Back Pain

Compression fractures of the spine can occur as a result of advanced osteoporosis or traumatic injury. The intense pain from compression fractures can limit a patient’s mobility and respiratory function, which can lead to other health problems. Similar spine pain can also occur as a result of tumor invasion.

Arthritic conditions in the small facet joints of the spine can cause low back and neck pain. These small joints are located between the vertebrae and are supplied by medial branch nerves, which can transmit pain. Radiofrequency Lesioning can be used to disrupt these nerves and thus relieve pain. Radiofrequency Lesioning is a minimally invasive procedure and is performed on an outpatient basis.

 

Bulging or torn discs: Discs are part of the structure of the spine and act as "shock absorbers," providing a cushioning effect between the vertebrae. Discs are filled with a jelly-like core. With age and use, the discs become drier and can sometimes rupture. A disc can also develop cracks that can leak and cause pain.

There are different treatment options for bulging discs depending on the extent and type of injury. These methods are Discography l Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) l Percutaneous Discectomy

A "Thrown Out Back" refers to bulging or herniated discs that put pressure on the nerves. The pressure can cause pain to radiate away from the spine.

If anti-inflammatory medications or epidural steroid injections do not relieve the pain for an extended time, a procedure called "Nucleoplasty" can be considered for a more permanent treatment.

Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the normal changes in your spinal discs as you age. Spinal discs are the soft shock-absorbing tissue that separates the interlocking bones (vertebrae )of the spine. Degenerative disc disease can occur throughout the spine, but it most often occurs in the discs of the lower back (lumbar region) and the neck (cervical region).

As we age, our spinal discs may lose fluid and become thinner, reduceing their flexibility and ability to cusion the vertebrae. Tears or cracks may occur causing a bulge, rupture or fracture of the disc.

Lower back pain can be caused by many different sources, including nerve injury, facet arthropathy, tumor invasion, aneurysmal dilation of blood vessels, or ruptured discs. Patients suffering from chronic low back pain may become depressed, may not be able to get restful sleep, or may be unable to focus on certain tasks. These associated symptoms may combine to increase the patient’s awareness and perception of the pain and its impact on his or her life.

The first step in treating lower back pain is to determine the type and intensity of the pain and whether it is isolated or radiates to other areas of the body. It is also important to determine the underlying cause and to determine if any particular movements, postures or activities generate or relieve the pain.

The most conservative course of treatment to reduce low back pain is pharmacological (medication). Pharmacological treatment can be very effective, but there are limitations and potential side effects to be considered, and medication alone may not treat the underlying cause of the pain. Other conservative measures include physical therapy, which can help prevent further damage to the lower back. Maintaining an ideal body weight can also reduce the strain placed on the lower back.

If conservative measures do not achieve the desired results, qualified pain management specialist physicians have several minimally invasive techniques that can be considered for the treatment of low back pain.