Interventional spine treatments have revolutionized the management of back pain by offering minimally invasive techniques to relieve discomfort and improve function. These procedures target the underlying causes of back pain, providing effective relief for many individuals who have not responded to conservative therapies. Below are some of the top interventional spine treatments commonly used for relieving back pain.
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs)
Epidural steroid injections involve the injection of corticosteroid medication into the epidural space around the spinal cord and nerve roots. This treatment aims to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis and radiculopathy. ESIs can provide significant relief for individuals experiencing acute or chronic back pain, particularly when combined with physical therapy and other conservative measures.
Facet Joint Injections
Facet joints are small joints located along the spine that help facilitate movement and stability. Facet joint injections involve the injection of a local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication directly into the affected facet joints. By reducing inflammation and numbing the nerves in the facet joints, this treatment can provide relief for back pain caused by facet joint arthritis or injury.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation, also known as radiofrequency neurotomy or rhizotomy, is a procedure that uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to disrupt the function of specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. RFA is commonly used to treat chronic back pain caused by conditions such as facet joint arthritis or sacroiliac joint dysfunction. By targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, RFA can provide long-lasting pain relief for many individuals.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment option for individuals with chronic back pain that has not responded to other therapies. This procedure involves the implantation of a small device, similar to a pacemaker, near the spine. The device delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. Spinal cord stimulation can be an effective option for managing chronic back pain and improving the quality of life for individuals who have not found relief from other treatments.
Intradiscal Procedures
Intradiscal procedures, such as discography, target pain originating from the intervertebral discs in the spine. Discography involves the injection of contrast dye into the discs to identify the source of pain. This procedure is typically reserved for individuals with specific disc-related conditions, such as discogenic back pain or disc herniation.
Interventional spine treatments offer a range of minimally invasive options for relieving back pain and improving function. From epidural steroid injections to spinal cord stimulation, these procedures target the underlying causes of back pain, providing effective relief for many individuals. If you are experiencing chronic back pain that has not responded to conservative therapies, consult with our interventional pain specialists at Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians to determine if interventional spine treatments may be appropriate for you. We have a wide selection of interventional spine treatments that offer minimally invasive methods for pain management.
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