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Mark J. Downey, MD & Alex Cotter, MD
10 Old Montgomery Hwy #200. Homewood, AL 35209
Appointments & Referrals: (205) 271-6511 - Schedule Now
Muscle & Ligament Strain
Muscles
The back muscles provide support for the spine, allowing us to comfortably
carry out our everyday activities. Back muscles can be grouped into
three main categories. First, the extensor muscles allow us to stand
up straight. Secondly, the flexor muscles allow us to bend forward.
Finally, the oblique muscles enable us to rotate from side to side
and keep everything stable and aligned.
If you think of the spine as a tall radio tower that
must withstand the force of crosswinds, the muscles and ligaments of
the back are the guy wires that provide support to the tower. The extensor
muscles enable us to arch our back and are located in the back. Flexor
muscles are also known as abdominal (stomach) muscles and are located
in front of the spine. The oblique muscles are located on our sides,
around the waist area, and they help stabilize our torsos and control
the pelvis.
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Joints
Facet joints are the main "hinges" in our backs, allowing the muscles and vertebrae to move properly. Joints can lose their lubrication, swell and become painful, but if "well-oiled" with exercise and gentle stretching, joints will remain healthy.
Mark Downey, MD
As a physiatrist, Dr. Downey specializes in diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of pain-related spinal disorders. He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) since 2007 and uses his comprehensive spine and musculoskeletal training to determine the appropriate line of treatment for a variety of spinal conditions.
Alex Cotter, MD
Dr. Alex Cotter uses his background in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as Pain Medicine to provide comprehensive non-surgical treatment for a variety of spinal conditions. Specializing in interventional spine, he offers fluoroscopic spinal injection procedures to relieve spine-related pain and restore patients’ normal activities and function.
Testimonials
Home Remedy Book
As a community service, Spine Group Alabama mails out a free 36-page Home Remedy Book with customized stretches that can relieve some back and neck pain symptoms. Enter your name and address and we will mail you a copy.
Symptoms Chart
Some symptoms can become permanent if you don’t see the physician with in 24 hours. Find out when you can use “watchful waiting” and when you have an emergency symptom.
Need an Appointment?
Spine Group Alabama specializes in the treatment of back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, and all types of ligament strain related to the neck and low back. Spine Group Alabama is referred back and neck pain patients from across Alabama, including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Huntsville and Montgomery.
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 4:30pm
Friday: 8am - 2:30pm
Saturday/Sunday: Closed
(205) 271-6511
