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Back pain is a common condition that affects millions of individuals around the globe. Thankfully, newer techniques are available to address back pain. Today, you no longer need heavy surgical procedures to fix back pain.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about minimally invasive treatments for back pain.

Minimally Invasive Treatments for Back Pain

Minimally invasive treatments for back pain refer to medical procedures that relieve back pain and restore normal function with little to no downtime. These procedures contrast with surgery, which tends to render the individual disabled for several weeks if not months.

These procedures involve smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and shorter recovery times. They are beneficial for individuals who suffer from chronic back pain that fails to respond to conventional therapies (e.g., anti-inflammatory drugs).

What Are the Benefits of Non-invasive Pain Management?

The first advantage of minimally invasive treatments for back pain is the low risk of complications. The trauma caused by these procedures is minimal, which means they precipitate quicker recovery times and fewer side effects. Another benefit is that minimally invasive treatments can be performed in an outpatient setting. You can go back home on the same day of the procedure.

Some popular minimally-invasive back procedures include:

1. Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that manages spinal fractures that are caused by osteoporosis. During kyphoplasty, a balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated to create space. Bone cement is then injected to stabilize the vertebra.

This procedure can provide significant pain relief and improve spinal alignment, which makes it a valuable option for those with vertebral compression fractures.

2. Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation involves using radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy nerve fibers that transmit pain signals. It is commonly used for back procedures for nerve pain and has shown promising results in the management of chronic pain.

3. Epidural injections

This treatment involves injecting a steroid medication into the epidural space around the spinal cord. The goal is to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. Epidural steroid injections are commonly used as part of a comprehensive, non-invasive pain management plan.

4. Laser spine surgery

Laser technology is used in back pain surgery to remove or shrink the tissues that cause nerve compression. The procedure is less invasive than traditional open spine surgery.

Alternative Treatments

Alternative treatments for chronic low back pain include:

1. Manual manipulation

Pain specialists perform manual manipulation. It involves physical adjustments to the spine to improve mobility and reduce stiffness, discomfort, or pain.

2. Acupuncture

Ancient Chinese medicine states that acupuncture stimulates points on the body to correct the body’s “qi,” or life force. During the treatment session, your chiropractor will place thin needles in the skin, which can provide significant pain relief for some people.

3. Massage therapy

Massage therapy can relieve muscle spasms and increase blood flow. This is indispensable for speeding up healing and bringing nutrients and oxygen to damaged muscles.

4. Mindful meditation

Meditation techniques (e.g., deep breathing exercises) can reduce the perception of pain and alleviate symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Research associates these conditions with chronic pain.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive treatments are very beneficial for people with chronic low back pain. Examples of these procedures include kyphoplasty, radiofrequency ablation, epidural steroid injections, and laser spine surgery.

We hope that this article has highlighted the most common minimally invasive procedures and how they can help people with chronic low back pain.