Physiatry
Chronic pain, whether from injury or conditions like arthritis, significantly impacts one's quality of life and independence. Back pain, particularly in the lower lumbar region, is a common issue affecting around 80 percent of people at some point in their lives and is a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. The spine, with its 33 interlocking vertebrae, provides crucial structural support for the body, acting as both a shock absorber and a protective barrier.
At Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches, we understand the significant impact of chronic spine pain on daily life. If you have experienced lower back pain for more than a month without improvement from conservative treatments, our spine specialists offer spine intervention consultations. These outpatient, non-surgical procedures encompass a wide range of treatments for neck, lower back, and mid-back conditions.
Interventional spine treatments are often more effective than traditional therapies and provide a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. Our skilled specialists commonly perform the following interventional spine procedures:
Epidural steroid injections are a minimally invasive procedure for alleviating neck pain, lower back pain, and extremity pain caused by inflamed spinal nerves. These injections deliver medication to the affected nerves, reducing swelling and inflammation, which results in pain relief and improved mobility.
There are two types of epidural steroid injections: lumbar for lower spine pain and thoracic for mid- to upper spine pain. These injections can provide long-lasting relief, enabling patients to resume normal activities and engage in therapeutic exercises for sustained improvement as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.
Nerve block injections are employed for the management of pain linked to nerve-related issues. Such pain may stem from factors like arthritis, injury, or degeneration affecting the nerves within a joint. These injections serve a dual purpose, providing temporary relief from pain while also helping to pinpoint whether the sensory nerves are genuinely the origin of your discomfort. It is essential to note that the effects of a nerve block injection are typically temporary in nature.
Trigger point injections are a valuable treatment option for painful muscle knots, including those associated with conditions like trigger finger. These knots, known as trigger points, can exacerbate nearby nerves, leading to the spread of pain, sometimes radiating to other areas of the body.
This minimally invasive procedure involves the direct injection of a corticosteroid into the affected area. Trigger point injections are generally highly effective in providing relief from the associated pain and discomfort.
Radiofrequency ablation is a nonsurgical and minimally invasive procedure employed for pain management. This technique utilizes radio waves' electrical currents to numb nerves responsible for causing persistent and excessive pain. By heating these nerves, the procedure effectively interrupts the transmission of pain signals to the brain, offering relief from chronic, daily pain.
Radiofrequency ablation is frequently chosen as a treatment option for long-term pain stemming from conditions such as arthritis or injury. Its advantages include:
- Decreased need for pain medication.
- Increased ability to enjoy and complete normal activities.
- Reduced need for surgery.
- Pain relief.
Radiofrequency ablation can eliminate the need for surgeries that may lead to a high risk of infection or addictive prescription medications like opioids.
Balloon kyphoplasty is a spine surgery used to relieve back pain caused by vertebral compression fractures, often due to conditions like osteoporosis or traumatic injuries. The goal is to alleviate pain, stabilize the fracture, and restore vertebral height. Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend this procedure if you have severe, unresponsive pain and deformity despite non-surgical treatments like rest and medication.
During the surgery, performed under general anesthesia, a small incision is made in the back. A tube is inserted, guided by live X-ray, to introduce a special balloon that inflates to elevate the fracture and restore vertebral height. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving space filled with bone cement to stabilize the bone. Pain medication and a rehabilitation program may be prescribed. Strenuous activities should be avoided for about 6 weeks.
However, it is to be noted that, like with any surgery, balloon kyphoplasty carries some risks, including infection, nerve or spinal cord injury, and potential complications related to the cement used.
An occipital nerve block is a pain-relief or pain management treatment that involves an injection of steroid medication into the occipital nerves at the back of your head. This procedure can be an excellent treatment option for many types of chronic headaches, including:
- Migraines
- Cluster headaches
- Tension headaches
- Occipital neuralgia
Occipital nerve blocks are typically not a first-line treatment, but they can provide relief for patients who have not responded well to other treatments.
Joint pain, stemming from illnesses or injuries that harm connective tissue, can disrupt daily life, causing aches, stiffness, swelling, and reliance on painkillers.
Joint pain may manifest in conditions like arthritis, repetitive stress injuries, sports injuries, bursitis, gout, and autoimmune disorders, particularly in the hips and knees. While conventional treatments include medications and physical therapy, pain may persist.
In such cases, joint injections offer relief, especially for arthritis-related pain, allowing individuals to regain their comfort and functionality.
Physiatry Services in Boynton Beach, FL
We combine non-surgical methods and rehabilitation for pain relief and improved mobility. To determine your best interventional spine treatment, contact us at (561) 733-5888, Ext. 1 for an appointment. You may also request an appointment using our convenient and secure online form.