Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
An intrathecal pain pump is a small medical device that delivers pain medications directly to the spinal cord. The pain pump consists of two parts: 1) the pump (reservoir) that holds pain medication, and 2) the medication tubing (catheter) that carries pain medication to the spinal cord nerves. Pain signals are nullified by targeted pain […]
Pain Pump
An intrathecal pain pump is a small medical device that delivers pain medications directly to the spinal cord. The pain pump consists of two parts: 1) the pump (reservoir) that holds pain medication, and 2) the medication tubing (catheter) that carries pain medication to the spinal cord nerves. Pain signals are nullified by targeted pain […]
Spinal Cord Stimulation
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a small medical device, similar to a pacemaker, that uses electrical impulses to mask pain signals before reaching the brain. Below are a few SCS highlights. Before a permanent spinal cord stimulator is inserted, a trial is performed to ensure adequate pain relief. At our surgery center, temporary leads […]
Interspinous Spacer
An interspinous spacer is a device implanted between two “interspinous processes” to create space between nerve channels and treat pain related to lumbar spinal stenosis. The procedure is often used as a minimally invasive alternative to laminectomy (a surgical procedure used to decompress the spinal canal).
Vertebral Augmentation
Kyphopasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pain caused by a vertebral compression fracture. The procedure uses a balloon inserted into the verebra to first restore the compressed vertebra before injecting cement. This practice helps re-establish the height and shape of the vertebra, decreasing both pain and spinal curvature.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency neurotomy is a minimally invasive procedure to relieve chronic back pain. The procedure is usually conducted after a pain specialist has used a series of injections to isolate your “pain generator” i.e. the root cause of your pain. During the procedure, a pain specialist targets painful nerves and uses heat to destroy a nerve […]
Medial Branch Block
A medial branch block is primarily a diagnostic procedure where a physician injects a local anesthetic onto the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints. Facet joints are part of the framework of the spine that allow you to twist from side-to-side. Occasionally, the facet joints can become irritated or inflamed. If you notice a decrease […]
Nerve Root Block
“A nerve block is an injection to decrease inflammation or “turn off” a pain signal along a specific distribution of nerve. Imaging guidance may be used to place the needle in the most appropriate location for maximum benefit. A nerve block may allow a damaged nerve time to heal, provide temporary pain relief and help […]
Disc Injections
“Discography uses imaging guidance to direct an injection of contrast material into the center of one or more spinal discs to help identify the source of back pain. It also is used to help guide the treatment of abnormal intervertebral discs – sponge-like cushions located between the vertebrae of the spine. Your doctor will instruct […]
Epidural Injections
“An epidural (ep-i-doo-rul) injection provides temporary or lasting relief from pain or inflammation in the spine or extremities (arms and legs). Imaging guidance may be used to place the needle in the right location for maximum benefit. The injection may also help confirm the exact site of the pain. Your doctor will instruct you on […]