Our spines are in use constantly. Between the "forward head posture" of computer work and the physical demands of parenting (lifting strollers, carrying toddlers), back and neck pain has become very common in Brooklyn.
We view spinal pain as a mechanical hiccup. When deep stabilizer muscles turn off, large mover muscles have to overwork, leading to spasms and pain. My treatments aim to turn the stabilizers back on and tell the overworking muscles to let go. We also advise on take home exercises, diets to reduce inflammation and offer yoga private instruction and bodywork.
Decompressing the Nerve.
Sciatica—that sharp, electric pain radiating down the leg—is often caused by the piriformis muscle compressing the sciatic nerve.
- The Fix: We use precise needle placement to release the piriformis gluteal muscles, taking pressure off the nerve.
- Inflammation Control: Acupuncture increases local blood circulation, flushing out the inflammatory cytokines that irritate nerve roots in cases of herniated discs.
Unwinding the Upper Body.
Chronic upper back tension is rarely just "stress." It is a structural issue caused by the head migrating forward. We treat the:
- Levator Scapulae & Trapezius: Releasing the "shrug" muscles that creep up toward your ears.
- Pectorals: Opening the chest to allow the shoulders to roll back into neutral alignment.
Common Questions
Can acupuncture help with a herniated disc?
Yes. Acupuncture does not structurally reposition a herniated disc, but it is highly effective at reducing the inflammatory response around the affected disc, releasing the paraspinal musculature that is guarding the injury, and down-regulating the pain signals traveling along the affected nerve root. Many patients with herniated discs avoid surgery by combining acupuncture with targeted physical therapy and postural correction.
How many sessions does it typically take to resolve sciatica?
Acute sciatica — pain that has been present for less than six weeks — typically responds within 4 to 6 sessions. Chronic sciatica, particularly when caused by disc pathology or long-standing piriformis tension, generally requires 8 to 12 sessions before reaching a stable, low-symptom baseline. Liz will give you a realistic clinical estimate after assessing your specific presentation.
What is "tech neck" and can you treat it?
Tech neck refers to the forward head posture and associated upper back tension that develops from prolonged screen use. As the head migrates forward, the posterior neck muscles — particularly the levator scapulae and suboccipitals — are put under chronic eccentric load, leading to tightness, headaches, and referred pain down the arm. Treatment combines acupuncture to release the overworked posterior chain with bodywork to open the chest and reposition the shoulders into neutral.
Do you treat neck pain that causes headaches or migraines?
Yes. Cervicogenic headaches — headaches originating from tension in the upper cervical spine — are one of the most common presentations we treat. Acupuncture is particularly effective at releasing the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull, which are a primary driver of both tension headaches and certain migraine patterns. Most patients with chronic headaches notice significant improvement within 4 to 6 sessions.
Serving Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Gowanus, Kensington, Fort Greene, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bushwick, Sunset Park, Downtown Brooklyn, and neighboring communities in Brooklyn and NYC