Living with chronic spine pain presents ongoing challenges that extend beyond the initial diagnosis or injury. Pain management is a medical approach designed to reduce suffering and improve your quality of life. Physicians use various techniques to identify the source of your spine pain, and they develop a tailored plan for relief. Here are some ways spine doctors manage pain related to chronic conditions:
Endoscopic Neurectomies
Nerve pain often persists despite conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication. An endoscopic neurectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that targets specific nerves transmitting pain signals. Surgeons use a tiny camera, called an endoscope, to visualize the affected area without needing large incisions. This allows the physician to sever or remove the problematic nerve tissue causing the distress. Patients typically experience shorter recovery times than with traditional open surgery because the damage to surrounding tissues is minimal. The procedure aims to interrupt the pathway of pain signals to the brain, and this option offers a potential solution for:
- Neuropathic pain
- Facet joint pain
- Peripheral nerve pain
- Post-herniorrhaphy pain
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Some chronic pain conditions do not respond to corrective surgery or medication management. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) utilizes a device implanted under the skin, and it sends mild electrical currents to the spinal cord. These electrical pulses modify or mask the pain signals before they reach the brain, which can help patients experience significant relief.
A trial period usually precedes permanent implantation to determine if the device effectively reduces the patient’s specific symptoms. During the trial, thin wires are placed near the spinal cord, and the generator remains outside the body. If the patient reports significant relief, the permanent system is implanted surgically. The patient controls the stimulation using a handheld remote, adjusting the strength and location of the pulses as needed. This technology provides a reversible option for managing complex pain syndromes like failed back surgery syndrome or complex regional pain syndrome.
Pain Pumps
Intrathecal drug delivery systems, commonly known as pain pumps, offer another pain management option for severe chronic pain. The device delivers medication directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Because the medicine goes straight to the pain receptors, smaller doses are effective compared to oral medications. This direct delivery method often results in fewer systemic side effects, such as drowsiness or stomach upset. A surgeon implants the pump under the skin of the abdomen, and they connect it to a catheter inserted into the intrathecal space of the spine. The pump is programmed to release medication at a set rate. Refilling the pump requires a visit to the doctor’s office, where a needle is inserted through the skin into the pump’s reservoir.
Work With a Pain Management Specialist
A pain management specialist evaluates your condition to determine which interventions align with your needs. These professionals understand the nuances of nerve blocks, stimulation devices, and medication management strategies. By partnering with a dedicated specialist, you gain access to a comprehensive plan designed to address your unique symptoms. Contact a brain and spine institute today to learn more about spine pain management options.
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