Back pain is one of the most common medical issues in the United States, with approximately 80% of adults experiencing it at some point in their lives. It’s also the case in Jersey City, New Jersey. While many people try to treat back pain independently, often with over-the-counter medications or home remedies, several treatment methods can be more effective. What you need is to visit a Jersey City back pain specialist. Here are five main treatment methods to consider.
Lumbar Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection
A lumbar interlaminar epidural steroid injection is a type of epidural injection that delivers corticosteroid medication to the ligaments and soft tissues surrounding the spinal column, which can help reduce inflammation.
Physicians often use these injections to diagnose or treat back pain caused by herniated disks or degenerative disk disease. Still, they may also be used to treat spinal stenosis and other conditions. Lumbar interlaminar epidural steroid injections are often done in a physician’s office, clinic, or outpatient center using local anesthesia.
Lumbar Facet Block
A lumbar facet block is a type of nerve root injection that delivers anesthetic medication to specific nerves in the lower back, which can help eliminate pain. These injections are most essential in treating sciatica or leg pain caused by spinal stenosis, but they may also manage radicular back pain.
Lumbar facet injections are typically done with fluoroscopic guidance in hospitals or outpatient centers. Lumbar facet blocks may require sedation and general anesthesia, depending on the patient and the procedure being performed.
Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation
Lumbar radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive surgery involving inserting a needle electrode into the damaged spinal nerve root, which delivers high-intensity heat to destroy the nerve tissue. This treatment option is key for patients with chronic sciatica or leg pain caused by herniated disks, degenerative disk disease, or spinal stenosis.
Intrathecal Pain Pump
An intrathecal pain pump is a computerized device that delivers medication directly to the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. The medication then travels into the spinal cord, reducing chronic pain.
While most often used for people with cancer or multiple sclerosis, intrathecal pain pumps can also treat severe, intractable back pain caused by herniated disks, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disk disease. Intrathecal pain pumps are typically reserved for patients who have tried other treatment methods without success.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation is a neuromodulation therapy that uses a device implanted under the skin to deliver electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These electrical impulses block pain signals before reaching the brain, eliminating chronic back and leg pain.
Although most often used for patients with failed back surgery syndrome or severe, intractable pain, spinal cord stimulation can also treat other conditions. Spinal cord stimulators are typically implanted in a physician’s office or surgical center using general anesthesia, but they may require sedation for patients who have anxiety about the procedure.
If you are suffering from back or neck pain, it may be time to consider speaking with a specialist. Many treatment options are available for people who suffer from chronic back and neck pain, including lumbar interlaminar epidural steroid injections, facet blocks, radiofrequency ablation therapy, intrathecal pumps, and spinal cord stimulation technology. Speak to your doctor about the most appropriate treatment option that will work best for you.
Johnson