The intervertebral discs are some of the most important components of the spine. They are cushion-like mechanisms located between the vertebrae of the spine, responsible for absorbing shock and facilitating smooth movement. Discogenic pain occurs when the intervertebral discs slowly degenerate, leading to reduced mobility and pain. Over 40% of all serious cases of spine pain occur because of intervertebral disc problems. We provide minimally invasive treatments that address the root cause of discogenic pain — no opioids or surgery.
Symptoms of
Discogenic Pain:
- Increased pain while bending forward, coughing, or sitting
- Pain in the buttocks or back of the thighs
- Neck pain when you move your head forward
- Muscle spasms in the neck and arms
- Reduced mobility and range of motion
Possible Causes of
Discogenic Pain
Discogenic pain occurs when the nerve endings in the outer portion of the annulus (the exterior of the intervertebral disc) are irritated. This can happen because of bulging components from the disc, the gradual wearing away of the intervertebral disc, or other factors. When the nerve receptors are pinched and irritated, you experience neck or lower back pain. Some of the possible causes of discogenic pain are internal disc disruption (IDD), degenerative disc disease, and herniated discs.
Non-Surgical Discogenic Pain Treatment in Edison
Your discogenic pain treatment starts with a thorough evaluation of your condition. The pain doctor may use physical examinations to identify the source of discogenic pain, following which we may administer X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. The pain doctor may also confirm the source of pain by injecting a contrast dye into the suspected disc, which will highlight the affected disc. After diagnosing the root cause of discogenic pain, the physician will curate a personalized treatment plan.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy refers to a wide range of exercises and therapeutic techniques that improve your range of motion, strengthen the muscles and ligaments surrounding the affected regions, and alleviate back pain. Your physical therapy may include back exercises and spinal traction.
Epidural Injections
Epidural injections are powerful anti-inflammatory medications delivered into the region outside the fluid-filled sacs surrounding the spinal cord, i.e., the epidural space. The injection includes a combination of a steroid and numbing medicine to decrease inflammation and swelling.
Facet Injections
A facet injection is a spinal injection performed under fluoroscopic guidance. After confirming the location of the affected disc using a special dye, the pain doctor injects a combination of a local anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory medication into the joint. This alleviates discomfort.
Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks are minimally invasive treatments wherein a special medication is injected into the group of nerves responsible for sending pain signals into the brain. The nerve-numbing medication prevents the nerve from sending pain signals and alleviates discogenic pain.
Schedule an Appointment
Edison Spine & Pain Management is a state-of-the-art interventional pain management practice specializing in minimally invasive treatments for chronic pain. We use cutting-edge technologies to diagnose and treat the root cause of pain — not just the symptoms. Our pain doctors strictly avoid addictive opioids and risky surgeries, helping you return to pain-free living without relying on opioids. Please schedule an appointment to explore your discogenic pain treatment options in Edison.
