Back pain and neck pain can make life miserable. Some back pain, such as pain resulting from a muscle strain is likely to resolve on its own without medical treatments, including over-the-counter medications, stretching, icing, and/or rest. However, back or neck pain that doesn’t resolve within several weeks may require medical treatment from a pain management specialist. That doesn’t mean you’ll need surgery though.

Many types of back and neck pain can be successfully treated with non-surgical treatments.

Read on to learn about these non-surgical treatments for back pain and neck pain.

Common Causes of Back and Neck Pain

Back and neck pain may be temporary (acute) or chronic (prolonged pain). Causes of back and neck pain may include:

• Facet arthritis (facet arthropathy)
• Herniated cervical disc
• Herniated lumbar disc
• Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease)
• Spinal stenosis
• Trauma (fall, sports injury, accident)

To accurately diagnose the source of your pain, your physician may order one or more imaging tests, in addition to performing a complete physical examination, and review of your medical history.

Epidural Steroid Injections

An epidural steroid injection is a common treatment for herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. It is sometimes referred to as a corticosteroid injection. These injections may be indicated if physical therapy and medications have been unsuccessful in resolving your back pain. A local anesthesia will be used to numb the injection site.

During the procedure, your physician will use an x-ray imaging guide to ensure accurate delivery of the steroid medication. The medication helps to reduce inflammation, reduce pain signals to the brain, and reduce the release of chemical substances from the disc.

Most people who have an epidural steroid injection will begin to feel better within a few days. Over the coming weeks, your pain may continue to dissipate. Some candidates may experience pain relief for up to one year.

Facet Blocks

Facet blocks, also known as facet joint blocks, may be indicated to treat a condition known as facet arthropathy or osteoarthritis of the spine. It occurs when the facet joints, which are located between the vertebrae of your spine, begin to degenerate, often as the result of aging, wear and tear, or an injury to the joints.

A facet block injection is a minimally invasive procedure. During the procedure, your pain management physician will use real–time x-ray or CT imaging to guide the placement of the

needle into the facet joint. Then a local anesthetic and a steroid will be injected to numb the joint. The entire process typically takes less than 30 minutes. Many patients feel relief immediately, and the relief often lasts for several months. Facet blocks may be provided up to three times each year.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is another potential treatment for back and neck pain. Like steroid injections and facet blocks, radiofrequency ablation is also considered a minimally invasive procedure. It may be used to treat arthritis, or degeneration in the neck, mid-back, or lower back.

Using an x-ray, your pain management doctor will guide two insulated needles adjacent to the nerve. Inside the needle is a tiny electrode that produces heat as the result of a radiofrequency current. This heat destroys the nerve tissue that is sending pain signals to your brain.

The full effects of radiofrequency ablation can take several weeks to be realized. Pain relief often lasts six months to one year. Occasionally nerve tissues grow back. Radiofrequency ablation can be repeated to alleviate your pain.

Back and Neck Pain Treatment in Los Angeles

Dr. Sherif Said, MD specializes in Pain Management. A Board-Certified, Fellowship Trained Pain Management Physician and Anesthesiologist, Dr. Said concentrates on interventional pain management to treat back, neck, and joint pain with minimally invasive injections.