Frisco Spine Non-surgical Treatment
We Emphasize Conservative Management
Neck Injections
Because we believe that every patient deserves to live a comfortable life, free of agonizing pain or paralyzing numbness, our spine specialists work to develop multi-disciplinary plans that are personalized for each patient’s needs and goals. Before recommending surgical treatment, our physicians will explore all of the more conservative options available that may be effective at relieving your symptoms.
Back Injections
Injections of anesthesia, steroids, or a combined injection of both can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. For acute neck or back pain that is temporary, these injections can provide relief while the symptoms persist. Injections can even be used to diagnose the source of nerve root pain. Among the injections we offer are epidural steroid injections, selective nerve root injections, sacroiliac joint injections, and facet joint injections. If you are suffering from neck or back pain, surgery may not be necessary to meet your needs. If you require relief from a temporary problem, injection treatment may be for you.
Physical Therapy
For many of our patients, physical therapy is the first treatment option that we recommend. Among the non-surgical spine treatment methods available at Frisco Spine, physical therapy is one that we use frequently, and for a variety of patients. In addition to providing pain relief, physical therapy also strengthens the core muscles, which increases muscle support and flexibility. The benefits of physical therapy are nearly universal. If your neck and back pain is temporary and the result of tense muscles, physical therapy may alleviate and eliminate the root of your pain. If you undergo surgical spine treatment, physical therapy can help accelerate the recovery process.
Nerve Blocks – Radiofrequency Neurotomy and Rhizotomy
Anesthesia and steroid injections, if introduced to nerve tissue, can be used to block nerve signals, eliminating pain. Typically, this pain relief is temporary, as the effects last only as long as the injection takes hold. Through lumbar sympathetic blocks and medial branch blocks, we can eliminate pain transmitted by the sympathetic nerves, as well as those transmitted from the facet joints to the brain. The procedure can also be used for diagnostic purposes. In addition to steroid injections, nerve pathways can also be severed through a procedure called radiofrequency neurotomy – in which a heated probe is applied to the facet joints. This will result in nullification of the nerve through thermal energy – as well as rhizotomy, a neurosurgical procedure in which problematic root nerves are severed to relieve back spasms or pain.
Medication and Other Treatments
Prescription pain medication, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may help alleviate your pain, as might acupuncture, chiropractic care, spinal cord stimulation, or even exercise. At our Frisco Spine center, we explore all non-surgical treatments, and make our recommendations based on which solutions will be best suited to your individual needs. After a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, we will take action to address not only your symptoms, but the root of the problem.
Epidural Steroid Injections
A combined local anesthetic and steroid that is used to reduce inflammation or swelling in the epidural space.
Selective Nerve Root Injections
Primarily used for diagnosing the source of nerve root pain, but can also help treat low back and leg pain. The minimally invasive procedure is typically used to deliver an anti-inflammatory medication and numbing agent directly to a nerve root, where its application can be monitored using live x-ray. Selective nerve root block (SNRB) injections may be used to treat conditions like foraminal stenosis.
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
Generally used to target low back pain caused by problematic sacroiliac joints, but also serves as a diagnostic procedure.
Facet Joint Injections
Employed to treat low back pain stemming from common facet joint issues. Can also be used diagnostically.
Lumbar Sympathetic Block
Used to alleviate low back, leg, or foot pain whereby a local anesthetic and steroid is introduced to nerve tissue to block the sympathetic nerves. These nerves are part of the body’s involuntary nervous system that helps regulate basic bodily functions.
Medial Branch Blocks
A pain relief treatment used to alleviate facet joint pain by temporarily blocking the transmission of pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. Also often used as a diagnostic procedure.