Non-surgical Treatment (Physical Therapy) for Back Pain
Interventional Spine Pain Management
Herniated Disc is a serious condition for many people; however it can be treated given the right care. Today herniated disc is quite common, especially in city-dwellers the symptoms of which include pain radiating from the back down through the leg, calf, or back of foot. Some patients may experience joint pain in one side of the knee, calf pain, and numbness in feet, especially after participating in sports. This can often be mistaken for a normal inflammation of muscles; however diagnosis through Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI can reveal a herniated disc.
Not all those diagnosed with herniated disc will require surgical treatment; there are numerous methods that are dependent on the factors involved that vary between patients. The treatment plan will begin with prescribed medication and physical therapy. If these are ineffective then surgical treatment will be considered.
Many patients who suffer from herniated disc may experience stress and worry, especially with regards to questions concerning the need for surgical treatment, as well as the effectiveness of such treatments, and the side effects. Some patients will require consistent medication to suppress back pain and physical therapy. Some of the non-surgical treatment methods are detailed below.
Interventional Spine Pain Management involves the use of needles in treatment, and can include injections or other forms of stimulation. Performed by Pain Specialists, this technique can be useful especially for patients with back pain without clear indication, and initial medication and physical therapy has been ineffective.
Another popular interventional treatment is Selective Nerve Root Block which can help to reduce pain along the nerves especially in cases of herniated disc and deterioration of spinal nerve. This can be applied to the neck and hip areas.
Pulse Radio Frequency, is a minimally invasive procedure that administers electrical energy to a small area of nerve/tissue, which decreases pain signals from that particular area. This treatment method helps to ease pain that stems from damaged nerves.
Interventional Spine Pain Management is comparable to the interventional techniques utilized in treatment of coronary artery diseases (use of catheters) that does not require surgery.
Interventional Spine Pain Management has thus become an important option for effective treatment of back pain, especially in less severe cases of herniated disc. This option is always afforded to patients before any decision is made with regards to surgical treatment.
The main advantages of interventional treatment are that it is more affordable and less risky than surgery, nor does it require a long stay at the hospital. Currently there are numerous cases in Thailand of patients who have utilized interventional pain management to treat herniated discs and other conditions who are now able to live a normal, healthy life.