Each year more than 13 million Americans visit the doctor for chronic back pain. When looking for back pain management in Shakopee, it is important to consider all available treatment options before considering surgery. Read on to learn about the top 5 non-surgical treatment options for chronic back pain. Pain Medications Depending upon the injury, pain medications are typically one of the first treatment options for back pain. Some of the most commonly used pain medications include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, oral steroids, anti-depressants, and narcotics. Because every medication has specific risks and benefits, it is important to consult your physician to determine which one is right for you. Epidural Injections Epidural injections are commonly used to treat chronic back pain. This treatment option delivers a combination of local anesthetic and steroid medications into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. Epidural injections treat back pain by numbing the affected area and decreasing inflammation. Nerve Blocks Nerve blocks are designed to block pain in a specific area of the body. This treatment option involves injecting local anesthetic medication directly into the affected nerves. The most common types of nerve blocks are the sympathetic and intercostal nerve block. TENS Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is used to treat back pain by stimulating the affected nerves with low-level electrical pulses. The TENS unit provides pain relief by preventing transmission of pain signals to the brain and stimulating the body’s natural production of endorphins. Radiofrequency Ablation Radiofrequency ablation is a targeted treatment option that uses radio waves to heat up and destroy affected nerve endings. This treatment option is effective at preventing the transmission of pain signals to the brain for up to 6 months. Before considering radiofrequency ablation or any other type of back pain treatment, it is important to consult a physician that specializes in back pain management in Shakopee or your hometown.
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