What Type of Back Pain Are You Experiencing?
Everyday Back Pain & Arthritis
Chronic back pain is often caused by arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or muscle strain. Early evaluation can help relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent symptoms from worsening.
Sciatica & Nerve Pain
Sciatica is often caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis that places pressure on the sciatic nerve. An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward relieving pain and restoring function.
Sudden Injury or Severe Pain
Sudden or severe back pain may indicate a fracture, spinal injury, or another condition requiring prompt evaluation. Our orthopedic specialists can quickly assess your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.
The Community Memorial Difference
CLINICAL EXPERTISE
PROVEN RESULTS
Get Immediate Access to World-Class Care
Walk-In Orthopedic Clinics
Same Day Appointments Available
Hamilton
Monday through Friday
8am – 11:45am,
12:30pm – 3pm
160 Broad St.
Hamilton, NY
New Hartford
Wednesdays
8am – 3pm
83 Genesee St.
New Hartford, NY
Cazenovia
2nd & 4th Tuesday Each Month
8am – 3pm
3045 John Trush Jr. Blvd, Suite 1
Cazenovia, NY
After Hours Clinic
Walk-Ins Only
After Hours
Thursdays
5pm – 8pm
160 Broad St.
Hamilton, NY
Emergency Department
Because the Faster, the Better
The Emergency Department in Hamilton provides an exceptionally efficient option if you urgently require help with any severe orthopedic concerns, such as joint fractures, a sports injury, or severe joint pain. We have the shortest wait times in the area, we can get pain under control and then quickly get you in to one of our world-class specialists at Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics. The sooner you can get pain under control, and in front of a specialist, the better.
Emergency Department in Hamilton
24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year
150 Broad Street, Hamilton, NY
Meet the Specialists
Living with back pain can make even everyday activities feel challenging. Community Memorial's spine specialists combine advanced training with a personalized approach to care, taking the time to understand your symptoms, explain your diagnosis, and recommend treatment options that fit your needs and goals.
Dr. Nicholas Qandah
Brain & Spine Neurosurgeon
Advanced expertise in:
Board-certified neurosurgeon with advanced fellowship training in both orthopedic and neurosurgical spine care, including minimally invasive spine surgery and complex spine reconstruction.
Jackie Ireland, PA
Orthopedics
Advanced expertise in:
As a certified Physician Associate, she has more than a decade of experience in orthopedics with specialized support in orthopedic spine surgery.
Community Memorial is proud to receive a 4-Star Patient Satisfaction Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a recognition of exceptional care and patient experience. This reflects our commitment to providing quality, compassionate, and excellent healthcare every day. Thank you to our patients and staff for making this possible!
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Orthopedic Care
World Class Care
Community Memorial’s orthopedic program combines experienced specialists, advanced technology, convenient access to care, and a commitment to exceptional patient outcomes. Recognized for quality care and patient experience, our team provides expert orthopedics close to home, with walk-in clinics, emergency orthopedic services, and advanced treatment options designed to help patients get better and get back to living.
Back Pain vs. Sciatica What You Should Know About Sciatica
Back pain and sciatica are related, but they are not the same. Back pain is typically felt in the lower back and may be caused by muscle strain, arthritis, or degenerative changes in the spine. Sciatica is a symptom caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, often resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the buttock and down the leg. Finding the cause of your symptoms is the first step toward choosing the right treatment.
Personalized Non-Surgical Treatment
Most back pain and sciatica can be treated without surgery. Treatment options may include physical therapy and rehabilitative exercise, anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, ergonomic guidance, bracing, and targeted injection therapies. When additional pain relief is needed, your provider may recommend treatments such as epidural steroid injections, nerve block injections, facet joint injections, or spinal cord stimulation as part of your overall care plan. Every treatment plan is personalized based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and goals.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
When surgery is recommended, Community Memorial offers minimally invasive spine procedures designed to reduce tissue disruption and support recovery. Dr. Nicholas Qandah utilizes the ExcelsiusGPS® robotic navigation system, which combines advanced imaging with real-time guidance to assist with precision during select spine procedures. Your surgeon will explain your treatment options and recommend the approach that's right for your diagnosis and goals.
Learn More About the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution
Community Memorial Now Offers iovera° Solution for Pain Relief
FAQs
Understanding Your Symptoms
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. It is most often caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing of the spine that compresses the nerve. Symptoms can include sharp or burning pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot.
Prolonged sitting increases pressure on the discs and nerves in the lumbar spine. If you notice stiffness or intensified pain after sitting for extended periods, it may be a sign of a disc issue, arthritis, or muscle tightness. An orthopedic evaluation can help determine what's causing your pain and the best way to treat it.
Pain, numbness, or tingling that travels from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, or calf may indicate nerve compression or irritation. This pattern, sometimes called referred pain or radiculopathy, is often associated with herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
The spine is one connected structure, and problems in one area can influence symptoms in another. Neck pain involving numbness or tingling in the arms may signal cervical nerve compression, which requires its own evaluation distinct from lumbar spine conditions.
You should seek evaluation if your pain lasts more than a few weeks, radiates into your leg, causes numbness or weakness, or significantly limits your daily activities. Sudden, severe neurological symptoms, such as loss of bladder or bowel control, require emergency care.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Yes. Most cases of back pain and sciatica can be treated without surgery. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, bracing, or image-guided injections. Your provider will recommend a treatment plan based on the cause of your symptoms.
Community Memorial offers a full range of treatment options, including physical therapy, medications, image-guided injections, spinal cord stimulation, and minimally invasive spine surgery. Your care plan will be tailored to your diagnosis and goals.
Surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments no longer provide relief or when a spine condition is causing significant nerve compression, weakness, or loss of function. Your surgeon will discuss your treatment options and help you determine the best approach for your condition.
ExcelsiusGPS® is an advanced robotic navigation system used during select spine procedures. It combines 3D imaging with real-time guidance to assist surgeons with precision during surgery. Dr. Nicholas Qandah uses this technology when appropriate to support surgical planning and implant placement.
Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment option for certain patients with chronic back or leg pain that has not responded to other therapies. A small implanted device sends mild electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. Your provider will determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your condition.
Appointments & Getting Care
Referral requirements vary depending on your insurance plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and determine whether a referral is needed before scheduling an appointment.
A walk-in orthopedic clinic provides convenient access to specialized care for musculoskeletal injuries and joint pain without requiring a scheduled appointment. Patients can receive an evaluation, imaging if needed, and recommendations for treatment or follow-up care from an orthopedic provider.
Recovery timelines vary depending on your specific diagnosis and the type of care you receive. Many patients undergoing conservative treatment begin to feel better within a few weeks. If you require surgery, your recovery timeline will depend on the specific procedure and your individual health.
Yes, your care team will provide clear guidance at every stage of your healing process. You can expect to receive personalized recommendations for physical therapy, specific activity restrictions, and important milestones to watch for as you recover.
Please bring a photo ID, insurance card, a list of current medications, and any relevant medical records or imaging studies related to your knee pain or injury. Wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the knee may also be helpful during your evaluation.
Fractures, dislocations, suspected ligament tears, severe swelling, sudden instability, and injuries that prevent you from bearing weight should be evaluated as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce complications and support recovery.
Most back pain can be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist, but some symptoms require immediate medical attention. Go to the emergency room if you experience sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs (saddle anesthesia), significant weakness in one or both legs, back pain following a major injury, or severe back pain accompanied by fever or unexplained weight loss. If you're unsure whether your symptoms require emergency care, seek medical attention promptly.
Ready to Get Relief?
You don't have to live with ongoing back pain. Schedule a consultation with Community Memorial's orthopedic specialists to get an accurate diagnosis and explore treatment options designed around your needs.
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Find an Orthopedic Clinic Near You
Hamilton Orthopedic Clinic
Monday through Friday
8am – 3pm
160 Broad St., Hamilton, NY
New Hartford Orthopedic Clinic
Wednesdays
8am – 3pm
83 Genesee St., New Hartford, NY
Cazenovia Orthopedic Clinic
Tuesday through Wednesday
8am – 3pm
3045 John Trush Jr. Boulevard, Suite 1 Cazenovia, NY
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