Back pain is one of the most common — and most frustrating — conditions we treat at Advanced Pain Medical Group in Los Angeles. It can affect every part of your life, from how well you sleep to how easily you move throughout your day. The good news is that you don’t have to live with back pain forever. Today’s advanced back pain treatment options offer real relief, often without the need for surgery.
What’s Causing Your Back Pain?
Various conditions can cause chronic back pain, as the Mayo Clinic suggests. Whether your discomfort started after a car accident or sports injury, is due to aging, or occurs in conjunction with another disease, most aches and soreness in the upper and lower back have their source in irritation, compression, or other damage to the spine.
- Spinal Stenosis
- Herniated Discs
- Arthritis (Facet Joint Syndrome)
- Osteoporosis
- Compression Fracture
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy)
- Spondylolisthesis
- Muscle Or Ligament Strain
- Pinched Nerves
- Hunched Back (Kyphosis)
- Scoliosis
When Should You See a Back Pain Specialist?
Many people try to “wait out” their back pain, hoping it will go away on its own. While that works for minor injuries, ongoing pain often needs professional care. Consider seeing a back pain specialist if you experience:
- Pain that radiates down your legs
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
- Pain that returns often or never fully goes away
- Trouble sleeping because of discomfort
Treatment Options for Back Pain
No two cases of back pain are exactly alike, which is why personalized treatment is so important. At Advanced Pain Medical Group, we offer a wide range of options to relieve pain and help you move comfortably again.
Conservative Treatments
For many patients, we start with non-invasive therapies such as:
- Physical therapy and guided exercise
- Posture and movement coaching
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Lifestyle adjustments to support healing
Injection-Based Therapies
Targeted injections can provide significant pain relief for many conditions:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet joint injections
- Nerve blocks
- Trigger point injections
Regenerative Medicine
Some patients benefit from therapies that help the body heal naturally, including:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy
- Stem cell-based treatment options (when appropriate)
Advanced Procedures for Chronic Pain
For more severe or long-lasting cases, we may recommend:
- Radiofrequency ablation (using heat to reduce nerve pain)
- Spinal cord stimulation (an implanted device that helps block pain signals)
- Minimally invasive procedures tailored to your needs
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing small electrodes in the epidural space of the spinal cord to deliver electrical pulses. These pulses disrupt the pain signals being transmitted to the brain, thereby reducing the perception of pain. The intensity and frequency of the electrical pulses can be adjusted according to the patient’s individual needs. SCS has been shown to be effective in treating chronic back pain, especially when other treatments have failed.
Radiofrequency Neurotomy
Radiofrequency neurotomy, also known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is a procedure that involves heating up a small area of nerve tissue with an electrode, thereby disrupting the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals. This can provide pain relief for several months to a year, depending on the patient’s individual response. RFA is commonly used to treat pain associated with arthritis or spinal joint degeneration. This may be an effective back pain treatment option for some patients.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy involves the injection of stem cells, which are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to differentiate into a variety of different cell types, into the damaged area of the spine. The goal is for these cells to differentiate into healthy tissue and promote the regeneration of damaged tissue. While the use of stem cell therapy for back pain is still in the early stages of research, some studies have shown promising results.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections involve injecting a concentrated solution of the patient’s own platelets into the affected area of the spine. Platelets contain growth factors that can stimulate tissue repair and regeneration and may help reduce inflammation and pain. While PRP injections are still relatively new for back pain treatment, early studies suggest that they may be effective for some patients.
Nerve Block Injections
Nerve block injections involve injecting a local anesthetic or other medication directly into the affected nerve or nerves with the goal of blocking the transmission of pain signals. This can provide temporary pain relief and may be used in combination with other treatments. Nerve block injections are commonly used to treat back pain associated with conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections involve injecting a steroid medication into the epidural space of the spine with the goal of reducing inflammation and swelling in the affected area. This can provide temporary pain relief and may be used in combination with other treatments. Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat back pain associated with conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
Start Back Pain Treatment In Los Angeles
Why suffer a moment longer than you have to with back pain? Advanced Pain Medical Group has many convenient clinic locations in Southern California to serve you, including West Hills, Beverly Hills, Santa Clarita, and Palmdale. Contact us today and schedule your back pain treatment today!
Back Pain Treatment: FAQs
1. Can these pain management options completely eliminate my back pain, or is pain reduction more realistic?
We aim to significantly reduce pain and improve your quality of life. While complete elimination of pain is not always guaranteed, many patients experience substantial relief, allowing them to engage in everyday activities with less discomfort and greater ease.
2. What should I do if the back pain treatments do not provide the expected relief?
If you do not experience the anticipated relief, it's essential to communicate openly with your pain management specialist. They can reassess your condition, explore alternative treatments, or adjust the approach to better address your specific needs. Your feedback is crucial for tailoring your treatment plan effectively.
3. Are there any lifestyle changes or post-treatment care recommendations to enhance the effectiveness in reducing back pain?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper posture, can enhance the effectiveness of back pain treatments. Additionally, following any post-injection care instructions provided by your specialist, such as limiting certain activities for a brief period, can contribute to better outcomes.
4. What can I expect during an injection procedure? Is it painful?
During the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort, but it is generally well-tolerated. The area is numbed before the injection, ensuring minimal pain. The entire process is relatively quick, performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to resume your normal activities shortly after.
5. How long do the effects of injections last, and how often might I need them?
The duration of pain relief varies, but injections can offer relief for weeks to several months. The frequency of injections depends on your condition and its response to the treatment. Your pain management specialist will create a personalized plan, outlining the timing and number of injections necessary for optimal results.
6. Are there potential side effects or risks associated with injections?
While complications are rare, potential side effects might include temporary pain at the injection site, slight bleeding, or infection. Serious complications are extremely rare and are often discussed beforehand. Your pain management specialist will discuss the risks and benefits with you before the procedure.
7. How long does the Spinal Cord Stimulation device last, and what is the procedure like?
The device's battery life typically ranges from 2 to 15 years, depending on usage. During a minimally invasive procedure, the device is implanted near the spinal cord. Before the permanent implantation, a trial period allows you to assess its effectiveness. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and most patients experience minimal discomfort.
8. How long does the pain relief from Radiofrequency Neurotomy last, and what can I expect after the procedure?
Pain relief from Radiofrequency Neurotomy can last from six months to two years, sometimes longer. After the procedure, there might be mild discomfort or soreness, but patients can usually resume regular activities within a day or two. Your pain management specialist will provide post-procedure guidelines to optimize recovery.
9. Is Stem Cell Therapy suitable for back pain for most people, and what are the potential risks or side effects?
Stem Cell Therapy is generally considered safe, as the cells used are from your own body. However, its effectiveness can vary from person to person. While rare, potential risks include infection, bleeding, or an adverse reaction at the injection site. It's essential to discuss your medical history and concerns with your healthcare provider before undergoing this therapy.
10. Can these back pain treatments be combined for better results, or are they typically used individually?
Combination therapies are common in pain management. Your specialist will assess your condition and medical history to create a personalized treatment plan, which may involve a combination of therapies like injections, spinal cord stimulation, and stem cell therapy. Combining treatments can enhance effectiveness and provide comprehensive back pain relief.