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Assuming that you have tried nonsteroidals, narcotic pain medications,
anti-epileptic drugs, anti-depressant medications, physical therapy,
chiropractic and other treatments such as massage or acupuncture, a number
of
minimally invasive procedures and blocks are available.
Epidural steroid injections and selective
nerve root blocks may help
back and leg pain. A powerful anti-inflammatory drug, like cortisone, is
injected into the space around the nerve root.
Facet blocks and median branch nerve blocks help pain which is due to
damaged facet joints, the small joints in the back. Sacroiliac joint
injections are for similar problems involving the joint between the sacrum
and the pelvis.
Radio frequency blocks are similar to steroid blocks but provide
longer-lasting relief for some problems.
Intrathecal pain medicine pumps and spinal cord stimulators involve
placing mechanical devices inside the body. The pain pump delivers small
but continuous doses of pain medicine to the nerves in a controlled
fashion. Spinal cord stimulators are devices that circulate a tiny
electrical current around the spinal cord. They may block the pain
impulses and stop them from reaching the brain.
There are many more options for pain. All have specific risks and
benefits. Ask your spine specialist.
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