Back pain | Interventional Spine

A woman returns to physical activity after finding relief from back pain

Back pain

Identifying your condition

If you're in pain, there may be a condition causing that pain. Identifying that condition can be hard. When it comes to matching pain symptoms to the underlying condition, the more informed you are, the more empowered you'll be to find a solution with your doctor.

Vertebrogenic low-back pain (LBP)1

Vertebrogenic LBP is a chronic pain originating from the vertebrae, specifically due to damage or degeneration of the vertebral endplates. These endplates are thin layers of cartilage and bone that connect vertebral bodies to intervertebral discs and are vulnerable to injury, degeneration and inflammation. 

The sinuvertebral nerve trasmits pain signals from damaged tissue. This nerve is the target for the BVNA procedure aimed at relieving pain. 

This condition is distinct from other types of low back pain, such as those caused by herniated discs or muscle strain, as it specifically involves the vertebrae and nerve signals from damaged endplates. 

Vertebrogenic low-back pain is a chronic pain originating from the vertebrae, specifically due to damaged endplates

Symptoms of vertebrogenic low-back pain1

  • Back pain that doesn’t go away in a couple of weeks*
  • Low back pain that doesn’t improve with medication
  • Worsening back pain

Related treatment
BASIVERTEBRAL NERVE ABLATION

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS)

LSS is a condition in which the lower spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves in the lower back. Aging and natural wear and tear on the spine can cause conditions that put pressure on the spinal nerves.2

People with LSS typically experience a variety of symptoms that affect daily life, including pain and limited mobility.

Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis2

  • Low back and/or leg pain
  • Numbness of the leg(s)
  • Tingling of the leg(s)
  • Heaviness when standing or walking

Related treatment
MILD PROCEDURE

Vertebral compression fracture (VCF)

VCFs have a substantial and negative impact on the quality of life and day-to-day functioning of those afflicted.3 Acute and chronic pain in the elderly is commonly attributed to vertebral compression fractures, often leading to further health deterioration or the "downward spiral" and a loss of independence.4 Because there is a substantial risk of subsequent fractures in persons who have had a vertebral compression fracture, it can be important that VCFs are diagnosed and treated early.4

Symptoms of vertebral compression fracture5

  • Sudden onset of back pain
  • Back pain that worsens while standing or walking
  • Limited spinal mobility
  • Vertebral body height loss, deformity and/or disability

Metastatic vertebral compression fracture

Over 2 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year6 and up to 76% of patients with bone metastases have metastases in the spine.7 Metastatic cancer (i.e. cancer that has spread from the original location to another part of the body) often impacts the skeletal system8, causing pain that can make every day more difficult, including those who have undergone radiation therapy without relief.

Symptoms of metastatic vertebral compression fracture9

  • Pain or tenderness in the lower back
  • Pain that increases with twisting at the waist or bending backward and extending the lower back
  • Pain that moves to the buttocks, hips or thighs with a deep, dull ache
  • Stiffness or difficulty with certain movements such as standing up straight or getting up out of a chair

Facet joint pain

The facet joints are the connections between the bones of the spine. They act like tiny hinges that allow the spine to bend and twist.10 Facet joints allow your vertebrae to move while keeping your spine properly aligned.

Facet joints are common sources of chronic back and neck pain.9 Like all joints, they go through wear and tear, causing pain as people age. 

Symptoms of facet joint pain9

  • Pain or tenderness in the lower back
  • Pain that increases with twisting at the waist or bending backward and extending the lower back
  • Pain that moves to the buttocks, hips or thighs with a deep, dull ache
  • Stiffness or difficulty with certain movements such as standing up straight or getting up out of a chair

Related treatment
RADIOFREQUENCY NERVE ABLATION

Sacral insufficiency fracture

Back pain is sometimes caused by a sacral insufficiency fracture (SIF), an often-underdiagnosed condition in elderly patients that typically presents with severe low back pain, resulting in immobility.11 Too often, an SIF goes undiagnosed, meaning your real issue never gets solved. If you suspect that’s the reason for your pain, speak up and talk to your doctor.

Symptoms of sacral insufficiency fracture12

  • Sudden onset of low back pain
  • Groin pain, posterior thigh or buttock pain 
  • Hip pain coupled with a significant reduction in mobility

Related treatment
SACROPLASTY

Herniated disc

The spine contains 33 individual bones called vertebra that are stacked one on top of the other to form the spinal column. Each vertebra in your spine is separated by flat, spongy discs that act as "shock absorbers" to keep the bones from rubbing together. When one of the discs is damaged, it may bulge or break open. This is called a herniated disc, which may also be referred to as a ruptured or slipped disc.13

Symptoms of herniated disc

Leg pain or lower back symptoms13-15

  • Pain usually occurs in only one leg
  • Pain may be described as dull or throbbing in the lower back and may include stiffness
  • Pain in the lower back may come and go
  • Pain may get worse when coughing, sneezing, laughing or with other sudden movement
  • Pain may get worse from prolonged standing or sitting, walking a short distance and bending forward

Nerve pain symptoms13-15

  • Tingling "pins-and-needles" sensation or numbness in one leg
  • Weakness in the leg, foot and/or toes
  • Pain in the leg that is often described as sharp and electric shock-like

Related procedures
DISC DECOMPRESSION
DISCOGRAPHY

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