When Pain Controls Your Life
Chronic back and neck pain can impact quality of life, making even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming. While traditional treatments like physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes can help, some individuals require more advanced interventions to find lasting pain relief. Minimally invasive procedures have revolutionized pain management. These options have fewer risks, shorter recovery times, and less discomfort compared to traditional surgery.
Pain relief on steroids
Epidural steroid injections are widely used minimally invasive treatments for chronic pain caused by conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. During the procedure, a corticosteroid medication is injected into the epidural space around the spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and pain. The effects can last for several weeks to months. These injections provide major relief and allow patients to engage in physical therapy or other rehabilitative treatments.
Heatwave treatment
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to target and disable specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. This treatment is often recommended for patients with chronic pain caused by arthritis, facet joint syndrome, or other degenerative conditions. RFA can provide pain relief for 6 months to a year or longer, and the procedure can be repeated if necessary.
Targeting the pain source
Facet joints, located between the vertebrae, are small joints that can become inflamed due to injury or arthritis, which can cause chronic pain. Facet joint injections involve administering anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication right into the affected joint and provide both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. If the injection provides considerable pain relief, the discomfort relief can help confirm the source of the pain and guide treatment.
Relief for spinal stenosis
Minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD) is an innovative procedure designed to treat lumbar spinal stenosis. In this condition, the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the nerves. During the procedure, a small incision is made, and surgical tools are used to remove excess bone or tissue, which helps relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Unlike traditional surgery, MILD requires no general anesthesia, stitches, or lengthy recovery time.
Fixing bulging disc pain
For patients with herniated or bulging discs, percutaneous disc decompression can be an effective option. This procedure uses a needle to remove a small portion of the damaged disc, which reduces pressure on nearby nerves. Techniques like nucleoplasty or hydrodiscectomy are often used. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with minimal downtime.
Interrupting pain signals
Spinal cord stimulation involves implanting a small device that delivers mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses interrupt pain signals before reaching the brain. Spinal cord stimulation is typically recommended for patients with chronic pain who have not found relief through other methods. The device can be tested temporarily before a permanent implant is placed to ensure the device is the right solution for the patient.
A lifeline for chronic pain
Intrathecal pain pumps are another advanced option for managing severe, chronic pain. A small pump is surgically implanted under the skin, delivering pain-relieving medication directly to the spinal fluid. This allows for much lower doses of medication compared to oral treatments and reduces the risk of side effects.
Herniated disc surgery
Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat herniated discs. Using a small camera and precision instruments, surgeons can remove the portion of the disc causing nerve compression. An endoscopic discectomy is performed through a tiny incision, resulting in less tissue damage and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Break free from pain
Chronic back and neck pain does not have to control every aspect of life. With advancements in minimally invasive procedures, effective pain relief is within reach for many patients. These treatments offer a safer, less disruptive alternative to traditional surgery, helping patients regain mobility and improve quality of life. Reach out to a qualified pain management specialist to determine the right procedure.
