Back pain is one of the most common complaints that bring patients to our clinic at Midwest Pain Clinics in Nebraska. Whether it’s a sudden injury or a chronic condition, back pain can severely impact your daily life, making even simple activities difficult to manage. Our team of interventional pain specialists is dedicated to diagnosing and treating the root cause of your back pain with minimally invasive procedures that offer relief without the need for major surgery.
Understanding the Causes of Back Pain
Back pain can stem from a variety of causes, each requiring a different treatment approach. Some of the most common causes include:
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This can press on the nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your back and legs. Herniated discs are often caused by wear and tear, but they can also result from lifting heavy objects improperly.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As you age, the discs in your spine naturally begin to break down. This process, known as degenerative disc disease, can lead to chronic back pain. While this condition is common, the severity of the pain can vary significantly from person to person.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. This condition often occurs in the lower back and can cause pain, numbness, and muscle weakness in the legs.
Facet Joint Arthritis
Facet joints are the small joints located between each vertebra in your spine. Over time, these joints can become inflamed due to arthritis, leading to localized pain and stiffness in the back.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a term used to describe the symptoms caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down to your legs. Sciatica often causes sharp, shooting pain that radiates down one side of your body.
Minimally Invasive Treatments for Back Pain
At Midwest Pain Clinics, we specialize in providing minimally invasive treatments that target the source of your back pain, offering relief with shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections are a common treatment for back pain caused by conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. The injection delivers a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space around your spinal nerves, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to destroy the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. This treatment is particularly effective for patients with chronic back pain caused by facet joint arthritis.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation involves implanting a small device that sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. SCS is often recommended for patients with chronic back pain who have not found relief from other treatments.
Discography
Discography is a diagnostic procedure used to determine whether a specific disc in your spine is the source of your pain. During the procedure, a contrast dye is injected into the disc, and images are taken to see if the disc is causing pain. If the disc is found to be the culprit, targeted treatments can be planned accordingly.
Expert Insights on Back Pain Management
Our experienced team at Midwest Pain Clinics is dedicated to staying at the forefront of pain management techniques. By combining the latest advancements in medical technology with a personalized approach to patient care, we ensure that our patients receive the most effective treatments available.
The Role of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often an integral part of a comprehensive back pain treatment plan. Physical therapists can work closely with our physicians to develop customized exercise programs that strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, improve flexibility, and reduce the likelihood of future injury.
The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach
Back pain is a complex condition that often requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. At Midwest Pain Clinics, our team of interventional pain management specialists will work together to provide a holistic approach to your care.
Conclusion
At Midwest Pain Clinics, we understand that back pain can be debilitating and affect every aspect of your life. Our goal is to provide you with effective, minimally invasive treatments that address the root cause of your pain and help you return to the activities you enjoy. If you’re struggling with back pain, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with our team today to explore your treatment options.
