Alternatives to back surgery

As advancements in treatment of back pain continue to evolve, fewer and fewer doctors are recommending surgery or medication as initial therapy. Fortunately, today’s medical advances have produced effective alternatives that are minimally invasive, leading back pain sufferers to turn to advanced, high-tech pain centers that can offer these services.

The benefits of these surgical alternatives are a reduced degree of invasiveness, as well as a much shorter and milder recovery period. Additionally, benefits to a decreased reliance upon medication include a smaller chance of developing dependency, and a reduced possibility of side effects.

Some commonly offered alternatives to back surgery for patients who have failed to respond to more conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication and rest are: Targeted Disc Compression, Intradiscal Electrotherapy, and Radiofrequency Neurotomy. Additionally, other interventional pain procedures may be considered before one turns to surgery.

Targeted Disc Decompression (TDD) uses thermal energy to treat patients with contained herniated discs. Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) delivers precisely controlled doses of therapeutic heat to the damaged regions of lumbar spinal discs, thereby treating pain which results from these damaged disks. Radiofrequency Neurotomy heats the specific sensory nerve that causes pain, thus rendering the nerve unable to transmit pain signals through the body.

As treatment for all of our patients is highly individualized, it is best to consult with your pain specialist to determine which procedure is the best solution for your pain.

Do You Suffer from Lower Back Pain?

If you’re experiencing lower back pain that is detracting from your daily activities, you are not alone. Back pain is the most frequent cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years old, and affects about 75-85% of all people at some point in their life, according to the National Institutes of Health.

There are various causes of back pain that range from strenuous activity to poor muscle tone to a slipped disc. Whatever the cause, lower back pain is a major concern and those affected often seek various solutions that will allow them to get back to their normal lives.

At the Franklin Pain and Wellness Center, your pain physician will work with your primary care physician and coordinate full diagnostic testing in order to pinpoint the exact cause of back pain.Then, an individualized pain management regimen is prescribed..

To learn more about conditions of back pain and procedures performed at The Franklin Pain and Wellness Center, please click on the links or just visit our website. We welcome you to schedule your appointment.