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4 Different Treatments for Non-Muscular Pain in Your Back

4 Different Treatments for Non-Muscular Pain in Your Back

Dr. John S. Michels is an award-winning pain management specialist with a thriving practice in Dallas, Texas, serving residents throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Highland Park, University Park, and Preston Hollow. 

His patients greatly appreciate Dr. Michels’ extensive medical skills and compassionate approach to addressing pain with customized nonsurgical treatments that fit their needs.

Read what Dr. Michels says about non-muscular back pain and four treatments that can help.

What causes back pain?

Numerous conditions can cause pain related to the spine's 33 vertically stacked bones (vertebrae). Some issues affect the vertebrae directly, including osteoporosis, which may result in vertebral compression fractures. But problems that affect the joints, discs, or other structural components of the backbone can also cause significant pain.

Common causes of non-muscular back pain include:

These conditions are often interconnected. For instance, osteoporosis is a leading cause of vertebral compression fracture and abnormal curvature of the spine leading to a stooped or hunched posture (kyphosis).

Four treatments for bone-related back pain

Dr. Michels customizes treatment plans according to the results of a physical evaluation and diagnostic workup that may include imaging studies or advanced spinal pain mapping techniques.

Your strategy may include:

1. Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection

This quick procedure relieves pain in the lower back and nerve-related discomfort traveling from the lower back down the legs. The injection combines a steroid medication with an anesthetic to reduce swelling, inflammation, and irritation of spinal nerves.

Depending on your needs, Dr. Michels also provides epidural steroid injections to the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back), and caudal (sacrum) spine.

2. Radiofrequency neurotomy

During this procedure, Dr. Michels uses radiofrequency (RF) energy delivered via a specially designed needle to block pain signals from nerves in your neck and/or back.

RF neurotomy, which Dr. Michels performs under X-ray guidance to ensure accuracy, can relieve pain for several months to years.

3. Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves pain and mobility problems related to spinal compression fractures. 

During kyphoplasty, Dr. Michels injects quick-drying bone cement into the fracture. Like an internal cast, the bone cement restores strength and function to the fractured bone. Most individuals report immediate pain relief and significantly improved mobility following kyphoplasty.

4. Spinal cord stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation uses a small battery-powered medical device to send mild electrical impulses to targeted nerves in your spine. This action blocks pain signals from the nerves to the brain.

Schedule an evaluation today for more information about these or any pain management services Dr. Michels offers. Call the office or request an appointment using our secure online service.

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