Published on Jun. 22, 2026
That chronic back pain that never seems to go away: your doctor may have suggested physical therapy, stretching, lifestyle changes, even medication, but it hasn’t helped. Don’t worry—that doesn’t necessarily mean back surgery.
“We have a lot of excellent surgeons in our area,” said Andrew I. Hanna, D.O., medical director of the new MemorialCare Back & Neck Health Center. “Surgery is an option if needed, but it is not the first step.”
The Back & Neck Health Center, an expansion of the MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute at Long Beach Medical Center, focuses on guiding patients to non-surgical options for relieving pain, restoring movement and helping them return to daily life.
The program connects patients with the right provider at the right time through a coordinated, team-based approach that includes pain specialists, physical therapists and surgeons.
“Our goal is to treat patients suffering from pain with minimally invasive options, including targeted injections and, in some cases, implants to disrupt nerve pain signals.”
- Dr. Hanna
Spine-related disorders can be caused by injuries, degenerative changes or other complex conditions. Because many conditions present with similar symptoms, pinpointing the exact source of pain is a critical first step.
“The spine is a complex system, and similar symptoms can come from many different conditions,” Dr. Hanna said. “Accurately identifying the source of pain is essential to finding effective relief.”
Patients are typically evaluated using imaging such as X-rays, MRIs or ultrasound, but diagnosis is guided primarily by a detailed physical exam and patient history. Providers assess where pain occurs, when it happens and how it impacts daily activities to determine the most effective treatment.
Treatment varies based on the diagnosis and may include minimally invasive procedures such as epidural injections or more advanced therapies when needed. Using fluoroscopic imaging allows physicians to guide treatment to a highly specific location, improving accuracy and outcomes.
For patients who do not find relief through conventional treatments, advanced options such as spinal cord stimulation may be considered.
“A spinal cord stimulator delivers low-level electrical pulses to help block chronic pain signals before they reach the brain,” Dr. Hanna said.
Back pain is common, with most people experiencing it at some point in their lives, often in the lower back.
“Many people think they have to live with pain, but they may not realize that a pain management specialist can help. We deliver personalized care by integrating medical, interventional and rehabilitative therapies.”
- Dr. Hanna
The goal of the center is to close a gap in care by offering non-surgical treatments early and helping patients access the right level of care sooner.