Pain & Spine Care

Pain management is a specialized approach to diagnosing, treating, and easing both acute and chronic pain, with the goal of improving quality of life and restoring function. Our team works closely with patients to understand the source of their discomfort and create individualized treatment plans.

We focus not only on reducing pain but also on helping patients regain mobility, improve sleep, and participate more fully in daily activities. By using a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach, we aim to empower patients with the tools, resources, and support they need to live as comfortably and actively as possible.

Pain management treatments are often divided into three categories, starting with the least invasive options.

1. Noninterventional treatments
2. Interventional treatments
3. Surgical Methods

Noninterventional Pain Treatments

Many of these treatments are easily done at home and some don’t require a prescription. Noninterventional treatments are also known as non-invasive pain treatments and don’t involve surgery or injections.

• Rest and diet changes
• Physical Therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen)
• Topical creams/patches (e.g., Capsaicin or Nervive)
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS unit)
• Spinal adjustments, acupuncture, and massage
• Prescription medications, such as:
  • Muscle relaxants (e.g., Flexeril)
  • Antiseizure medications (e.g., Gabapentin and Lyrica)
  • Antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline and Cymbalta)
  • Opioids

Interventional Pain Treatments

These are considered when less invasive treatments haven’t given you sufficient pain relief and/or the side effects of oral medications are negatively affecting you.

Interventional treatments are typically outpatient procedures and can provide longer pain relief for patients. Your doctor will typically start with the less invasive treatment first.

Epidural steroid injections (ESI) or nerve blocks

• This is the injection of an anesthetic, steroid, and/or anti-inflammatory into the painful area.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

• RFA is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses thermal energy to interrupt pain signals at their source. RFA can be used to treat pain in the back, hips, knees, shoulders, S.I. joint, feet, and neck, and can provide months -or even years- of relief.  To learn more, visit: https://www.pain.com/en/chronic-pain-solutions/radiofrequency-ablation.html.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

• SCS therapy can help manage chronic pain in the lower back and limbs by using mild electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals. Boston Scientific SCS Systems offer more therapy options in a single device than any other system, which provides a greater chance of finding effective, long-term relief for your personal pain. Although a minimally invasive treatment, SCS may also be used to help manage pain that is unresolved – or even caused – by more invasive surgical procedures. To learn more, visit: https://www.pain.com/en/chronic-pain-solutions/spinal-cord-stimulation.html.

The Vertiflex^TM Procedure^†

• The Vertiflex Procedure is a unique treatment clinically proven to provide long-term relief from pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis. Using a simple, safe, and minimally invasive technique, the small device helps relieve pressure on the nerves that cause pain in the lower back and legs. To learn more, visit: https://www.pain.com/en/chronic-pain-solutions/vertiflex-procedure.html.

The Intracept^TM Procedure

• The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure for patients with chronic, vertebrogenic low back pain. The procedure targets a specific nerve within the vertebrae called the basivertebral nerve and has been shown to improve function and relieve pain long-term. To learn more, visit: https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/medical-specialties/pain-management/intracept.html.

Surgical Methods

These are more aggressive procedures that may be necessary to correct structural damage or to relieve pain that is not responding to other less invasive treatments.

Surgery

• Surgical procedures such as a laminectomy and spinal fusion may be needed when structural problems occur within the spinal column. These treatments often require prolonged postoperative hospitalization and rehabilitation.

Implantable drug pumps

• A surgically implanted pump that delivers continuous pain medication directly to the space surrounding the spinal cord. These pumps need frequent, specialized care from a doctor.

Note: The information on various treatment options is provided for educational purposes only.  You should talk to your doctor to decide the best treatment option for you in managing your chronic pain.