Spine Conditions

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Experiencing Back Pain?

Back pain is extremely common and one of the most debilitating conditions out there

Back Pain?

Back pain is extremely common. There can be a number of reasons that you are experiencing back pain:

Poor posture and extended periods of sitting
Overuse and strain injuries
Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis
Herniated discs
Skeletal abnormalities such as scoliosis
Muscle imbalances and weakness
Stress and tension
Obesity, generally leads to altered posture.
Genetics

These factors can lead to inflammation and muscle spasms, resulting in back pain.

An assessment involving history taking and imaging is essential to determine the cause. Once that is established and more serious conditions ruled out. Lifestyle changes, physiotherapy and medication go along way is assisting in with back pain.

How common is Lumbar Spondylosis?

Lumbar spondylosis is a common condition that affects the lower back. This occurs when the discs in the lower spine deteriorate. The facet joints between the vertebra, begin to wear down and degenerate. As a result, this can lead to a variety of symptoms including back pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

According to studies, lumbar spondylosis is estimated to affect approximately 60-80% of people over the age of 60. However, it is occurring in younger individuals, due to our current modern lifestyle.

A facet block or rhizotomy may help you with your lower back pain, depending on the underlying pathology. Consult with Dr NM van der Berg to see if this is the correct procedure for you.

What is a Facet Block?

A facet block is a type of nerve block used for pain management that involves injecting a local anesthetic and steroid, near the facet joint in the spinal column to reduce inflammation and as a result pain.

What are the benefits of a Facet Block?

Quick recovery. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically results in a quick recovery, with most patients able to return to their normal activities within a day or two. This is a day procedure, meaning you will be discharged the same day.
Cost-effective. Facet blocks are relatively low cost compared to other pain management procedures. They generally the first step in patients who have not responded to other forms of treatment.

What is a Rhizotomy?

A rhizotomy is a procedure that involves ablating nerve fibers in the spinal column to relieve chronic pain. In a radio-frequency neurotomy, a specialized probe is inserted into the area of the painful nerve and it is used to heat the nerve fibers, effectively disabling their ability to transmit pain signals. This procedure is typically used as a last resort for patients who have not responded to pain management, and are most commonly used to treat pain related to conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease (spondylosis).

What are the benefits of a Rhizotomy?

Pain relief. Rhizotomy is a highly effective method for relieving chronic back pain. It provides long lasting pain relief for many patients.
Minimally Invasive. A Rhizotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require a large incision or general anesthesia.
Quick recovery. Patients typically experience a quick recovery after a rhizotomy and are able to return to their normal activities within a day or two. This is a day procedure, meaning you will be discharged the same day.
Minimal side effects. Rhizotomy has a low risk of side effects and is generally well-tolerated by most patients.
Customizable. Rhizotomy can be customized to target specific nerve roots, allowing healthcare providers to tailor the procedure to the individual patient’s needs.

What is the difference between a Facet Block and Rhizotomy?

Both these procedures used to treat chronic back pain.

The aim of a facet block is to temporarily numb the joint and reduce pain.

A rhizotomy is a more permanent solution to chronic back pain that involves interrupting the pain signal from the nerve roots in the facet joint to the brain. The goal of a rhizotomy is to provide long term pain relief by preventing pain signals from reaching the brain.

In Conclusion, a facet block is a temporary solution for pain relief, while a rhizotomy is a permanent solution that targets the nerve roots.

Why may you experience pain after a facet block?

There may be some inflammation caused by the anesthetic or steroid used, this may cause temporary discomfort and pain for a day or two. If severe or persistent pain is experienced, consult your doctor, they may need to do some tests to determine the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment.

No relief from a facet block, what now?

A facet block provides temporary relief from pain. It is a steroid injection that will eventually wear off. However, most medical aids do require that you have a facet block first to determine if you will get relief for your back pain. If your pain persists, you may require a rhizotomy which is a better long term pain solution, as indicated above.