Minimally invasive treatment for lower back pain
Lower back pain is estimated to affect 80% of the population at some time. For many, the cause of their lower back pain is facet joint pain. Facet joints are tiny knuckle sized joints between two adjacent vertebrae.
Back pain accounts for more than 264 million lost work days in one year.
As common as it may be to experience lower back pain in Kansas City and across the United States, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through this pain.
Facet Joints & prevalent lower back pain in kc
With time, the wear and tear of these joints can cause cartilage breakdown, arthritis, and pain.
People with facet joint pain typically complain of central lower back pain.
Prolonged standing or leaning backward often worsens the pain, but leaning forward or sitting down lessens it.
This pain can be debilitating and limit patients from many activities they enjoy.
While many Kansas City residents may not know it, there is a non-surgical, safe procedure to treat lower back pain.
At Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance in Overland Park and Belton, Dr. Khadavi and his team can evaluate your lower back pain and determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.
How we end lower back pain in kansas city
The facet joint contains a small nerve called the medial branch nerve. This nerve detects pain created in this joint and sends the pain signal to the brain.
If a physician removes the outer surface of the nerve, then it is unable to send the pain signal to the brain. This removal provides the patient with significant relief in their lower back.
Prior to the removal, it is necessary to determine whether the patient’s pain originates from the facet joint.
Physicians can easily determine this by injecting a numbing agent around the medial branch nerve. Once again, we use a live X-ray image to ensure the needle is in the correct location.
If the patient’s pain temporarily improves while the nerve is numb, then the facet joint is the source of the pain.
In order to perform the removal (called ablation), we use a live X-ray image to advance a needle toward the medial branch nerve. Once in the correct position, the tip of the needle emits radiofrequency waves, which remove the outer surface of the nerve.
Why the nerve removal procedure?
The medical branch nerve removal procedure is quick and can significantly reduce lower back pain with little risk.
Patients do not need to go under general anesthesia, and there are no surgical incisions. Some patients may have some mild post-ablation soreness.
Certainly, it is possible for the medial branch nerve to grow back in 1-2 years. If this occurs, a repeat procedure can easily be done.
Don’t put up with lower back pain.
Safe, minimally invasive, and effective options are available. Don’t delay in requesting an appointment and meet with Dr. Khadavi and his team. Together, you can determine if this procedure will lead the way to your new, pain-free life.
