The spine endures a significant amount of stress over the course of a lifetime, so it’s no wonder that most people have some degree of degeneration by the age of 40. In most cases, these conditions cause no symptoms, but if you’re experiencing back pain that interferes with your daily life, it’s time to consult a spine specialist.
At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, interventional spine and pain management physician Brian Rich, MD, provides comprehensive treatments to relieve back pain so you can get back to enjoying your life. If you have degenerative disc disease, major surgery isn’t the only option because Dr. Rich specializes in minimally invasive treatments for back pain.
Major surgery involves larger incisions, more tissue disruption, and longer recovery times. Minimally invasive procedures use smaller incisions, causing less tissue damage, and allowing for quicker recovery with fewer complications.
The following explains the minimally invasive treatments we use for degenerative disc disease.
Epidural steroid injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area around the spinal nerves. This treatment can significantly reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
The procedure is relatively quick, taking just a few minutes. A local anesthetic numbs the injection site, and under fluoroscopic guidance, Dr. Rich injects a corticosteroid into the epidural space. The medication reduces inflammation and swelling, which relieves pressure on the nerves.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is another minimally invasive procedure that offers long-lasting pain control. This treatment targets the nerves causing pain by using heat generated from radio waves to disrupt their ability to send pain signals to the brain.
During the procedure, Dr. Rich uses a needle-like probe to deliver radiofrequency energy to the affected nerves. A local anesthetic ensures comfort during the process. The heat generated by the probe effectively “turns off” the nerves, providing pain relief that can last from six months to a year or longer.
For patients with more advanced degenerative disc disease, minimally invasive spinal fusion offers an alternative to traditional open surgery. This procedure stabilizes the spine by fusing together two or more vertebrae, reducing motion at the painful joint and relieving pain.
Minimally invasive spinal fusion involves smaller incisions and less tissue damage compared to open surgery. Dr. Rich uses specialized instruments and imaging techniques to guide the placement of bone grafts and hardware, such as screws and rods, to support the fusion.
Choosing the right treatment for degenerative disc disease depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition, your overall health, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Dr. Rich examines you, discusses the potential benefits and risks of each procedure, and creates a tailored treatment plan to address your needs.
Dr. Rich is dedicated to providing personalized care and helping you achieve the best possible result. To learn more, contact us to request a consultation today.
