Back pain ranges from brief episodes to persistent, life-altering discomfort. Its causes are diverse and can be linked to injury, age, lifestyle, or underlying medical conditions. Persistent pain often makes daily tasks, work responsibilities, and recreational activities challenging. Here are some integrative approaches to back pain treatment:
Spinal Injections
Spinal injections are often used when conservative methods have not brought enough improvement. They deliver medication precisely to the suspected source of pain, such as inflamed nerves or joints in the spinal column. Injections are typically performed under imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to maximize safety and accuracy. Some injection types include:
- Epidural steroid injections: These involve a corticosteroid combined with a local anesthetic, administered into the space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. This intervention aims to relieve pain related to nerve inflammation, which can occur with conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
- Nerve blocks: Nerve blocks use a local anesthetic, sometimes with a steroid, to temporarily disrupt pain signal transmission along targeted nerves.
- Facet joint injections: These target the small joints connecting each vertebra, sometimes providing clarity about the source of pain as well as potential temporary relief.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses controlled heat generated by radio waves to target nerves that transmit pain signals from the spine. The goal is to disrupt these pain pathways by creating a lesion on the nerve, which reduces pain from arthritic or degenerative changes in the spine. Before the ablation, a diagnostic nerve block is usually performed to pinpoint the appropriate nerve target by temporarily relieving pain.
The RFA procedure involves inserting a thin, insulated needle near the targeted nerve. Radiofrequency energy passes through the electrode, producing localized heat. This process is minimally invasive and does not require a surgical incision. RFA is often used for patients whose pain originates from facet joints or sacroiliac joints, and the effects may last several months until the nerve regenerates.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an advanced therapy designed for people with chronic back pain that has not responded to other treatments. SCS involves the surgical implantation of thin wires near the spinal cord and a small pulse generator under the skin in the abdomen or buttocks. The wires deliver low-level electrical impulses that alter how the brain perceives pain signals. Patients control the system with a handheld remote; they can adjust stimulation levels based on their symptoms and activity level.
Before permanent implantation, a temporary trial version is used to assess the effectiveness of pain relief. This allows patients and their providers to evaluate the potential value and impact of SCS. Devices are typically rechargeable, and the system is designed for long-term management, with monitoring and follow-up adjustments as needed.
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine supports the body’s natural healing processes and aims to repair damaged nerves or tissues that cause pain. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves drawing the patient’s own blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and injecting it into the affected area. Platelets contain growth factors that support tissue repair and may reduce inflammation.
Find Back Pain Relief
Integrative treatments for back pain give you options by combining medical procedures tailored to your unique situation and needs. A careful assessment with a spine specialist provides insight and helps you develop an effective care plan with your provider. If persistent back pain is disrupting your life, schedule a consultation with a spine doctor today.
