Spinal procedures are minimally invasive treatments designed to reduce pain, improve function, and help patients avoid or delay surgery when appropriate. These treatments target specific sources of pain using precise, image-guided techniques.
Quick Facts:
- Minimally invasive and often outpatient
- Designed to reduce pain and improve function
- Can help avoid or delay surgery
- Tailored to the underlying cause of symptoms
👉 Request an Appointment
👉 Refer a Patient
WHAT ARE SPINAL PROCEDURES?
Spinal procedures are targeted treatments used to:
- Identify the source of pain
- Reduce inflammation
- Interrupt pain signals
- Improve function
They are typically performed:
- Using imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound)
- With minimal downtime
- Without the need for major surgery
👉 These treatments are often part of a stepwise approach to spine care
WHO BENEFITS FROM SPINAL PROCEDURES?
These treatments may be appropriate for patients with:
- Persistent back or neck pain
- Arthritis-related pain
- Disc-related pain
- Nerve-related symptoms
- Pain after spine surgery
👉 The key is identifying the specific pain generator
COMMON SPINAL PROCEDURES
Below are commonly used procedures in the management of spine-related pain.
Dorsal Column Stimulator (Spinal Cord Stimulator)
A spinal cord stimulator uses electrical signals to modify pain perception.
👉 Typically used for:
- Chronic nerve pain
- Post-laminectomy syndrome
- Persistent pain after surgery
👉 Often considered after other treatments have been tried
Facet Joint Treatments
Facet joints can be a source of back or neck pain.
Procedures include:
- Facet injections
- Medial branch blocks
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
👉 Used to diagnose and treat arthritis-related pain
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Treatments
The SI joint can contribute to low back pain.
Procedures include:
- SI joint injections
- SI joint stabilization (in select cases)
👉 Often considered when pain is localized to the lower back or pelvis
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections reduce inflammation around nerves.
Common types:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Selective nerve root blocks
👉 Used for:
- Disc herniation
- Radiculopathy (nerve pain)
- Spinal stenosis
Vertebral Body Treatments
These procedures target pain originating from the vertebrae.
Kyphoplasty
- Stabilizes compression fractures
- Restores vertebral height in select cases
Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
- Targets pain from vertebral endplates
- Used for chronic vertebrogenic pain
👉 These are highly targeted treatments for specific conditions
HOW ARE PROCEDURES SELECTED?
Procedure selection is based on:
- Patient symptoms
- Physical examination
- Imaging findings
- Response to prior treatments
👉 The goal is to match the right procedure to the right diagnosis
WHAT TO EXPECT
Before the Procedure
- Evaluation and diagnosis
- Discussion of risks and benefits
During the Procedure
- Typically performed outpatient
- Image-guided for accuracy
- Usually well tolerated
After the Procedure
- Short recovery time
- Gradual improvement in symptoms
- Return to activity
ARE THESE PROCEDURES EFFECTIVE?
Potential Benefits
- Pain relief
- Improved function
- Reduced need for surgery
- Diagnostic clarity
Important Considerations
- Results vary depending on the condition
- Some procedures may need to be repeated
- Best outcomes occur when diagnosis is accurate
👉 These treatments are most effective when used appropriately and selectively
WHEN IS SURGERY CONSIDERED?
Surgery may be considered when:
- Symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical care
- There is significant nerve compression
- There is structural instability
👉 Spinal procedures help determine who truly benefits from surgery
OUR APPROACH
At STLMISC, I focus on precision and appropriate use of spinal procedures.
- Not all pain requires intervention
- Procedures are used when they add value
- I emphasize accurate diagnosis before treatment
- The goal is to reduce pain while avoiding unnecessary procedures
👉 The focus is on targeted, effective care
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are these procedures painful?
Most are well tolerated and performed with local anesthesia.
How long do results last?
This depends on the procedure and condition.
Will I need more than one procedure?
Sometimes, depending on response.
Can these replace surgery?
In many cases, they can delay or avoid surgery.
FOR REFERRING PHYSICIANS
- Refer patients with:
- Persistent pain despite conservative care
- Suspected facet, SI joint, or nerve-related pain
- Need for diagnostic clarification
- Goals:
- Targeted pain relief
- Functional improvement
- Appropriate escalation of care
RELATED CONDITIONS / PROCEDURES
- Lumbar Disc Herniation
- Lumbar Arthritis
- Vertebral Body Pain
- Post-Laminectomy Syndrome
- Non-Surgical Treatment Options