Try These Sleeping Positions for Back and Neck Pain Relief
You sleep fine through the night, but you often wake up to back or neck pain that can last for hours. Changing your sleeping position just a little can make a big difference to your spine.
Avoid Major Surgery: 5 Minimally Invasive Solutions for Chronic Back Pain
Your back hurts all the time, and you’re starting to think your only option is major surgical intervention. However, there are several minimally invasive spine procedures you can explore before you need to resort to major spinal surgery.
At New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center in Hackettstown, New Jersey, and Matamoras, Pennsylvania, Ajay Kumar, MD, and our team offer a range of minimally invasive options for chronic back pain and neck pain. Here are five such options to discuss with your doctor before pursuing major surgery.
1. Steroid injections for chronic lower back pain
Epidural steroid injections use a steroid or corticosteroid — sometimes mixed with an anesthetic — to relieve chronic back pain. Dr. Kumar injects the solution into the epidural space around your lumbar discs in the lower back.
The medication relieves inflammation that puts pressure on spinal nerves and causes pain. Epidural steroid injections can remain effective for three months or even longer.
2. TENS therapy for back and neck pain
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a type of pain relief therapy that uses a low-voltage electrical current to stimulate nerve cells that block the transmission of pain signals and release endorphins into your system. This changes the way you perceive pain.
TENS sessions usually happen at your doctor’s office and take less than an hour.
3. SCS therapy for chronic spinal pain
Spinal cord stimulation entails a small implanted device and electrodes that deliver a safe electrical current to a targeted area of nerve fibers in your spinal cord. This creates a white noise effect that tunes out pain signals and lets your brain focus on other things, like living your life. A hand-held remote control turns the device on and off and adjusts the settings.
4. Discectomy for herniated discs
Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive approach that allows doctors to remove all or parts of herniated discs in your spine without open back surgery. A tiny incision allows your surgeon to use an even smaller camera and instruments to complete your surgery without trauma to surrounding tissues and relieve chronic back pain.
Recovery with this minimally invasive technique is faster and less painful than a traditional discectomy.
5. The MILD procedure for spinal stenosis
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD) treats lower back pain caused by spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal. Dr. Kumar uses a small incision, targeted imaging, and specialized tools to access and remove thickened ligament segments from your spine.
The MILD procedure uses local anesthesia with mild sedation, and it only takes about an hour so you can usually go home the same day.
Interested in learning more about alternatives to major surgery? Contact New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kumar and our team to discuss options that could safely address your spinal condition.
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