Medication. Medication is prescribed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, decrease muscle spasm and soothe nerve pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are commonly used. Cox-2 inhibitors, which may be safer for the stomach can also be prescribed for inflammatory conditions. Tricyclic antidepressants, anti-convulsants and serotonin – noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors are also commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain.
Physiotherapy. For many patients, a programme of supervised physiotherapy will help to reduce back pain. Treatment normally begins with traction and heat therapy, followed by exercise programmes to improve the strength and stamina of spinal muscles.
Most people do not need surgery for chronic back pain. But if conservative treatment is ineffective, surgery may be considered. The appropriate surgery depends on the specific pathology.
Pain management procedures may be of benefit if you are not suitable for or do not wish to undergo surgery. Some of the options include:
Radiofrequency ablation. The objective of this procedure is to reduce chronic back pain by generating heat around a nerve and destroying its ability to transmit pain. It is normally used for patients with degenerative joint disease like arthritis.
Spinal cord stimulation. An implantable device that offers pain relief by stimulating the spinal cord electrically to block the transmission of pain. It does not eliminate the source of pain but the electrical currents interrupt the pain signals from reaching your brain.
Spinal injections. There are various types of spinal injections, they include:
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