Och Spine Services

Common or Degenerative Spine Conditions

Degenerative spine conditions involve the loss of strength, function, or mobility of the spine. These conditions are often caused by the normal wear and tear of the body as we age but may be affected by our lifestyle or other medical conditions. Neck and back pain from degenerative spine conditions is extremely common.

The spine's complex parts include bones, joints, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and discs. All of these parts need to work together for optimal spine health. Common degenerative conditions of the spine may include arthritis, stenosis, slipped or herniated discs, and radiculopathy or pinched nerves, also known as sciatica. When nerves are affected, symptoms may include weakness, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain.

NewYork-Presbyterian spine teams are dedicated to helping patients manage their spine health and pursue an active and healthy lifestyle.

Why Choose Us

Helping Solve Common or Degenerative Spine Conditions

Why Choose Us
Dr. Roger Hartl

Dr. Roger Härtl, co-director of the Och Spine Program at The Neurological Institute of New York, is recognized internationally as one of the leading voices in the field of neurosurgery.

Finding relief from back pain begins with talking to the right spine specialist. At NewYork-Presbyterian Och Spine, our degenerative spine specialists see patients every day who are struggling with neck and back pain.

  • Our spine doctors rank among some of the leading specialists in the world and are affiliated with Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.
  • Our patients come first. Our spine specialists encourage non-operative care are always focused on the best treatment path.
  • We believe in holistic care, considering a patient's entire lifestyle from nutrition to exercise. We focus on spine wellness and good practices to restore function and prevent further spine degeneration.
  • With multidisciplinary teams, patients benefit from the best minds working together.

Dr. Roger Härtl, co-director of the Och Spine Program at The Neurological Institute of New York, is recognized internationally as one of the leading voices in the field of neurosurgery. He is also Professor of Neurological Surgery and Director of Neurosurgical Spinal Surgery. His extensive clinical and research work has led to pioneering head injury treatments now used worldwide. An author, lecturer, and professor, Dr. Härtl is currently developing techniques to repair and regenerate spinal discs.

Our Approach to Care

Working with Patients to Restore Spine Health

Our Approach to Care

Patients can rely on the expertise of NewYork-Presbyterian Och Spine's team of spine specialists, who work together to guide all treatment decisions. Our physical therapists, pain management doctors, surgeons, and nurses are focused only on spine care. This multidisciplinary care model means you have the best spine care for as long as needed.

When surgery is needed, our spine surgeons work with you to create a plan using the least invasive techniques possible. Our team offers minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), which allows for smaller incisions, less scar tissue, and same-day surgeries in many cases.

We treat most common and complex degenerative spine conditions including:

Our Team

Our Renowned Neck & Back Pain Specialists

Our Team

Led by a team of recognized leaders in research and treatment, NewYork-Presbyterian Och Spine degenerative spine conditions doctors treat children and adults from New York and across the country.

Meet our spine care team

Patient Stories

Learn how we help our patients stay amazing

I feel secure when I'm with [my doctor] and I've never had to wait long

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Gary Leff