Conservative Treatment: Pain Management
Back, neck, and pelvic pain can be a source of discomfort for many people. Chronic pain is defined as persistent pain that lasts three months or more, an ordeal that can be even more frustrating if the cause of the pain is unknown. At NeuSpine Institute, we are at the forefront of conservative (non-surgical) pain management that can make the difference for a patient between the life of chronic pain or constant comfort.
Back pain is the single most common cause of missed workdays. Between 50-80% of Americans each year have an episode of lower back pain significant enough to visit their primary care doctor. Typically, the goals for treatment include providing enough pain relief to be able to actively participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation, improving ergonomics and posture to prevent further injury to the spine, and ensuring the functionality of the patient at home and at work. The medical professionals at NeuSpine Institute are trained with the aid of diagnostic tools to pinpoint exactly where the pain is coming from. After the source of the pain is determined, non-invasive treatments of back pain include radiofrequency ablation.
Another common source of pain is the neck which can occur from the top of the shoulder to the top of the neck. Neck pain can be the cause of aging or a patient’s occupation, with time increased wear and tear makes an impact on vertebrae, discs, muscles, and joints. Also, having a job like a driver or an office position where the person holds the head in the same position for a prolonged period of time can contribute to discomfort. At NeuSpine Institute, much like back pain, pain management for the neck region can include pain relievers such as acetaminophen, NSAID, oral steroids, narcotics, muscle relaxants, and anti-depressants. The case of each patient will be evaluated individually to determine which pain medication is best for the level of pain and lifestyle. If the pain medications do not alleviate the discomfort, NeuSpine medical professionals can perform other non-invasive procedures such as epidural steroid injection, facet block, rhizotomy, or radiofrequency ablation.
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) can be dull or sharp, sometimes caused by the inflammation of the sacroiliitis joints. While CPP is more likely to affect women, it is considered to be pain that has a complex etiology, both in men and women. The goals of CPP treatment include minimal disability, a reduction in chronic relapses, and better quality of life for the patient. If sacroiliitis is the source of the patient’s back pain, a NeuSpine Institute medical professional can administer a diagnostic sacroiliac injection. A good response after the injection indicates the correct location of the pain has been identified and makes the patient an appropriate candidate for minimally invasive sacroiliac fusion. A procedure that would minimize back and pelvic pain caused by the S-I joints.
At NeuSpine Institute, we believe that everybody should enjoy a life that is free of back, neck, and pelvic pain. If you are experiencing persistent discomfort in any of those areas, contact us today and take the first step to more comfort and relief from pain.
