Spinal pain in the neck and lower back is very common and often leads to missed work days. Lower back pain is usually caused by muscle strains and sprains.
Resting for a short period of time, usually one to three days, can help with the pain. Long bed rest is not recommended as it can lead to loss of muscle strength and stiffness.
Doctors often recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for mild to moderate pain. Muscle relaxants and narcotics can also be used for more severe pain.
Physical therapy can help relieve spinal pain. Therapists will evaluate the patient and design a treatment plan based on their diagnosis.
The treatment plan may include
If the pain is in the arm or leg following the path of a single nerve, a nerve root block may be ordered by the doctor. This procedure involves injecting local anesthetic and steroid into the area where the nerve exits the spinal column.
A facet joint block is a minimally invasive procedure in which a doctor uses imaging to guide the placement of an injection of medication into a facet joint to provide pain relief.
Paravertebral block is a technique where local anaesthetic is injected into the space adjacent to the vertebrae to block the spinal nerves as they emerge from the intervertebral foramen. This technique can help relieve spinal nerve pain.
There are different procedures to manage pain in the spine, including injections and surgeries. Epidural injections can be given in different areas of the spine to reduce pain. Nerve blocks can also be used to relieve pain, as well as injections in specific spinal joints. Trigger point injections can help manage muscle pain.
Pain Procedures:
Surgical procedures include artificial disc surgery, discectomy, cervical discectomy, laminectomy, and laminotomy. These surgeries involve removing or replacing parts of the spine to relieve pressure on the nerves and reduce pain.
Surgical Terms:
It's important to work with a doctor or specialist to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition and symptoms.
