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When to Consider Epidural Injections for Your Chronic Back Pain

Posted on July 26, 2023 - 12:00 am by

Are you suffering from chronic back pain? Have tried every other method and yet to find a solution? It may be time to consider another option: epidural injections.

Understanding Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain is a common and complex condition that can make daily activities a significant challenge. The American Chiropractic Association estimates that back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting approximately 80% of the population at some point in their lives.

Chronic back pain can be due to numerous reasons such as poor posture, spinal stenosis, slipped discs, or the natural aging process. If left untreated, chronic back pain can affect your quality of life dramatically, interfering with work, exercise, and social activities.

The Role of Epidural Injections

One of the potential remedies for chronic back pain is the use of epidural injections. These injections, administered into the epidural space around the spinal cord, contain a combination of steroids and local anesthetics, aimed at reducing inflammation and relieving pain.

Epidural injections can be particularly beneficial if your back pain is caused by nerve root irritation or a disc problem, as they can directly target the source of the inflammation.

When to Consider Epidural Injections

The decision to resort to epidural injections for chronic back pain should be considered under the following circumstances:

Exhausted Other Options

Epidural injections are often considered when other non-invasive treatments like physical therapy, medication, or chiropractic care haven’t provided sufficient relief. This step is usually considered after at least six weeks of conservative treatments.

  • Diagnosed with Certain Spinal Conditions :-If you’ve been diagnosed with conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, epidural injection can offer substantial relief.
  • Need for Rapid Pain Relief :-Epidural injection can provide faster pain relief than conservative treatments. If you require rapid relief, for example, to return to work or a vital function, epidural injections can be considered.
  • Prior to Surgery :-Sometimes, epidural injections are used to alleviate pain before undergoing spinal surgery. They can help manage pain levels and improve mobility, enhancing the prospects of a successful surgical outcome.

Procedure and its Effects

The procedure is usually quick, taking about 15-30 minutes, performed under local anesthesia. The physician uses fluoroscopy (a live X-ray) to guide the needle to the correct spot to ensure precision.

You can expect pain relief within 1-2 days post-injection. The effects can last from a week to a year, varying greatly among individuals. Some patients may need more than one injection to achieve optimal results.

Conclusion

Remember, while epidural injection can provide significant relief from chronic back pain, they aren’t a cure-all solution. It’s essential to combine them with other treatments like physical therapy for a comprehensive approach towards pain management.

Epidural injections can be a valuable tool in your pain management arsenal when used appropriately. Always consult with your healthcare provider to evaluate if they are the right choice for your condition.

Suffering from chronic back pain can be daunting, but with the right treatment plan, you can reclaim your life and enjoy your daily activities with less pain. The team at Pro Spine & Pain is here to help you navigate your journey towards a pain-free life. Contact us today for more information.

Lumbar Spondylosis: Understanding, Managing, and Overcoming Pain

Posted on June 22, 2023 - 12:00 am by

Lumbar spondylosis is a common degenerative condition that affects the lower spine. It’s often referred to as spinal osteoarthritis and is characterized by the wearing away of the disc and other spinal structures. This degeneration, often resulting from age or repetitive strain, can cause back pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility.

Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis

It’s important to be aware of the symptoms associated with lumbar spondylosis. In some individuals, this condition may remain asymptomatic for years, only to surface when triggered by an injury or stress. Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent lower back pain.
  • Stiffness in the lower back, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
  • Numbness or weakness in the legs.
  • Reduced range of motion or flexibility in the back.

Causes and Risk Factors

Primarily an age-related condition, lumbar spondylosis is most common in adults over 60. However, other factors can also increase the risk:

  • Obesity: Extra weight can increase your spine’s stress, leading to faster degeneration.
  • Occupation: Jobs that involve heavy lifting or repetitive twisting and bending can contribute to early onset.
  • Genetics: A family history of lumbar spondylosis or other spinal problems may predispose you to this condition.
  • Previous injury: A prior injury to the spine can contribute to the development of lumbar spondylosis.

Diagnostic Procedures

At Pro Spine & Pain, our skilled doctors use various diagnostic tools to identify lumbar spondylosis. We start with a detailed medical history and physical examination, followed by imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. These procedures help us determine the extent of your spinal degeneration and plan a suitable treatment strategy.

Interventional Pain Management: A Path to Relief

Our team of experts specialises in interventional pain management, a dynamic field that uses minimally invasive techniques to identify and treat pain at its source. This can be particularly effective for managing the discomfort associated with lumbar spondylosis. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Epidural Steroid Injections: This treatment involves injecting anti-inflammatory medicine into the space around your spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Facet Joint Injections: Another common technique involves injecting a local anaesthetic into one or more of the small joints along the spine, providing pain relief.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation: A more advanced procedure that uses an electric current to heat up a small area of nerve tissue, decreasing pain signals from that area.

Living with Lumbar Spondylosis: Lifestyle Changes and Prevention

Living with lumbar spondylosis can be challenging, but making certain lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and prevent further damage. Regular physical exercise can strengthen your back and core muscles while maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on your spine. Maintaining good posture and taking regular breaks from prolonged sitting can also be beneficial.

Embrace a Pain-Free Future

At Pro Spine & Pain, we believe in a world where chronic pain does not dictate your quality of life. Lumbar spondylosis can be debilitating, but with our expert guidance and innovative interventional pain management techniques, you can regain control of your life. Schedule an appointment with us today; together, we can navigate your path to relief.

Put Your Back Pain to Rest: Comprehensive Back Pain Solutions at Pro Spine & Pain

Posted on May 17, 2023 - 12:00 am by

Are you tired of being held back by persistent back pain? Does the mere thought of standing up or bending down make you wince in anticipation? 

Don’t agonize; you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from back pain daily, struggling to find relief and enjoy their lives to the fullest. But it’s time to put your back pain to rest with the help of comprehensive back pain solutions offered by Pro Spine & Pain!

In this blog, we will explore the cutting-edge techniques and treatments provided by our highly skilled interventional pain doctors dedicated to helping you overcome the crippling effects of back pain. Say goodbye to sleepless nights and missed opportunities, and step into a world where pain no longer dictates your daily life. Let’s dive into the life-changing solutions that await you at Pro Spine & Pain!

Understanding the Prevalence & Impact of Back Pain

Back pain is a widespread issue affecting millions of people worldwide. It is one of the leading causes of disability and can significantly impact a person’s daily life, work, and overall well-being.

Common Causes of Back Pain

  1. Muscle or Ligament Strain: Overexertion, heavy lifting, or awkward movements can strain muscles and ligaments in your back, leading to pain and stiffness.

  2. Disc Issues: Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. Herniated or degenerated discs can cause pain as they press on nearby nerves.

  3. Spinal Stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows, compressing the nerves and causing pain, numbness, and weakness.

  4. Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear on the spine’s joints over time can lead to osteoarthritis, resulting in stiffness, pain, and limited mobility.

  5. Spondylolisthesis: When a vertebra slips out of its proper position and onto the bone below, it can compress nerves and cause back pain.

  6. Poor Posture: Sitting or standing with poor posture for extended periods can put strain on the muscles and ligaments in your back, leading to discomfort.

  7. Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts added stress on your spine, increasing the risk of developing back pain.

  8. Skeletal Irregularities: Congenital or acquired abnormalities, such as scoliosis or kyphosis, can cause discomfort and pain in the back.

  9. Fractures: Compression fractures or fractures due to trauma can result in back pain.

Diagnosis

At Pro Spine & Pain, our interventional pain doctors conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the root cause of your back pain. This process includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.

Non-surgical treatment options for back pain

We provide a variety of non-surgical treatments for back pain, including medication management, epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, vertebroplasty & kyphoplasty and spinal cord stimulation. Our team also emphasizes the importance of physical therapy and lifestyle changes to enhance treatment outcomes.

When Surgery May be Necessary

At Pro Spine & Pain, our primary goal is to offer comprehensive, customized care to our patients. While non-surgical treatments are typically the first line of defense against back pain, we understand that in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to provide relief and improve the quality of life for our patients.

Our team of skilled interventional pain management doctors specialize in minimally invasive procedures, to address the underlying causes of back pain. However at times, surgical procedures are required to treat your underlying condition for which we will refer you to orthopedic spine surgeons. These surgical treatments may include:

  1. Discectomy: Removal of a herniated or damaged disc that is pressing on a nerve.

  2. Laminectomy: Elimination of the lamina (the back part of the vertebra) to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves, often used to treat spinal stenosis.

  3. Spinal Fusion: Fusing two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine and reduce pain caused by movement.

  4. Artificial Disc Replacement: Replacement of a damaged disc with an artificial one to restore mobility and relieve pain.

  5. Foraminotomy: Enlargement of the opening where nerve roots exit the spinal canal to alleviate nerve compression.

Preventing Back Pain Recurrence

Preventing back pain recurrence is vital for long-term relief. We provide guidance on proper posture, ergonomics, exercise, and weight management to help you maintain a healthy spine and avoid future issues.

Conclusion

At Pro Spine & Pain, we are committed to providing comprehensive back pain care that addresses the root cause of your pain. Reach out to our experienced interventional pain doctors to discuss your back pain treatment options today.

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