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Sometimes, non-invasive treatment isn’t enough to relieve neck and/or back pain and, sometimes, surgery isn’t a viable option. In these circumstances, minimally invasive pain management treatments can be used to effectively decrease or eliminate pain. Five common treatments are:

Facet Joint Injections

The facet joints allow the spine to flex, extend, and rotate. When they become inflamed, anesthetic and steroid medications can be injected into them to relieve painful symptoms.

Illustration 1– Like any joint in the body, the facet joints can become inflamed and cause pain

Injections can be given in three-month increments, but they might not be necessary, as pain relief from the initial injection can last well beyond three months.

Epidural Injections

The epidural space contains tissues that surround the spine. A combination of anesthetic and pain medications can be injected into the space to decrease or eliminate pain.

Illustration 2– Epidural injections are an effective way to manage pain

 

Selective Nerve Root Blocks (SNRBs)

SNRBs serve two purposes. The first is to locate the cause of nerve pain. The second is to block the problematic nerve by injected it with a nerve numbing medication.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

A small device that stimulates dysfunctional nerves is placed in the spine to relieve nerve pain. This type of treatment works particularly well for patients who have nerve problems after spine surgery.

Pain Pump Implant

In cases where patients don’t respond to conventional pain treatment, a pain pump can be inserted into the spine. The pump supplies the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with a constant supply of pain medication, usually morphine.

Contacting a Pain Management Specialist

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our Pain Management Team utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to treat back and neck pain and uses the most advanced treatment modalities on Long Island.   This team works hand in hand with our team of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine specialists as well as Physical Therapists to develop unique treatment plans based on the lifestyles, habits and goals of each of our patients.  Contact us today to schedule a consult at one of our Long Island, Manhattan or Bronx offices.

 

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