There are a number of treatments that work for more than one condition that causes spinal pain. This article will attempt to explain two of the more common ones simply and concisely and tell you what conditions they may be used for. Any spinal pain treatment options are always something that will be discussed and agreed to between you and your pain management specialist.
Epidural Nerve Blocks
Epidural nerve blocks can give you considerable relief from pain without surgery. It is an injection of steroidal medication which is given into the sheath surrounding the nerves in your spinal column. These usually only require 30 minutes including prep time and are followed by a small recovery time of about 45 minutes. You can get three injections done in a six month time frame and most people see less to no pain within two or three days. Epidurals may be used to treat spinal joint pain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is another injection, this one consisting of a dextrose solution and anesthetic. When it is injected, it tricks your body into thinking a new injury has happened and it sends in the cells that promote healing to that spot. You can have these done every couple of weeks up to six weeks apart until the spinal injury has healed. This usually takes 30 minutes from start to finish and you should be able to go about your daily activities immediately after. There have been studies completed showing that 80% of the people got good or excellent outcomes. This can be used to treat joint arthritis in your spine and osteoarthritis in the lower back.
Open and Honest Discussions with Your Pain Specialist
Being honest with any doctor is important but when you are dealing with pain that is affecting the quality of your life it becomes vitally important. You need to feel comfortable enough with your doctor to be open and honest with him or her and your doctor needs to know that you trust him. The physicians and staff at coastal spine and pain would love to have the opportunity to get to know you and let you get to know them.
