advance sports and spine alexa

Upper Back Strain Rehabilitation Exercises

Exercises for upper back strain can be started right away, but remember to avoid any movements that increase your pain.

Pectoralis Stretch

While standing in a corner or doorway, place your arms on the wall slightly above your head. Lean forward slowly until you feel the stretch along the front of your shoulders. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds and then repeat 3 times.

pectoralis stretch exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation
thoracic extension exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation

Thoracic Extension

Sit in a chair with your arms clasped behind your head. Gently arch back and look up at the ceiling. Repeat 10 times. Repeat several times throughout the day.

Arm Slide on Wall

Stand or sit with your back against the wall and your arms raised. Slowly slide your arms as high as you can while keeping your elbows and wrists against the wall. Do 3 sets of 10.

arm slide on wall exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation
scapular squeeze exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation

Scapular Squeeze

Do this exercise while sitting or standing. Place your arms at your sides. Push your shoulders back to squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for a count of 5. Do 3 sets of 10.

Mid-Trap Exercise

Lie on your stomach on the floor or other hard surface. Place a folded pillow under your chest. With your arms straight out to the sides, elbows straight, and thumbs pointing up, slowly raise your arms as you squeeze your shoulder blades together. Lower your arms slowly. Do 3 sets of 15. When you can, slowly progress to holding soup cans or light weights in your hands.

mid-trap exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation
thoracic stretch exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation

Thoracic Stretch

Sit on the floor stretching your legs out straight in front of you. Hold the backs of your thighs with your hands and slowly curl your head and neck toward your abdomen. Hold for 15 seconds then release. Repeat this stretch 3 times.

Quadruped Arm/Leg Raise

Get down on the floor on your hands and knees. Pull in and tighten your abdominal muscles to support the spine. Holding your abdominals tight, raise an arm and the opposite leg. Hold for 5 seconds. Slowly lower and alternate sides. Repeat 10 times per side.

quadruped arm and leg raise exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation
rowing exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation

Rowing Exercise

Tie a piece of elastic tubing or a stretchy exercise band around a sturdy, immovable object. Grasp one end in each hand. Bend your elbows at a 90 degree angle keeping your forearms vertical. Pull the band and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Do 3 sets of 10.

WELCOME TO ADVANCED SPORTS & SPINE

We' ve built a long standing relationship based on trust

Stop living with neck and upper back pain! Schedule a consultation with our board certified physiatrist for diagnosis and treatment of your neck, shoulder, and upper back pain or injuries. At Advanced Sports & Spine in Charlotte, our holistic, interdisciplinary pain management therapies include non-surgical, non-opioid treatments to heal injuries and provide pain relief. 

Our goal is to help you heal and move more freely and improve your quality of life as quickly as possible. We utilize a combination of state-of-the-art equipment, the latest techniques, diet, and exercise to help patients heal. Most treatments and procedures are performed in our private medical office. Treatments are more affordable since patients avoid facility fees added by hospitals, outpatient medical centers, or hospital-owned medical practices.

Contact Advanced Sports & Spine

Our patients’ health comes first! Personalized patient care sets our practice apart. If you have neck pain or neck spasms, contact Dr. Usman Ahmad and Advanced Sports & Spine for neck spasm rehabilitation exercises in Charlotte. Schedule an appointment today!

frequently asked questions

WHAT INSURANCES DO YOU ACCEPT?

Dr. Ahmad is in-network with most insurance companies. If you provide us with your insurance information before your new patient appointment, our team will contact your insurance company and complete a benefits check. Generally speaking, a copay is usually your only change on your new patient visit. Other than your copay, you will be notified in advance of any other costs for your appointment.

WHAT TYPE OF PROCEDURES ARE DONE AT THIS PRACTICE?

You will not find another non-surgical, non-opiate interventional pain management office in the greater Charlotte Area offering such a diverse and innovative array of services. Dr. Ahmad and his team will do a thorough exam on your area of complaint, provide you with a complete diagnosis, and recommend the best course of action to help eliminate your pain.

WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE THERE OTHER THAN MEDICATION?

WILL I ALWAYS SEE THE SAME PROVIDER?

Most of the time you will be treated by the same provider unless the treatment varies.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

Our office is conveniently located in the Arboretum Office Park at the intersection of Pineville Matthews Road and Providence Road, less than a mile from the Providence Road Exit off of 485. The Arboretum Office Park is located across Providence Road from the main section of the Arboretum. Our actual address is 8035 Providence Road Suite 340, Charlotte, NC 28277

ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH A HOSPITAL?

Advanced Sports & Spine is a private practice, not annexed to or owned by a hospital facility. We are a non-facility fee office. Therefore, our patients pay less compared to having the procedure performed at a hospital.

IF I DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? DO YOU ACCEPT CASH? DO YOU FINANCE?

The cost depends on 2 main factors: how severe your condition is and how many joints or areas of the body you are looking to have treated. Dr. Ahmad and his team will be able to answer this question for you more thoroughly after your initial examination and review of diagnostic findings. 

Yes, we do accept cash. We also have the most competitive pricing in the Carolinas with many different financing options, such as Care Credit and Advance Care, offering low monthly payments and interest free options for up to 14 months.

IF I RECEIVE AN INJECTION DO I NEED A DRIVER?

For joint injections, a driver is not needed. For spinal and PRP injections, a driver is recommended.

HOW LONG WILL THE INJECTION TAKE?

Steroid injections can take up to 5 days before they start working.

HOW LONG BEFORE I START FEELING THE EFFECTS OF THE INJECTION?

Steroid injections can take up to 5 days before they start working. Average relief is up to 3 months, but that does not mean it will not last that long or that it could last even longer.

For ESI and Facet injections, relief is up to 3 months, but that does not mean it will not last that long or it could even last longer. MBB only lasts 1 day and determines if you are a candidate for RFE. You return the next day with a pain diary. RFA procedures can last 6 months to a year.

WHAT MEDICATION IS USED FOR THE INJECTION? WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

Joint injections contain a steroid and anesthetic. Whenever you break the skin, there is a possibility of bleeding and infection. However, those risks are minimized because image guidance is used. If you have Diabetes, the injection can increase sugar levels for up to 3-4 days. Steroids given close to the skin can cause discoloration or dimpling.

WHERE ARE THE INJECTIONS PERFORMED? DO I GO TO A SURGERY CENTER?

At Advanced Sports & Spine, the majority of our pain management procedures are performed in our Charlotte office. We use state-of-the-art equipment. Our ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance techniques ensure accuracy, help limit complications, and increase success rates.

WHAT IS PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the latest cutting-edge pain management approaches in treating most sports injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions. This is a non-surgical procedure that provides fast, effective, and long-lasting relief from pain and discomfort. Read more

WHAT IS STEM CELL THERAPY?

Stem cell therapy is one of the most innovative procedures that uses mesenchymal cells in treating injuries, pain, and damaged tissues. This is a non-surgical and non-opioid procedure that produces minimal to no risk of complications or adverse effects. Read more

WHERE DO YOU GET THE PRP? WHERE DO YOU GET THE STEM CELLS?

The PRP and stem cells come from the patients themselves. The equipment Advanced Sports & Spine uses to process the PRP and stem cells is FDA cleared for that use.

HOW MUCH IS THE COST?

The cost depends on 2 main factors: how severe your condition is and how many joints or areas of the body you are looking to have treated. Dr. Ahmad and his team will be able to answer this question for you more thoroughly after your initial examination and review of diagnostic findings.

IS A PRP INJECTION COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Unfortunately, no insurance companies in the country cover PRP, so the treatments are self-pay. However, we have the most competitive pricing in the Carolinas with many different financing options, such as Care Credit and Advance Care, offering low monthly payments and interest free options for up to 14 months.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

Relief from PRP injections can last 2-5 years.

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE DONE? HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

Dr. Ahmad uses the AngelⓇ System to produce the concentration of PRP substance needed for your pain management treatment. This machine uses 3-sensor technology (3ST) that can be configured to customize PRP substance concentrations.

The AngelⓇ System is a fully automated technology that has the capacity to deliver platelet concentrations with adjustable leukocyte concentration. These concentrated PRP substances are safe because we use the patient’s own blood while following the FDA minimal manipulation guidelines.

The procedure is performed as an outpatient treatment in our office.

HOW QUICKLY CAN I GET AN APPOINTMENT?

It’s a quick process. We simply need the patient’s information, insurance information, and the date and the time to book an appointment. Book your appointment today!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE BEFORE IT STARTS TO WORK?

On average, patients experience relief in about 6 weeks, but you may see results sooner.

WHEN DO YOU DO THE PROCEDURES?

Dr. Ahmad and his team will do a thorough exam on your area of complaint, provide you with a complete procedure of diagnosis, and recommend the best course of action to help eliminate and reduce your pain.

Procedures are performed in the office. We are open Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm.

Pectoralis Stretch

While standing in a corner or doorway, place your arms on the wall slightly above your head. Lean forward slowly until you feel the stretch along the front of your shoulders. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds and then repeat 3 times.

pectoralis stretch exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation

Thoracic Extension

Sit in a chair with your arms clasped behind your head. Gently arch back and look up at the ceiling. Repeat 10 times. Repeat several times throughout the day.

thoracic extension exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation

Arm Slide on Wall

Stand or sit with your back against the wall and your arms raised. Slowly slide your arms as high as you can while keeping your elbows and wrists against the wall. Do 3 sets of 10.

arm slide on wall exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation

Scapular Squeeze

Do this exercise while sitting or standing. Place your arms at your sides. Push your shoulders back to squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for a count of 5. Do 3 sets of 10.

scapular squeeze exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation

Mid-Trap Exercise

Lie on your stomach on the floor or other hard surface. Place a folded pillow under your chest. With your arms straight out to the sides, elbows straight, and thumbs pointing up, slowly raise your arms as you squeeze your shoulder blades together. Lower your arms slowly. Do 3 sets of 15. When you can, slowly progress to holding soup cans or light weights in your hands.

mid-trap exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation

Thoracic Stretch

Sit on the floor stretching your legs out straight in front of you. Hold the backs of your thighs with your hands and slowly curl your head and neck toward your abdomen. Hold for 15 seconds then release. Repeat this stretch 3 times.

thoracic stretch exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation

Quadruped Arm/Leg Raise

Get down on the floor on your hands and knees. Pull in and tighten your abdominal muscles to support the spine. Holding your abdominals tight, raise an arm and the opposite leg. Hold for 5 seconds. Slowly lower and alternate sides. Repeat 10 times per side.

quadruped arm and leg raise exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation

Rowing Exercise

Tie a piece of elastic tubing or a stretchy exercise band around a sturdy, immovable object. Grasp one end in each hand. Bend your elbows at a 90 degree angle keeping your forearms vertical. Pull the band and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Do 3 sets of 10.

rowing exercise for upper back strain rehabilitation

WELCOME TO ADVANCED SPORTS & SPINE

We' ve built a long standing relationship based on trust

Stop living with neck and upper back pain! Schedule a consultation with our board certified physiatrist for diagnosis and treatment of your neck, shoulder, and upper back pain or injuries. At Advanced Sports & Spine in Charlotte, our holistic, interdisciplinary pain management therapies include non-surgical, non-opioid treatments to heal injuries and provide pain relief. 

Our goal is to help you heal and move more freely and improve your quality of life as quickly as possible. We utilize a combination of state-of-the-art equipment, the latest techniques, diet, and exercise to help patients heal. Most treatments and procedures are performed in our private medical office. Treatments are more affordable since patients avoid facility fees added by hospitals, outpatient medical centers, or hospital-owned medical practices.

Contact Advanced Sports & Spine

Our patients’ health comes first! Personalized patient care sets our practice apart. If you have neck pain or neck spasms, contact Dr. Usman Ahmad and Advanced Sports & Spine for neck spasm rehabilitation exercises in Charlotte. Schedule an appointment today!

frequently asked questions

WHAT INSURANCES DO YOU ACCEPT?

Dr. Ahmad is in-network with most insurance companies. If you provide us with your insurance information before your new patient appointment, our team will contact your insurance company and complete a benefits check. Generally speaking, a copay is usually your only change on your new patient visit. Other than your copay, you will be notified in advance of any other costs for your appointment.

WHAT TYPE OF PROCEDURES ARE DONE AT THIS PRACTICE?

You will not find another non-surgical, non-opiate interventional pain management office in the greater Charlotte Area offering such a diverse and innovative array of services. Dr. Ahmad and his team will do a thorough exam on your area of complaint, provide you with a complete diagnosis, and recommend the best course of action to help eliminate your pain.

WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE THERE OTHER THAN MEDICATION?

WILL I ALWAYS SEE THE SAME PROVIDER?

Most of the time you will be treated by the same provider unless the treatment varies.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

Our office is conveniently located in the Arboretum Office Park at the intersection of Pineville Matthews Road and Providence Road, less than a mile from the Providence Road Exit off of 485. The Arboretum Office Park is located across Providence Road from the main section of the Arboretum. Our actual address is 8035 Providence Road Suite 340, Charlotte, NC 28277

ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH A HOSPITAL?

Advanced Sports & Spine is a private practice, not annexed to or owned by a hospital facility. We are a non-facility fee office. Therefore, our patients pay less compared to having the procedure performed at a hospital.

IF I DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? DO YOU ACCEPT CASH? DO YOU FINANCE?

The cost depends on 2 main factors: how severe your condition is and how many joints or areas of the body you are looking to have treated. Dr. Ahmad and his team will be able to answer this question for you more thoroughly after your initial examination and review of diagnostic findings. 

Yes, we do accept cash. We also have the most competitive pricing in the Carolinas with many different financing options, such as Care Credit and Advance Care, offering low monthly payments and interest free options for up to 14 months.

IF I RECEIVE AN INJECTION DO I NEED A DRIVER?

For joint injections, a driver is not needed. For spinal and PRP injections, a driver is recommended.

HOW LONG WILL THE INJECTION TAKE?

Steroid injections can take up to 5 days before they start working.

HOW LONG BEFORE I START FEELING THE EFFECTS OF THE INJECTION?

Steroid injections can take up to 5 days before they start working. Average relief is up to 3 months, but that does not mean it will not last that long or that it could last even longer.

For ESI and Facet injections, relief is up to 3 months, but that does not mean it will not last that long or it could even last longer. MBB only lasts 1 day and determines if you are a candidate for RFE. You return the next day with a pain diary. RFA procedures can last 6 months to a year.

WHAT MEDICATION IS USED FOR THE INJECTION? WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

Joint injections contain a steroid and anesthetic. Whenever you break the skin, there is a possibility of bleeding and infection. However, those risks are minimized because image guidance is used. If you have Diabetes, the injection can increase sugar levels for up to 3-4 days. Steroids given close to the skin can cause discoloration or dimpling.

WHERE ARE THE INJECTIONS PERFORMED? DO I GO TO A SURGERY CENTER?

At Advanced Sports & Spine, the majority of our pain management procedures are performed in our Charlotte office. We use state-of-the-art equipment. Our ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance techniques ensure accuracy, help limit complications, and increase success rates.

WHAT IS PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the latest cutting-edge pain management approaches in treating most sports injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions. This is a non-surgical procedure that provides fast, effective, and long-lasting relief from pain and discomfort. Read more

WHAT IS STEM CELL THERAPY?

Stem cell therapy is one of the most innovative procedures that uses mesenchymal cells in treating injuries, pain, and damaged tissues. This is a non-surgical and non-opioid procedure that produces minimal to no risk of complications or adverse effects. Read more

WHERE DO YOU GET THE PRP? WHERE DO YOU GET THE STEM CELLS?

The PRP and stem cells come from the patients themselves. The equipment Advanced Sports & Spine uses to process the PRP and stem cells is FDA cleared for that use.

HOW MUCH IS THE COST?

The cost depends on 2 main factors: how severe your condition is and how many joints or areas of the body you are looking to have treated. Dr. Ahmad and his team will be able to answer this question for you more thoroughly after your initial examination and review of diagnostic findings.

IS A PRP INJECTION COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Unfortunately, no insurance companies in the country cover PRP, so the treatments are self-pay. However, we have the most competitive pricing in the Carolinas with many different financing options, such as Care Credit and Advance Care, offering low monthly payments and interest free options for up to 14 months.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

Relief from PRP injections can last 2-5 years.

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE DONE? HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

Dr. Ahmad uses the AngelⓇ System to produce the concentration of PRP substance needed for your pain management treatment. This machine uses 3-sensor technology (3ST) that can be configured to customize PRP substance concentrations.

The AngelⓇ System is a fully automated technology that has the capacity to deliver platelet concentrations with adjustable leukocyte concentration. These concentrated PRP substances are safe because we use the patient’s own blood while following the FDA minimal manipulation guidelines.

The procedure is performed as an outpatient treatment in our office.

HOW QUICKLY CAN I GET AN APPOINTMENT?

It’s a quick process. We simply need the patient’s information, insurance information, and the date and the time to book an appointment. Book your appointment today!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE BEFORE IT STARTS TO WORK?

On average, patients experience relief in about 6 weeks, but you may see results sooner.

WHEN DO YOU DO THE PROCEDURES?

Dr. Ahmad and his team will do a thorough exam on your area of complaint, provide you with a complete procedure of diagnosis, and recommend the best course of action to help eliminate and reduce your pain.

Procedures are performed in the office. We are open Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm.

Conditions Treated

We offer to help patients with the following conditions

  • Low Back and Neck Pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Tendon Injuries
  • Sciatica/Radiculopathy
  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome
  • Shoulder, Knee, Hip and other joint pains
  • Occupational injuries
  • Neuralgias
  • Sports injuries
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Peripheral nerve entrapments
  • Complex Region Pain Syndrome
  • Phantom limb pain
  • Spasticity
  • Trigger fingers
  • Peripheral Neuropathy

Working Hours

MONDAY 8:30am-5:00pm
TUESDAY 8:30am-5:00pm
WEDNESDAY 8:30am-5:00pm
THURSDAY 8:30am-5:00pm
FRIDAY 8:30am-12:00pm
SATURDAY Closed
SUNDAY Closed

Clinic Hours

Monday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

HANDLING PHONE CALLS

Monday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Plan your visit to our Clinic

Want to Schedule an Appointment?

Call Now at 704-542-3988 or fill in the appointment form...

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