How Back Pain Can Be Relieved with Non-Surgical Techniques

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Back pain affects millions of people each year, disrupting daily routines, sleep, and mood. While surgery is sometimes recommended, many individuals find meaningful relief through non-surgical options that target symptoms and improve comfort. Discuss the following alternatives to surgery with your healthcare provider and choose a path that fits your preferences and needs:

Radiofrequency Ablation

Treatments that avoid surgery focus on reducing symptoms and restoring everyday function. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat from radio waves to target specific nerves. These nerves send pain signals from the spine to the brain. Using a special probe, a healthcare professional creates a small, controlled injury along the nerve’s path. This process temporarily disrupts pain signals, offering relief that can last several months. RFA is usually performed in a doctor’s office and typically takes under an hour. Many people report improved mobility and decreased reliance on medications after undergoing this outpatient procedure.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) involves a small device placed under the skin, usually near the lower back. This device sends gentle electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interfering with pain signals before they reach the brain. Instead of pain, you may feel a mild tingling sensation. Patients often work with their provider to adjust the device’s settings for optimal comfort. SCS technology has advanced in recent years, providing an adjustable and sometimes life-changing option for ongoing back discomfort.

Intrathecal Pain Pumps

Pain pumps, sometimes known as intrathecal drug delivery systems, release medication directly into the spinal fluid. A small pump is implanted under the skin, and medicine is delivered right to the area most affected by pain. This approach requires smaller doses than oral medication, which may reduce side effects. Pain pumps are often recommended for those with chronic pain who find limited benefit from other therapies.

Lumbar Facet Block

Lumbar facet blocks target the joints that connect the vertebrae in the lower back, known as facet joints. These joints can become inflamed, contributing to persistent pain. During the procedure, a doctor injects a combination of local anesthetic and a steroid near the joint. Relief is often felt quickly, although repeated treatments might be scheduled to manage symptoms fully. This minimally invasive approach is usually performed in an outpatient setting.

Injection Therapies

Various injectable treatments focus on calming inflammation or numbing targeted nerves to manage back pain. Epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks fall into this category. Delivered directly to the affected area, these injections may decrease swelling and discomfort, making movement easier. While results differ from person to person, injection therapies may become a foundational part of an individual’s pain management plan. Injection types may include the following:

Epidural injections
Facet joint injections
Sacroiliac joint injections

Find Solutions for Back Pain with a Physician

Suffering from back pain does not immediately point you toward surgery. Advances in non-surgical techniques have provided many with practical ways to manage discomfort and reclaim mobility. With a tailored approach guided by a specialist, relief is possible. If you experience ongoing back pain, discuss these options with your orthopedic specialist or pain management provider.

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