Back Pain Treatments

Relieve Pain. Restore Function.

At MD Pain, we use the least invasive and most effective methods to reduce pain and suffering.

Back Pain Causes and Symptoms

There are many causes of back pain. One of the most common is muscle strain and overuse, which is usually self-limiting and may be alleviated with rest, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. If the pain is more constant and severe, or extends into one or both legs (sciatica), it may be time to seek medical attention.

Other reasons which may prompt you to see your doctor include numbness, weakness, a recent fall, or trauma. Nerve involvement, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and compression fractures are other causes for back pain. In order to determine the cause, an examination will be conducted, which may include X-rays, MRI, CT scan, and possibly a bone scan or nerve study.

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Our Recommended Treatment Options Include:

Physical Modalities

Physical modalities such as physical therapy and chiropractic care help you maintain activity while improving muscle strength and pain control. This treatment is offered by coordinating with a chiropractor or physical therapist.

Medications

We may prescribe medications when necessary, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), muscle relaxants, anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, narcotics, or topical pain relievers.

Due to potential side effects, we take a conservative approach to the use of medications.

Injections

Injections are performed with an X-ray to accurately place medication around the pain source. These procedures are minimally invasive and allow you to return to normal activity with little or no recovery time. Procedures include:

 

  • Epidural steroid injections: used to treat nerve pain, degenerative disc disease,  and stenosis. Using X-ray guidance, medication is placed near the painful area to decrease inflammation and alleviate pain.
  • Selective nerve root block: used to determine which nerve is the cause of the pain. Using X-rays, medication is injected near the nerve to determine if it is the source of the pain. 
  • Facet joint injection or Medial branch block: used to treat arthritis pain in the spine. These joints allow flexion extension and rotation of the spine. Through the examination of X-rays, medication is placed in these small joints or around the nerves that innervate these joints. Confirmation of the joint as the cause of the pain may lead to a procedure called radio-frequency ablation (RFA) which can provide six months to two years of relief.
  • Sacroiliac joint injection: used to treat buttock or upper leg pain. With X-ray guidance, medication is placed in the joint. This injection, combined with physical therapy, may improve joint mobility and pain.
  • Kyphoplasty / vertebroplasty: this procedure is used to treat severe pain related to a compression fracture in the spine. By studying X-rays, a cavity is created which allows cement to be placed in the vertebral body to help stabilize the fracture.
  • Discogram: this procedure is used to determine the source of pain. It is a diagnostic procedure in which dye is injected into the disc to determine which, if any, disc(s) is the cause of the pain. This is often performed in conjunction with surgical consultation.
  • Spinal cord stimulator (SCS): a trial involved placement of temporary electrodes into the epidural space. These wires are connected to a temporary battery and programmed to cover the painful area. If the SCS provides significant relief of the pain, a permanent device may be implanted.

Alternative Therapies

We may also recommend alternative therapies through an outside specialist, including acupuncture, yoga, pilates, biofeedback, and/ or cognitive behavioral therapy.

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