FAQs
Address Back Issues at Texas Institute of Pain & Spine
If you’re a Pearland, TX resident who needs help with chronic pain management, the Texas Institute of Pain & Spine is here to help. We understand how debilitating chronic pain can be, and we do everything we can to give our patients the care and support they need to overcome the pain of all types. Over the years, patients have relied on our team to help them relieve pain, so they can get back to their life. The days of being controlled by chronic pain can be a thing of the past when you call on our professionals. Our institute can address issues with the back, neck, spine, face, feet, hips, legs, joints, knees, shoulders, etc. We are here to answer your questions and cater to your unique needs. For your convenience, we have provided answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. We encourage you to read through this FAQ and call us for any additional information. Together, we will walk hand-in-hand down the path toward recovery.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is described as an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramen that can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. This compression can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including pain, numbness, or weakness in various parts of the body. Symptoms are typically gradual in onset and many have found that they are improved when bending forwards. At our institute, we offer spinal stenosis treatment that is tailored to your unique needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for complex spinal irregularities, so be sure to rely on our spine professionals when you need help with chronic pain management.
Why Do So Many People Suffer from Back Pain?
This is a loaded question. As one of the most common medical conditions and 80% of adults experiencing some sort of back pain in their lifetime, there are countless reasons so many of us suffer from chronic back pain. For starters, people today tend to be overly stressed and sedentary, which are both substantial contributing factors to back pain. Back pain can also be caused by underlying health conditions or improperly maneuvering the body while exercising. If you or someone you know is suffering from chronic back pain, it’s best to consult with a specialist. We can access your condition and develop a personalized plan for upper or lower back pain treatment, so you can get back to enjoying your day-to-day.
What is Causing My Back Pain?
You could have back pain for a multitude of reasons. The fact is, back pain is typically caused by one or more unknown abnormalities, which is why only 10% of doctor visits result in a diagnosis. Any of the following can cause back pain:
- Strained Ligaments and Muscles
- Injuries from Sports, Falling, or a Car Accident
- Herniated or Ruptured Discs
- Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
- Spinal Stenosis
- Sciatica
- Radiculopathy
- Arthritis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Pregnancy
- Poor Posture
- Obesity
- Psychosocial Stress
- Bone Loss
- Tumors
- Infections
- Kidney stones
- Osteoporosis
- Endometriosis
- Fibromyalgia
- And More
When Should I Seek Treatment for a Neck Pain or Injury?
A neck injury is nothing to wait around on, so be sure to visit our institute if your neck has been injured in an accident or other incident. If you’re dealing with neck pain, seek medical attention if the pain persists for more than a few days. If your neck pain is met with a high fever or sensitivity to light, contact our professionals. Some additional signs that you may need to reach out to our team include:
- Loss of mobility in the neck due to tightness and pain
- Pain that shoots through your shoulders or arms
- Tingling, numbing, or weakening in your hands or arms
- A noticeable change in health, such as an irregular bladder or bowel habits
What are the Solutions to Chronic Pain Syndromes?
Chronic pain is described as pain that lasts longer than six months. At Texas Institute of Pain & Spine, we understand that there are more methods of chronic pain management than merely relying on medication. Many people find success with behavior modifications, while others find acupuncture or physical therapy to be viable treatments. When these solutions just aren’t cutting it, don’t worry! There is still a wide range of options at our institute that could help. Some of the solutions we use to successfully address chronic pain syndrome in our patients include:
- Direct Injections
- Nerve Blocks
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Vertebroplasty
- Kyphoplasty
- Intrathecal Pumps
- Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
- Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
- Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation
- Percutaneous Discectomy
- Intradiscal Therapies
- Ketamine Infusions
- And More
What are Effective Upper and Lower Back Treatments?
While things like physical therapy, massage therapy, yoga, and other body-supporting solutions can do wonders for back pain, sometimes we require more support. The effective upper and lower back pain treatments we offer include the following:
-
- Injections to decrease inflammation
- Nerve blocks to work as a local anesthetic and steroid
- Radiofrequency ablation targets pain where it originates
- VertiFlex Superion to relieve pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc, also referred to as a slipped, bulged, or displaced disc is characterized by spasms of continuous or intermittent pain extending from the buttocks to the calf. Herniated discs are also responsible for muscle weakness, numbness, and decreased reflexes in some cases. This type of issue is typically found in the lower back, though they can occur in any area of the spine. While strain or injury is often the culprit of herniated discs, it’s natural for these discs to degenerate as we age. Herniated disc treatment at our Pearland, TX pain and spine institute includes advanced stimulation options that locate the source of pain and stop it in its tracks.
What are the Benefits of Nerve Stimulators?
Our institute offers peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), spinal cord stimulation (SCS), and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation. There are many benefits to these cutting-edge nerve stimulators, such as banishing pain and, as importantly – curbing chronic opioid use. Keep reading for a breakdown:
- Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: PNS uses micro-stimulators implanted near the nerve site where the pain is coming from to stimulate the nerve, helping your body disregard pain signals the affected nerve is sending. You can control the intensity of the stimulation at will using a wireless remote.
- Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation: DRG stimulation is a long-term solution to chronic pain, as this innovative device has been known to mitigate the symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This nerve stimulator targets the source of pain throughout your body and blocks its signals from reaching your brain.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: SCS is safely placed on the spine to control the intensity of the pulses, just like with PNS. These stimulations distract the brain, changing how it perceives pain and gives you some much-needed chronic pain management.