Here is a brief
description of some of the procedures we perform
Consult
our knowledgeable staff for more details
| Epidural steroid injections |
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This procedure can help relieve low back and leg
pain by reducing inflammation (swelling and irritation). An injection also can help your doctor
diagnose the source of your pain by numbing certain areas of your back. Where you are injected
depends on the goal of the injection.
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| Trigger point injections |
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A
Trigger Point is a tight, painful "knot" of muscle fiber. It can form where a muscle is strained or
injured. The knot can sometimes be felt under the skin. A trigger point is very tender to the touch. Pain may also spread to other parts of the affected
muscle. Muscles around a knee, shoulder blade, and other bones are prone to trigger points. This is
because these muscles are more likely to be injured. Injecting a trigger point can help relax the
affected muscle and relieve the pain. |
| Cervical epidural injections |
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For certain types of neck pain, your doctor may
suggest a cervical epidural injection. With the treatment, medication is injected into your neck
near your spine. The injection helps the doctor find the source of your pain. It can also help
relieve your pain and soreness. If a nerve problem is causing neck pain, a cervical epidural
injection may help you. |
| Sympathetic nerve blocks |
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A sympathetic nerve block is a special test. It helps your doctor find the cause
of your symptoms. During the test, medication is injected near your spine. This "blocks" the
sympathetic nerves in that region. If these nerves are causing your problem, the injection will
relieve your symptoms for a while. |
| Discograms |
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A discogram
is a test in which contract fluid is injected into a disc in your spine. The test helps pinpoint
which disc is causing your back or leg pain. It is often done when certain treatments for your pain
are being considered. As part of the test, an image of the disc is taken. This image shows where
and how the disc is damaged.
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| Facet injections |
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Bones called vertebrae make up your spine. Each vertebrae has facets (flat
surfaces) that touch where the vertebrae fit together. These form a structure called a facet joint
on each side of the vertebrae. One or more facet joints in your back and neck can become inflamed
(swollen and irritated). This may cause pain. During a facet
joint injection, medication is injected into the inflamed joints. This treatment helps reduce
inflammation and relieve pain. Pain relief should last for weeks to
months. |
| Implantable intrathecal pumps |
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Spasticity
occurs when there is injury to a part of the central nervous system that controls voluntary
movements. For management of severe spasticity, Medtronic
offers ITB Therapy (intrathecal baclofen therapy) delivered through the Medtronic SynchroMed II
programmable drug delivery system (referred to as the
baclofen pump). The pump is surgically placed just under the skin of the abdomen. Most people
report that it is not uncomfortable or restrictive and does not interfere with their
movements.
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| Spinal cord stimulator |
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Pain messages travel over nerve pathways to the spine. The spine carries the
messages to the brain. Constant pain messages can cause long-term pain that is hard to treat. This
is known as chronic pain. Spinal cord stimulation is one treatment for chronic pain. A small
electric power source sends signals to your spinal cord. These signals keep the chronic pain
messages from being sent to your brain. Instead, you may feel tingling from the electric
signals. |
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