Back pain is the second leading cause of visits to healthcare providers in the United States, surpassed only by the flu. It is estimated that 39% of the adult population is living with some type of back pain that negatively impacts their quality of life. At the Michigan Center for Pain Management, our team of board-certified pain management doctors and specialists utilize modern back pain management tools. Our providers work with patients one-on-one to develop effective pain management strategies. Some tools can include injection therapy, such as epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency ablation, SI joint fusion, spinal cord stimulation, and discectomy. Let’s take a look at these treatments and how the Michigan Center for Pain Management can help you take your life back from back pain.
Epidural Steroid Injections for Back Pain
Epidural steroid injections use a corticosteroid to provide back pain relief by reducing inflammation associated from back pain. A doctor will use medical imaging tools to precisely inject the medication into the spinal epidural space for targeted back pain relief. Epidural steroid injections are a great option for patients living with back pain caused by:
- A herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
Radiofrequency Ablation for Back Pain
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) works by using radio waves to target and deactivate nerves that transmit pain signals to the brain. In patients with back pain, RFA is frequently used to target the facet joints and the sacroiliac joint, providing minimally invasive, effective back pain relief. Depending on the underlying cause of your back pain, RFA may provide patients with between six months and two years of pain relief.
SI Joint Fusion for Back Pain
Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion is a procedure that addresses back pain caused by the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis. Patients may have back pain caused by the sacroiliac joint if they have suffered a lower back injury or have arthritis. The goal of SI joint fusion is to stabilize the sacroiliac joint, reducing its motion and thus reducing lower back pain. Modern medicine allows for SI joint fusion to be done with a minimally invasive procedure and has a much quicker recovery time.
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Back Pain
With spinal cord stimulation, a small device is implanted into the patient, with a minimally invasive procedure. This device is a small pulse generator with tiny leads and electrodes placed near the spinal cord. When activated, the spinal cord stimulator generates electrical pulses to specific nerves in the spinal cord that interfere with their ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. Your doctor can easily adjust spinal cord stimulators to alter your treatment and find the most effective spinal cord stimulation for your back pain. Patients who may be good candidates for spinal cord stimulation include those who have:
- Chronic radiculopathy
- Failed back syndrome
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Peripheral Neuropathy
Discectomy for Back Pain
A discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that works by alleviating back pain caused by a disc herniation pressing on nearby nerves. Patients who have disc herniations in their back may experience symptoms like:
- Pain
- Numbness
- A tingling sensation
- A pins and needles sensation
- Decreased mobility
A discectomy effectively reduces back pain caused by slipped discs and provides most patients with rapid back pain relief.
Contact the Michigan Center for Pain Management for Effective Back Pain Management Treatments
At the Michigan Center for Pain Management, we work hard to find our patients effective back pain treatments that are minimally invasive, free from powerful medications, and effective alternatives to back surgery. If you are ready to take the first steps towards a life with less back pain, contact us today at (248) 923-1905.