatment may include:
- Rehabilitation — We work closely with physical therapists, who will teach you exercises to reduce pain, to improve mobility in your neck or back, and to strengthen the muscles surrounding the neck or back.
- Medications — For certain spine conditions, medications such as muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories may help temporarily reduce your pain.
- Injections — Certain spine disorders may benefit from procedures such as epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections.
- Lifestyle modifications — Neck and back pain can sometimes worsen with certain daily activities. We may discuss ways to modify your work set-up or adjust your exercise regimen.
- Acupuncture — Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that involves inserting very small needles in the ski. This may help reduce your pain in combination with other treatments. The HOCC Spine Center has an acupuncturist.
While we aim to treat your pain with non-operative therapies, certain spine conditions may require surgical treatment. If we feel surgery may be the option for treating your symptoms, we will quickly have you seen by one of Hartford Healthcare’s spine surgeons.
In addition, we can also provide referrals to other healthcare providers that may help alleviate your pain and general health. These include:
- Weight loss — Meeting with one of Hartford Healthcare’s weight loss specialists can kick off your weight loss journey and help you live a healthier, more balanced life. Losing weight can lighten the load on your spine, reduce inflammation, and improve your mobility, function, and posture. These physical health benefits can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being.
- Smoking Cessation — Quitting smoking can assist in reducing back pain by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, enhancing healing with low back injuries/strains, and improving mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — This psychological approach helps you redirect thoughts and actions, offering strategies for effective pain management. By identifying negative thought patterns, practicing relaxation techniques, and setting achievable goals, you can take control of your pain.