Chronic spinal pain is a severe condition that makes life extremely unpleasant, and you may have to avoid most physical activities to prevent it from worsening. People who suffer from this have to deal with reduced mobility and a diminished quality of life. It may also indicate serious health concerns, such as a slipped disk or damaged vertebra, so timely diagnosis and treatment for chronic back pain are vital.Fortunately, there are several ways to treat the pain and discomfort caused by this medical condition.
Let’s learn more about these treatments and where you can go for effective pain management in Michigan.
Medication
When dealing with chronic spinal pain, your healthcare provider may prescribe certain medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Common NSAIDs include:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen sodium
Other options for pain management include muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine and orphenadrine. Muscle relaxants reduce the tension in your muscles and prevent back spasms.
When taking these medicines, you must follow the dosage as instructed by your doctor. Taking too much or too little can lead to your condition worsening and other complications.
Injected Medication
Another method for treating chronic spinal pain is corticosteroid injections. These anti-inflammatory drugs decrease inflammation and suppress the body’s immune system.
Nerve blocks are medicines that relieve pain by numbing the area around the injection site. However, there are some risks involved in this treatment.
Always be sure to go over any possible side effects with your healthcare provider before undergoing nerve block treatment.
Physical Therapy
Your doctor can also recommend physical therapy to deal with chronic pain along your spine. This treatment method offers numerous benefits in addition to pain relief.
Physical therapy is typically safer than surgery. Aside from relieving pain, it also improves your back muscles for long-term health benefits. Strengthening your body can prevent future chronic spinal pain and improve your overall quality of life.
Physical therapy for chronic spinal treatment utilizes low-impact exercises that can improve your flexibility and strength. Therapy programs are typically a combination of exercises that target back problems and strengthen muscles around the spine.
Physical therapy can also include treatments that stimulate the body, such as temperature therapy, ultrasound, massage, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective technique used to provide lasting relief from chronic spinal pain. Also known as radiofrequency neurotomy, it uses radio waves to generate an electric current. This current is then applied to the area of the back where the pain can be felt. This part of the body is heated up, destroying the nerve tissue and preventing them from sending out pain signals to the brain.
While the risks of this procedure are low, you may feel minor discomfort or burning pain during the operation. This sensation may last for up to two weeks after the procedure. Your healthcare provider will typically inform you or provide methods for relieving any lingering discomfort. Pain relief typically involves ice packs or cold therapy, but they may have other options for you.
Surgery
Back surgery is also an effective treatment for chronic spinal pain. It’s typically a permanent solution for chronic spinal pain. Surgery may negate the need for maintenance treatment
or medication but involves some recovery time after the operation.
The type of surgery your healthcare provider will suggest will depend on the cause of your back pain. Therefore, you’ll likely undergo diagnostic tests before committing to surgery. After your doctor interprets your results, you can work together with them to plan your treatment. Most surgeries for chronic spinal pain are minimally-invasive, with minimal scarring and a short recovery time.
Chronic Spinal Pain Treatment in Michigan
If you need chronic spinal pain treatment, look no further than Ahlgren Spine Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Bradley Ahlgren, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, is here for you. He and his skilled team of specialists use state-of-the-art technology and advanced techniques to diagnose and treat back pain.
With offices in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Royal Oak, we can improve your quality of life by restoring your body’s mobility and function.
To know more about our comprehensive services, call our friendly staff today at (248) 215-8080 or request your appointment online.
We look forward to serving you!
