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Most cases of acute back or neck pain are treatable, that is -- the cause of
the pain is identified and a treatment plan is developed. The patient's pain
usually goes away or is reduced as a result. CChronic back or neck pain, on the
other hand, often has to be managed. This is because what can cause chronic
pain may be difficult to determine. The treatment plan may require multiple
and/or combined therapies. The complexity of chronic pain may mean it takes
a patient longer to find relief from their symptoms. Pain management specialists
have many different therapies from which to create a chronic pain treatment
plan. Such as:
Injection Therapies
There are many types of spinal injections available to diagnose and treat different
disorders. A sampling includes:
Epidural Injections and Nerve Root Blocks
consist of anesthetic and steroid medications that are injected into the epidural
space of the spine. Such injections are used to help diagnose a condition
and/or relieve pain. An epidural injection is often performed to ease pain
that radiates into the arms or legs.
Facet Joint Injections and Medial Branch Blocks
help to determine if the facet joints are the source of pain. Besides their
value diagnostically, such injections may help reduce cervical (neck), thoracic
(chest area), and lumbar (back) pain.
Sacroiliac Joint Injections target relief at the joints
in the lower back where the pelvis and spine join. The injection offers a
two-fold purpose. First, the medication (anesthetic and steroid) helps to
reduce joint inflammation and pain. Second, it can help determine if the sacroiliac
joint(s) are the pain source.
Other Invasive Options
Pulsed Radiofrequency Neurotomy (PRFN) is a minimally invasive
procedure that disables spinal nerves and prevents them from sending pain
signals to the brain.
Rhizotomy is a procedure that 'turns off' pain signals by
using heated electrodes applied to specific nerves that carry pain signals
to the brain.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) and Intrathecal Pumps
are advanced invasive pain management options. These are usually performed
on a trial basis first to determine if the patient will benefit from treatment.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) produces electrical impulses
to block pain from being perceived in the brain.
An Intrathecal Pump is a surgically implanted device that
delivers a measured amount of pain medication within the spinal canal.
Surgical Interventions
Surgery is always the last resort, unless the patient's condition warrants immediate
surgical intervention (e.g. bowel, bladder or profound neurologic dysfunction).
When non-surgical treatments are not effective, spine surgery may be considered.
Percutaneous Discectomy/Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive
surgical procedure that removes disc tissue and relieves pressure from spinal
nerves. There are other types of spine surgery; some are complicated and may
require spinal instrumentation and fusion procedures.
Pain Control Improves Lives
Unfortunately, many people feel pain is something they have to live with, to
"grin and bear it", or is an unavoidable part of growing older. Today, advances
in pain management offer patients and physicians choices to help control pain.
Many cases of acute and chronic pain can successfully be treated. Do you suffer
pain? If so, please see your physician or pain management specialist to discuss
possible solutions for your condition.
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