Pain Management
Injections
- Epidural steroid injections
- Transforaminal lumbar epidural steroid injection (TFESI)
- Facet joint injections
- Median branch nerve block
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Trigger point injections
- Bursa injections
- Joint injections
- Sacroiliac joint injections
Procedures
- Intrathecal Pump Therapy
- Neuromodulation
- Spinal cord stimulator
- Dorsal root ganglion stimulator
- Peripheral nerve stimulation
- Lumbar muscle stimulator
- Minimally invasive lumbar compression
- Cancer pain relief
Surgical Treatments
Surgical Treatments
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)
MISS, or minimally invasive spine surgery, is a contemporary approach to spinal surgery involving small incisions, typically less than an inch long. Special instruments and advanced imaging technology enable surgery through these small openings, aiming to minimize damage to muscles and surrounding tissues. This technique facilitates faster recovery times and reduced post-operative pain compared to traditional open surgery methods.
Common MISS procedures include:
- Disc decompression for relieving pressure on pinched nerves in the spine
- Lumbar disc decompression surgery for compressed nerves in the lower back
- Cervical disc decompression surgery for neck nerve compression
- Lumbar fusion to fuse bones in the lower spine
- Anterior lumbar fusion to fuse bones in the lower spine from the front, via the stomach
- Lateral lumbar fusion for disc issues in the lower back, alleviating pain and correcting curvature
- Posterior lumbar fusion to fuse bones in the lower spine with neighboring ones along the sides
- Sacroiliac joint fusion to merge the sacroiliac joint
- Disc replacement for neck pain relief and restoration of normal movement
- KeyLift Interlaminar Decompression to treat spinal stenosis and relieve pinched nerves
- Reactiv8 Muscle Stimulator to treat back pain and multifidus atrophy
Kyphoplasty
Spinal Corrective Surgeries
State-of-the-Art Procedures
Neuromodulation is another approach aimed at managing chronic pain by modifying nerve activity, involving electrical stimulation or direct administration of medication through implanted devices.
Examples of these devices include:
- Spinal cord stimulator
- Dorsal root ganglion stimulator
- Peripheral nerve stimulation
- Lumbar muscle stimulator
Non-Surgical Treatments
Lifestyle
Modifying daily activities such as maintaining proper posture and using correct bending and lifting techniques can relieve strain on the back and strengthen it. Regular exercise is also key to improving spine stability and reducing stress on the area.
Maintaining a healthy diet is also crucial for spine health. Adequate intake of dietary protein, vitamins (such as A, B6, C, E), and minerals (like zinc and copper) helps keep connective tissue strong. Essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and boron are vital for bone health, preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
Massage therapy is a popular treatment for back and neck pain. It not only relaxes muscles but also reduces inflammation and spasms. Incorporating regular massage into your routine can provide relief from these discomforts.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and NSAIDs help reduce fever and ease general muscle aches and stiffness. Topical pain relievers such as Aspercreme and Ben-Gay are creams or sprays applied directly to painful areas.
Opioid pain medications are typically reserved for chronic nonmalignant pain, like severe back pain, but should only be considered as a last resort due to their potential for dependence and side effects.
Corticosteroids, often given as pills or injections, help reduce inflammation and swelling, providing pain relief. Muscle relaxers are commonly used for acute muscle problems and can ease painful muscle spasms by reducing muscle tension. However, their effectiveness varies, so it’s essential to discuss their use with your doctor.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy techniques may involve hot or cold packs, ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation, spinal manipulation, and massage. Aqua therapy, which takes place in water, is another option that can provide relief and promote healing.
Occupational Therapy
Similar to physical therapy, occupational therapy might involve specific exercises done repeatedly to regain function after an injury. It can also include practical activities like using special utensils for eating, adapting grooming techniques, dressing with aids, and finding easier ways to move around, whether it’s getting in and out of the car or managing stairs.
Advanced and Emerging Procedures
Each unique scenario – whether it’s a common injury or a complex deformity – may require a slightly different approach. Our physicians remain on the forefront of medicine, training and learning the newest innovative treatments to best suit each patient.
Robotics
We now offer robotic surgery for MIS and Endoscopic procedures.
Endoscopic
This approach is the least invasive surgery, using an incision of less than one centimeter.



