Disc Denervation Offers Minimally Invasive Back Pain Relief

Back pain is one of the most common types of pain experienced. It is estimated that 80 percent of people in the United States will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives.

One of the most common reasons for pain is the discs that separate the 33 vertebrae in the spine. These discs are soft and provide support to the many bones and nerves that run through the spine. Unfortunately, when one or more of these discs herniate, it results in pain and irritation. Disc denervation is an effective way to treat the pain that results from problems with the spinal discs.

Procedure

A thin needle is first inserted into the skin that provides an anesthetic to numb the skin and underlying tissue. Next, a radiofrequency needle is used under the direction of a real-time x-ray to locate the irritated nerves. A special dye is then used to locate the exact area that is causing the pain. Using the radiofrequency needle, heat is distributed to the correct nerves, causing them to become dull. The needle is then removed from the back and a bandage is placed onto the skin. The entire process takes less than an hour.

Benefits

The procedure is successful in treating back pain in 60 to 70 percent of patients. Those who have success with the procedure experience:

• Increased mobility
• Dramatic improvements in quality of life
• Increased physical function

The procedure is minimally invasive and is done outside of the hospital. Very little recovery time is required and most patients can resume normal activity within days of the procedure. Because real-time x-rays are used to deliver the heat, there is very little risk to other nerves becoming damaged.

Risks

All medical procedures carry some risks, which include bleeding, infection or nerve damage. These risks are rare in disc denervation and have occurred in less than one percent of patients.

Your spine must support your entire body, making it susceptible to damage and pain. Disc denervation can help reduce or eliminate this pain completely, helping you to resume your regular activities once again.

If you are reading this on any other blog than Comprehensive Pain Management Center or via my RSS Feed, it is stolen content without credit. You can find us  on Twitter via @CompPainMgmt. Come and visit our blog at http://www.compainmc.com/blog/.