Back Pain Specialists
What Causes Back Pain?
There are many various causes of back pain or referred back pain, but some of the most common origins that we find and treat are:
- Spinal Stenosis
- Sprains and Strains
- Arthritis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Herniated Discs
- Radiculopathy and Sciatica
- Muscle Spasms
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Scoliosis
- Spondylolysis
- Vertebral Fractures
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Who is at Risk for Back Pain Related Conditions?
While anyone can be at risk for back pain – especially with America’s sedentary life style, your risk of back pain and related conditions increases as you age. The muscles and connective tissues in your back can become stiff, dry and overall less flexible resulting in decreased mobility. As we age, our spine is also at risk for degeneration/compression of the spine. This is both due to age and poor posture/lack of movement. Those who live a mostly sedentary lifestyle, struggle with obesity, or have a physically demanding job also increase their risk for chronic back pain and related conditions.
When Should a Doctor be Consulted for Back Pain?
If you are experiencing back pain on a consistent basis that is not easily treated by at home pain management with rest, ice, heat and over the counter anti-inflammatories it is time to see a doctor for your persistent pain. In addition, if you experience any clear signs of numbness, tingling, shooting pains, or imbalance you should seek immediate medical attention.
Back Pain Treatments
Treatments can vary based on pain origin and other related conditions, but in general some of our minimally invasive, effective back pain treatments are listed below.
01.
Spinal Injections
Spinal injections, such as an epidural, are done under fluoroscopy guided imaging for accuracy and inject anesthetics or anti-inflammatory medications near the affected nerve area(s) for inflammation reduction and pain relief.
*This is done outpatient and does not require anesthesia.
02.
Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks are fluoroscopy guided injections that target specific clusters of nerves associated with the area of pain with a ‘blocking’ or numbing medication to help stop or block the pain sensations sent throughout that area of the body.
*This is done outpatient and does not require anesthesia
03.
Radiofrequency Ablation
This minimally invasive procedure utilizes fluoroscopy guided imaging to target the medial or lateral branch nerves that are sending pain signals from various joints. The needle tips are placed in these areas and are connected to electrodes to pass small amounts of electrical currents and heat that target the nerves to allieviate the nerve sensations.
*This is done outpatient and does not require anesthesia.
04.
Muscle + Tendon Injections
Muscle and tendon pain/inflammation is treated using trigger point injections which inject a small amount of anesthetic or steroid medication for pain relief. Tendon pain is often treated by ultrasound guided injections with pain-blocking medications for localized relief.
*This is done in clinic and is similar to receiving a normal shot at a doctor’s office.
05.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
This mini-surgical procedure is done on a trial basis prior, and it is aimed at providing consistent nerve pain control and relief. Electrical leads are placed into the epidural space of the spine to trigger various pulsations to the surrounding nerves in various ways to provide relief and promote mobility. These pusling sensations are controlled via a blue tooth remote and have the ability to be adjusted as needed.
*This is done outpatient and does not require anesthesia.
06.
Regenerative Therapies
In the event that tissue, cells, or nerves are damaged some regenerative therapies can be effective in the rebuild and regrowth of the damaged area. Utilizing your own healthy blood or donated cells to inject damaged areas help to accelerate the repair process.
*This is done outpatient and does not require anesthesia.
07.
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)
This minimally invasive procedure is used to treat Spinal Stenosis. It is performed in a surgery setting with a tiny incision to remove the stenosis and open up the spinal canal to provide relief.
*This surgical procedure requires no general anesthesia.
08.
Intrathecal Pump Therapy
This minimally invasive procedure is surgically performed to place a programmed pump with pain medication into the back in order to consistently control the pain when other therapies have not worked.
*This surgical procedure requires no general anesthesia.
09.
Kyphoplasty
This surgical procedure treats Vertebral Compression Fractures through careful expansion and stabilization of the spine’s vertebra.
*This surgical procedure requires no general anesthesia.
10.
Medication Management
In conjunction with other treatments, medication can be a helpful tool in management chronic back pain. Medications such as anti-inflammatory, steroids, medical marijuana, etc. may be options depending on your condition.
