How Interventional Radiology Helps in Spine-Related Pain Management
Spine-related pain or back pain can occur due to varied reasons. A missed step on your stairs, a car accident, herniated discs, and multiple other reasons can cause spine pain. In your arsenal of available treatment methods, you have everything from non-surgical treatments to surgical procedures and everything in between. But to manage spine pain, have you considered Houston interventional radiology clinic? Interventional radiologists at the clinic treat various spine-related pain issues, from subtle to chronic. If you wonder how Interventional radiology provides long-lasting relief for spine pain, here’s how.
How Interventional radiologists diagnose spine pain
Since spine pain can occur for various reasons, diagnosing it can be difficult. Doctors run the gamut of tests, from imaging and blood work, to diagnose spine-induced pain. During your visit to the doctor, they will test your range of motion, leverage, and discography and perform X-rays and scans to assess the structure of your spine.
Imaging tests bring to light structural deformities like herniated discs, fractured spine, incorrect spine posture, and abscesses that may cause pain. Only after an accurate diagnosis will the spine specialist tailor a treatment plan.
Treatment procedures
Interventional radiology leverages image-guided techniques to manage spine-related pain. Herniated discs, compressed or pinched nerves, and a misaligned spine cause debilitating pain that sometimes doesn’t respond to pain-relieving medications. Therefore, it is paramount for a multidisciplinary approach to provide respite from pain among spinal pain patients. Interventional radiology bridges the gap between conservative means, such as physical therapy, and aggressive approaches like surgery.
The treatment methods interventional radiologists use include:
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that alleviates pain caused by collapsed vertebrae or fractured spine. In this procedure, a doctor makes a small incision and places an inflated balloon on the fractured area to push the bones back in place. Once the vertebrae are properly aligned, the doctor injects a special type of cement that supports the spine and increases its strength.
Vertebroplasty
It is the same as kyphoplasty, only that the cement mixture is injected directly instead of using a balloon.
Epidural steroid injections
Epidural injections are shots to the epidural space of the affected area to provide instant pain relief. Sciatica, back pain, and pain caused by spinal stenosis are some spine-related pains that can benefit from epidural steroid injections.
How effective is interventional radiology for pain management?
Treating pain using interventional radiology relies on image-guided techniques. Interventional radiology provides pain relief without using opioids that otherwise build addiction. Patients usually see positive resolutions after visiting an interventional radiologist for pain management. Recovery periods vary on a case-by-case basis.
Is interventional radiology right for me?
Interventional radiology is not a cure-all pain management method. However, interventional radiology imparts the most benefits to patients with spine pain and other pain caused by trauma. Infections in the spine region cause pain. In such a case, it would be best to get treatment for the infection rather than rely on interventional radiology. Before you decide what’s best for you, you should speak to a spine expert about your unique case.
Spine pain limits your range of motion and detracts from the quality of life. If you struggle with spine-related pain, it may be wise to see an interventional radiologist for the available treatment options. Interventional radiology leverages minimally invasive procedures. However, surgery may be an option in other advanced cases of spine pain. Best keep your options open and head into the consultation room. Interventional radiology for spine pain has great efficacy. Sometimes, the doctors may combine other modalities like massage therapy and mobilization exercises for the best results.
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