Chronic back pain can significantly disrupt your daily life. Here at Basel Orthopeadics, we understand the frustration and limitations it can cause. While non-invasive therapies are often the first line of defence, minimally invasive interventional treatments can offer significant pain relief when conservative measures fall short.
What are Interventional Treatments for Back Pain?
Interventional treatments are minimally invasive procedures that use image guidance (fluoroscopy) to target the pain source in your spine. These procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and typically involve minimal recovery time. At Basel Orthopeadics, we offer a range of interventional treatments for chronic low back pain, including:
- Spinal Injections:
- Epidural steroid injections: Corticosteroid medication is injected into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. This reduces inflammation around irritated nerves, providing pain relief.
- Facet joint injections: Steroids and local anaesthetic are injected into facet joints, which connect vertebrae and can become inflamed, causing pain.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Radiowaves heat targeted nerves, interrupting pain signals to the brain. This can relieve pain in the facet joints and chronic lower back pain.
Benefits of Interventional Treatments:
- Targeted pain relief: Minimally invasive procedures address the specific source of your pain.
- Reduced reliance on pain medication: These treatments can help manage or eliminate chronic pain medication use.
- Improved mobility: Reduced pain increases activity and enhances quality of life.
- Outpatient procedure: Most procedures are outpatient, allowing you to return home the same day.
- Minimally invasive: These procedures use tiny needles and cause minimal tissue disruption.
- Faster pain relief: Compared to some non-invasive therapies, interventional treatments can offer quicker pain relief, allowing you to return to your daily activities sooner.
- Long-lasting effects: While results can vary, some interventional treatments, like radiofrequency ablation, can relieve long-term pain, reducing the need for repeat procedures.
- Improved sleep: Chronic pain often disrupts sleep. By managing back pain, interventional treatments can promote better sleep quality and overall well-being.
- Reduced healthcare costs: Effectively managing pain can minimise the need for long-term pain medication and potentially avoid more invasive surgeries.
Risks and Considerations:
- Infection: As with any medical procedure, there’s a small risk of infection.
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding at the injection site can occur.
- Nerve injury: Though uncommon, there’s a slight nerve irritation or injury risk.
- Temporary side effects: Some patients may experience temporary soreness or discomfort at the injection site.
Who is a Candidate for Interventional Treatment?
These procedures are only suitable for some. Our team of specialists at Basel Orthopeadics will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a candidate. This may include a physical examination, a medical history review, and imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs.
Finding Relief at Basel Orthopeadics
If chronic back pain limits your life, Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic can help. Our highly skilled and experienced physicians will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We offer a variety of interventional treatments alongside physical therapy and other modalities to ensure a comprehensive approach to pain management.
Don’t wait to take control of your back pain. Contact Basel Orthopeadics today to schedule an appointment and discuss your treatment options.
Remember: This information is intended for general knowledge only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a qualified physician to diagnose and treat your specific condition.
