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Category: Pain Management

Pain Management Options for Seniors

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Chronic pain can afflict people of all ages, but disproportionately affects seniors and elderly individuals, often severely impacting their quality of life. While medications are commonly prescribed for pain relief, they often come with their own set of drawbacks such as side effects and potential interactions with other drugs. Another typical treatment, physical therapy, may not work for all conditions and can be especially challenging as we age. This article focuses on non-medicinal and non-surgical pain treatments for managing chronic conditions in the senior population.

A multi-modal and individualized approach is often the most effective way to manage chronic pain in elderly patients, and the involvement of the patient in deciding the treatment plan is crucial. Consulting with a pain center physician is the best way to access a wide array of treatments. The choice of treatment should be individualized, considering the type, location, and severity of pain, as well as the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and preferences. Regular consultations and follow-ups with a pain management physician are important to monitor progress and adjust treatments as needed.

Here are several treatment options that pain center physicians may offer apart from physical therapy:

Pain Management Options for Seniors

Interventional Procedures

  • Nerve Blocks: Injection of anesthetic directly to a nerve to block pain signals.
  • Epidural Steroid Injections: To reduce inflammation around the spinal nerves.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation: Uses radio waves to reduce nerve pain.
  • Joint Injections: For arthritis-related pain.

External Stimulation Therapies

  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): For modulating pain perception.
  • Ultrasound Therapy: Can be used for pain and inflammation.

Neurostimulation

  • Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): Involves implanting a device to send electrical signals to the spinal cord to block pain signals.

Stem Cell & PRP Therapy

  • Stem cell therapy leverages this power by promoting tissue repair at sites affected by injury or disease, such as degenerative disc conditions or osteoarthritis.  
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use a patient’s own blood cells, which are reinjected to accelerate healing in a specific area.

Medication Management

  • Non-Opioid Analgesics: Such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs.
  • Opioid Analgesics: Prescribed cautiously due to the risk of dependence and side effects.
  • Antidepressants and Anticonvulsants: For neuropathic pain.
  • Topical Analgesics: Such as lidocaine or capsaicin creams.

Assistive Devices

  • Orthotic Devices: Such as braces or shoe inserts, to support and align limbs.
  • Mobility Aids: Like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to help in moving around.

Patient Education

  • Education on Pain Management: Knowledge about pain mechanisms and management strategies.
  • Self-Management Programs: Empowering patients with skills and strategies to manage their pain.

Physical Therapy

  • Individualized Physical Therapy: A personalized physical therapy program, designed by a qualified physical therapist, can target specific issues causing pain. 
  • Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy involves the use of water for pain relief and treatment. 
  • Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy focuses on helping seniors perform daily activities without aggravating their pain. 
  • Massage: Therapeutic massage focuses on manipulating soft tissue to improve circulation and relieve pain.

Nutritional and Dietary Approaches

A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can play a supportive role in managing joint pain. Foods such as berries, green leafy vegetables, and fatty fish rich in omega-3s can be beneficial. Hydration is also an important factor. Keeping the body adequately hydrated is essential for joint health. Water is crucial for nearly every bodily function, including the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints.

Lifestyle Changes

Some of the most effective ways to manage or avoid joint pain come with the way we live our lives every day. One important factor is weight management. Excess body weight can exacerbate joint pain, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce the stress on these joints, leading to less pain.

Stress and anxiety can also heighten the perception of pain. Techniques such as meditation and mindfulness can help individuals become aware of their bodies and potentially lower their experience of pain.

Seeking Medical Help for Pain

While pharmacological regimens remain a common route for treating chronic pain, their potential drawbacks make it important to explore alternative options.  Our experienced pain specialists can help a comprehensive, tailored plan to manage your specific condition. Through an integrated approach using innovative treatments including regenerative medicine, it is indeed possible to significantly mitigate pain and improve the quality of life.  Call Summit Spine & Joint Centers today at (844) 972-7752 to schedule your consultation with our pain management specialists. We now have 26 convenient locations available in Georgia including our featured new location for Pain Management in Newnan, GA.

Understanding Primary vs. Secondary Chronic Pain

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Pain is a complex and deeply personal experience, one that we’ve all felt at some point in our lives. But for some, pain persists longer than it should, evolving into what is termed “chronic pain.” This can be further divided into two main categories: Primary and Secondary Chronic Pain. If you or a loved one experiences chronic pain, understanding these classifications can shed light on your situation, enabling better communication with your healthcare providers and enhancing the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

What is Chronic Pain? 

Before delving into the specifics, let’s clarify what chronic pain is. Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks, surpassing the expected healing period. It might be consistent or intermittent, and it can range from mild to excruciating. While acute pain is a normal bodily response to potential harm or injury, chronic pain persists, becoming a health issue in and of itself.

Primary Chronic Pain

Primary chronic pain is a pain unto itself. It isn’t the result of another disease or an injury, but rather, it is the main problem. One of the hallmarks of primary chronic pain is that it doesn’t have a clear-cut source and may even be general pain throughout the body. After extensive medical examinations, if a specific cause for the pain isn’t identified, it might be classified as primary. For example, fibromyalgia, a condition where individuals feel pain throughout their bodies without an apparent cause, is a classic example of primary chronic pain. Other examples include some types of chronic low-back pain, chronic pelvic pain, and some types of headache.

Primary chronic pain can impact various facets of a person’s life. It might limit physical activities, hamper social interactions, or affect mental well-being. Often, its unpredictability adds another layer of challenge, as patients might not know when a flare-up might occur.

Secondary Chronic Pain

Secondary chronic pain, on the other hand, is a result of another condition or injury. This pain is secondary because its presence can be linked directly to a specific cause. This type of pain is directly related to a known medical condition or injury. Once the condition is treated or managed, the pain typically decreases or goes away.

If someone has osteoarthritis (a degenerative joint disease) and feels chronic pain as a result, that pain is secondary to the disease. Similarly, pain resulting from nerve damage (neuropathic pain) after an injury, or pain linked to inflammation like in rheumatoid arthritis, are other examples of secondary chronic pain.

Since secondary chronic pain is linked to another condition, individuals might experience other symptoms related to that condition. For instance, a person with rheumatoid arthritis might feel pain (secondary chronic pain) but also experience joint swelling and stiffness.

Why Does the Distinction Matter?

If you are suffering chronic pain you might not care about its source. But the differences in primary vs. secondary chronic pain are important for three main reasons:

  1. Treatment Approaches: The approach to managing and treating primary vs. secondary chronic pain can differ significantly. For primary chronic pain, the focus might be more on pain management strategies since there isn’t an underlying condition to treat. This might include a combination of medications, physiotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. For secondary chronic pain, the treatment will likely address the underlying condition, which in turn should alleviate the pain.
  2. Diagnostic Process: Recognizing the type of pain can streamline the diagnostic process. If a patient presents with symptoms of a known condition (like osteoarthritis), and they complain of pain, the physician can make a quicker link between the two. However, if there’s no apparent cause, understanding primary chronic pain can prevent unnecessary investigations and lead to quicker pain management solutions.
  3. Setting Expectations: Understanding whether one’s pain is primary or secondary can help set realistic expectations. It allows patients to have a clearer picture of their journey ahead – whether it’s focused on managing pain or treating an underlying condition.

Living with chronic pain can be an overwhelming experience, but understanding its nature can empower patients in their healthcare journey. Whether it’s primary or secondary, recognizing the nuances of chronic pain can lead to better treatment plans, more effective communication with healthcare providers, and an overall improved quality of life.

We Are Here to Help Alleviate Chronic Pain

Always remember, if you’re experiencing persistent pain, it is essential that you consult with a medical professional. Every individual’s pain experience is unique, and only a comprehensive evaluation can offer insights tailored to your specific situation. Summit Spine & Joint has multiple pain management locations where our pain specialists can help alleviate your suffering. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our pain specialists to discuss your specific situation.  We now have 28 convenient locations available in Georgia including our featured new location for Pain Management in Newnan, GA.

Dealing with Chronic Pain in Children and Teens

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When a child says their stomach hurts almost every day, or a teenager stops showing up for practice because their back won’t let up, it’s easy to assume it will pass. Often it does. But for a real number of young patients, the pain doesn’t resolve on its own, and it can go unrecognized for months.

Chronic pain in children is real; it’s more common than most people expect, and it’s treatable. Kids and teens experience the same lasting pain conditions adults do, just filtered through a smaller vocabulary for describing what hurts in a body that’s still developing. Research puts the number at roughly 1 in 5 children and adolescents who experience chronic pain, according to a 2024 meta-analysis. Recognizing it early, rather than writing it off as a phase, is the first step toward helping your child find relief.

Common Types of Chronic Pain in Children and Teens

  • Chronic pain in kids doesn’t always show up as one clear, describable injury. It tends to fall into a few recognizable patterns, and a child can have more than one at once.
  • Musculoskeletal pain. Discomfort centered in the muscles, joints, or bones, often tied to growth, overuse, or an old injury that never fully healed.
  • Neuropathic pain. Pain caused by irritated or damaged nerves, often described as burning, tingling, or shooting rather than a dull ache.
  • Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS). Pain that’s out of proportion to any visible injury or test result, more common in older children and teens, and often linked to how the nervous system is processing pain signals.
  • Chronic headaches and migraines. Recurring headaches that go well beyond an occasional bad day and start to interfere with school or sleep.

When To See a Specialist

Most short-term aches resolve within a couple of weeks. Back pain in children and adolescents that lingers past that window, keeps coming back after rest, or starts limiting school, sports, or sleep is a signal to move past home care and get a pain-focused evaluation. The same goes for pain your child can’t tie to any injury, or pain a pediatrician has already looked at without finding a clear cause.

Why Is Chronic Pain Hard To Diagnose in Children?

Younger children especially may not have the words to describe where pain is coming from or how bad it is, and older kids will sometimes downplay pain out of fear or a desire to seem normal around friends. Providers can default to a growing-pains explanation for the same reason parents do: it’s the most common reason.

Back pain in children is a good example of how this plays out in practice. Imaging and standard tests don’t always show a clear cause, even when the pain is completely real, which means diagnosis depends on a careful history and consistent tracking over time rather than a single scan. Tools like the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, which pairs faces, numbers, and words so a child can point to what they’re feeling, help bridge that gap for patients who don’t yet have the vocabulary to describe pain in clinical terms.

What Does Treatment for Chronic Pain in Children Look Like?

There’s no single standard path for treating chronic pain in children. The right plan depends on the child’s age, the type of pain involved, and what’s realistic for a family managing school, schedules, and day-to-day life around it:

  • Pharmacological Treatment: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are usually the first line of treatment. For severe cases, stronger prescription medication may be prescribed with caution due to the potential for addiction and other side effects.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy aims at improving mobility and strength, which can subsequently alleviate pain. It’s particularly effective for musculoskeletal and post-injury pain.
  • Psychological Interventions: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in helping children manage the emotional aspects of pain. Mindfulness techniques and biofeedback are also gaining traction.
  • Interventional Pain Management: A medical specialty typically involving a pain management clinic that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain conditions using minimally invasive procedures and techniques like RFA, discography, and epidural injections. It aims to alleviate pain and improve a patient’s quality of life by targeting the source of pain and promoting functional recovery.
  • Multidisciplinary Programs: For conditions like AMPS, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach involving physical therapists, psychologists, and medical specialists is often the most effective treatment plan.

The Importance of Family Support

Treatment works better when the whole family is involved. Parents who validate a child’s pain, rather than questioning whether it’s real, tend to see better outcomes. Staying consistent with therapy, medication schedules, and follow-up appointments matters as much as the treatment plan itself.

 Schedule a Pediatric Pain Consultation

If your child or teen has been living with pain that doesn’t add up to a simple explanation, a pediatric pain consultation at Summit Spine & Joint Centers is the best next step. We’ll build an individual plan based on your child’s needs. Call (844) 972-7752 or request an appointment online to schedule a pediatric pain consultation. Serving patients at locations in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are signs my child's pain isn't normal growing pains?

Growing pains typically show up in the evening, affect both legs, and ease with gentle massage or by morning. Pain that’s one-sided, keeps a child from playing or attending school, wakes them at night, or comes with swelling, fever, or unexplained weight loss doesn’t fit that pattern and is worth a closer look.

Pediatric pain treatment starts with the least invasive options, including physical therapy, activity pacing, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Medication and interventional options are added only when needed, and every plan should come from a provider experienced in treating children rather than a scaled-down adult protocol.

If pain has lasted more than a few weeks, keeps returning after normal recovery time, or is starting to affect school, sleep, or activities your teen used to enjoy, it’s time to bring in a specialist rather than wait it out. A pediatric pain evaluation can also help when a primary care visit hasn’t turned up a clear explanation.

How Long Do Pinched Nerves Last?

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Waking up with your arm asleep is one thing. Dealing with shooting pain, numbness, or weakness that lingers for days is another. How long a pinched nerve lasts varies widely depending on the cause, severity, and how quickly treatment begins, and understanding your symptoms is the first step to knowing what kind of timeline you’re looking at. Below, we’ll break down the common causes, symptoms, and treatment options so you know when it’s time to consult the pain care specialists at Summit Spine & Joint Centers.

What is a Pinched Nerve?

Let’s start with the basics. A pinched nerve, or nerve compression, happens when excessive pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s function, leading to pinched nerve symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.

Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body but are most common in the neck (cervical spine), lower back (lumbar spine), and the carpal tunnel of the wrist.

Symptoms are often worse at night or after sitting still for a while, which is part of what makes a pinched nerve so disruptive day-to-day.

Typical Duration of a Pinched Nerve

According to the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic, most pinched nerves improve within a few days to a few weeks, especially when the compression is mild. However, the duration can vary based on:

  • Cause: Repetitive activities or certain body positions might exacerbate the nerve compression. For instance, carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive wrist motions may take longer to heal than a pinched nerve from a single instance of lifting a heavy object.
  • Severity: Mild compression might resolve faster than severe compression or if there’s any damage to the nerve itself.
  • Underlying Conditions: Some medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes can complicate or prolong nerve compression.
  • Age: As we grow older, our body’s healing mechanisms can slow down. Consequently, older adults might experience longer recovery times.
  • Treatment: Seeking appropriate medical attention promptly and adhering to the recommended treatment can reduce the duration of symptoms.

How long a pinched nerve lasts really depends on what’s causing it. Minor compression, like sleeping in an awkward position or sitting too long, tends to clear up within a few days to two weeks without formal treatment. Compression from a herniated disc or from facet joint changes that narrow the space around a nerve root takes longer to resolve, since it’s the underlying structural issue, not just nerve irritation, that has to improve. Recovery also depends on severity, age, any underlying conditions, and how closely you stick with treatment. 

At Summit Spine, we know how to fix a pinched nerve, and it usually starts with the basics: rest, activity modification, and over-the-counter pain relief, and moves toward more targeted nerve pain treatment if symptoms don’t ease up on their own.

Can a Pinched Nerve Become Permanent?

It’s uncommon, but yes, a pinched nerve can become permanent if the pressure isn’t relieved. When a nerve is compressed for only a short time, function typically returns fully once the pressure is off. 

However, if left untreated, it’s possible for the nerve compression to cause permanent damage, a risk that Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic both note increases the longer compression continues. Here’s why:

  • Chronic Compression: Prolonged pressure on a nerve can lead to chronic inflammation. Over time, this can cause scarring, which might permanently affect the nerve’s function.
  • Decreased Blood Flow: The ongoing pressure might reduce blood flow to the nerve, depriving it of essential nutrients and oxygen. Without these, nerve cells can become permanently damaged.
  • Direct Nerve Damage: In severe cases, the compression can damage the nerve’s protective barrier. This may affect the nerve’s ability to send signals efficiently.

Prevention Is the Key

While some causes of pinched nerves are unavoidable, you can take steps to minimize your risk: 

  • Maintaining good posture, especially at a desk
  • Building regular exercise into your week to keep supporting muscles strong
  • Using ergonomic equipment where you sit or work most
  • Employing proper lifting techniques instead of bending from the back
  • Taking breaks during repetitive tasks so the same tissue isn’t under constant strain.

To minimize the risk of permanent damage, it’s essential to seek medical attention if you suspect a pinched nerve, especially if the symptoms persist or are severe.

We Offer Relief From Pinched Nerves

If a pinched nerve isn’t easing up on its own, Summit Spine & Joint Centers can help identify what’s causing the compression and build a treatment plan around it. Find the pain management location near you, and contact us to schedule a consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a pinched nerve in the neck last?

A pinched nerve in the neck follows the same general timeline as other pinched nerves, a few days to a few weeks for mild cases. Because neck nerves often connect to the shoulder and arm, symptoms there can take a bit longer to fully resolve, especially if a herniated disc in the cervical spine is involved.

Yes, most mild pinched nerves heal on their own once the pressure causing them is relieved, whether that’s from rest, a change in position, or activity modification. If symptoms haven’t improved after a couple of weeks, or they’re getting worse, it’s worth having a provider take a look rather than continuing to wait it out.

See a doctor if pain, numbness, or weakness lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps coming back, or starts interfering with daily activities. Sudden muscle weakness, intense pain, or loss of bladder or bowel control are signs to get evaluated right away rather than waiting.

A pinched nerve is the symptom: nerve compression causing pain, numbness, or weakness, while a herniated disc is one possible cause of it. Discs can herniate without pinching a nerve at all, and pinched nerves can come from other sources too, like bone spurs, muscle tightness, or repetitive strain.

New Year, New Hope: Managing Chronic Pain in 2024

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As pain management physicians, we witness firsthand the daily struggles of individuals living with chronic pain. It’s a thief of joy, stealing precious moments and impacting every aspect of life. But with a new year dawning, there’s no better time than now to reclaim your well-being and make chronic pain management a top priority. So, let’s ditch the generic resolutions and focus on achievable goals that can bring real, lasting change.

  • Embrace Movement, But Move Smart: Exercise is often touted as the ultimate pain panacea, but for those with chronic pain, aggressive workouts can backfire. Instead, prioritize gentle, low-impact activities that strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and boost endorphins without exacerbating pain. Yoga, tai chi, swimming, and walking are excellent options. Remember, consistency is key. Start small, aim for 20-30 minutes most days, and gradually increase intensity and duration as you progress.
  • Befriend Mindfulness: Chronic pain is often intertwined with stress and anxiety, which can amplify pain perception. Mindfulness practices like deep breathing, meditation, and guided imagery can help break this cycle. These techniques promote relaxation, reduce stress hormones, and boost your ability to cope with pain. There are countless apps and online resources to guide you, so find what resonates with you and make it a daily ritual.
  • Fuel Your Body, Optimize Your Health: Food is powerful medicine, and what you eat can significantly impact your pain levels. Prioritize anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive red meat, as these can contribute to inflammation and worsen pain. Remember, staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and pain management. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily.
  • Sleep: Your Pain-Relieving Superpower: When you’re in pain, sleep becomes elusive, but it’s vital for both physical and mental recovery. Prioritize good sleep hygiene by establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and avoiding screens before bed. If pain keeps you awake, talk to your doctor about pain management strategies that won’t disrupt sleep.
  • Build Your Support System: Chronic pain conditions can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Connect with family and friends who offer emotional support and practical help. Consider joining a chronic pain support group to connect with others who understand your challenges and share coping strategies. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
  • Embrace the Power of Technology: Pain management is embracing the digital age! Wearable devices can track your pain levels, sleep patterns, and activity, providing valuable insights and helping you identify triggers. Telehealth appointments offer convenient access to pain specialists, while pain management apps can guide you through relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, and pain journaling.
  • Explore the Frontiers of Treatment: The field of pain management is constantly evolving, offering new hope for those living with chronic pain. Minimally invasive procedures like nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation can target specific pain generators. Non-opioid medications are gaining traction, offering effective pain relief with fewer side effects. And research into regenerative medicine holds promise for long-term pain relief by promoting tissue healing.

Remember, chronic pain management is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, but with these tips and a positive mindset, you can navigate the challenges and reclaim your life.

And finally, a word of encouragement: You are not alone. Millions around the world share your struggle, and countless resources are available to support you. So, embrace the possibilities this new year brings, prioritize your well-being, and take control of your chronic pain. You deserve to live a life filled with joy, hope, and vibrant health and the health professionals of Summit Spine & Joint Centers are here to help. Call us at (844) 972-7752 for an appointment at any of our 28 locations including our featured new location for Pain Management in Augusta, GA.

Gate Control Theory of Pain: How Your Nervous System Turns Pain Up or Down

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If you live with chronic pain, you’ve probably noticed it doesn’t behave the same way every day. It can flare when you’re stressed or exhausted and fade into the background when you’re absorbed in something you enjoy. The gate control theory of pain, proposed by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall in 1965, asks us to imagine a “gate” in the spinal cord that lets more or fewer pain signals through to the brain, depending on other nerve activity and signals coming down from the brain. It isn’t a treatment. It’s an explanation of how pain is adjusted along the way, and it’s shaped many of the pain management approaches used today.

What Is the Gate Control Theory of Pain?

The gate control theory of pain says that pain signals don’t travel straight from an injury to the brain. They pass through a checkpoint in the spinal cord that can amplify or dampen them first. Touch, movement, emotions and attention can all influence how open that checkpoint is.

Before 1965, pain was widely viewed as a direct alarm: the more tissue damage, the more pain. Melzack and Wall’s theory offered a better explanation for everyday experiences that didn’t fit that model, such as why rubbing a bumped elbow helps, or why two people with the same injury can feel very different amounts of pain.

How Does Gate Control Theory Work?

The theory centers on an area of the spinal cord called the dorsal horn, where incoming nerve signals are processed before traveling to the brain. Different types of nerve fibers compete there, and the brain sends its own signals down to influence the result.

Large Fibers That Help Close the Gate

Large, fast nerve fibers carry information about touch, pressure and vibration. When they’re active, they can reduce how many pain signals get passed along. This is why rubbing or pressing on a sore spot often takes the edge off.

Small Fibers That Push the Gate Open

Smaller, slower fibers carry pain signals. When these fibers are highly active and there’s little competing input, more pain signals make it through to the brain.

The Brain’s Role

The brain doesn’t just receive pain signals. It also sends messages back down the spinal cord that can turn pain transmission up or down. Attention, mood, stress, expectations and past experiences all feed into those descending signals, which is why emotional state and focus can change how strongly pain is felt.

Gate control theory of pain diagram showing pain and touch nerve fibers meeting at a spinal cord gate with signals traveling to and from the brain

What Opens and Closes the Pain Gate?

Physical sensations, emotions and overall health can all influence the gate. None of these factors switches pain on or off, but each can nudge how intense it feels.

Factors that tend to help close the gate:

  • Gentle touch, massage, pressure or vibration near the painful area
  • Movement and regular physical activity
  • Heat or cold applied to the area
  • Relaxation, slow breathing and feeling calm
  • Engaging activities, conversation or music that draw your attention elsewhere
  • Restful sleep and a sense of social support

Factors that tend to open the gate:

  • Ongoing stress, worry or fear about pain
  • Low mood, frustration or feeling isolated
  • Focusing intently on the pain or repeatedly checking how it feels
  • Poor or limited sleep
  • Ongoing inflammation or tissue injury

Examples of Gate Control Theory in Everyday Life

You’ve likely experienced gate control without knowing its name. Common examples include rubbing a stubbed toe, shaking out a hand after a pinch, or forgetting about a headache during an absorbing movie.

Rubbing or Massaging a Sore Spot

Pressing or rubbing an injured area activates the large touch fibers, which compete with pain signals at the spinal gate. Massage works on a similar principle.

Heat and Cold

A warm compress or cold pack adds competing temperature signals and can help muscles relax. Cold also reduces swelling after an acute injury.

TENS Units

A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit sends mild electrical pulses through the skin. It was developed partly with gate control principles in mind. Many people use it, but the research is mixed. A 2019 overview of Cochrane reviews found the quality of evidence for chronic pain too low to say with confidence whether TENS helps. Talk with a provider about whether it’s worth trying for your condition.

Movement and Distraction

Gentle movement adds touch and position signals and can ease stiffness. Distraction works from the top down: when your attention is engaged elsewhere, the brain tends to give pain signals less priority.

How Is Gate Control Theory Used in Chronic Pain Management?

Gate control theory helps explain why pain care often combines several approaches instead of relying on one. Treatments that add competing nerve input, calm the stress response or change how the nervous system processes pain all fit within the framework. They are tools that can help, not guarantees.

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Staying active is one of the most widely recommended nondrug approaches for chronic pain. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), yoga has shown benefits for low back pain in the short and intermediate term, and tai chi may decrease pain intensity and improve everyday function.

Mindfulness and Relaxation

Mindfulness and relaxation practices target the brain’s role in the gate. NCCIH reports that mindfulness-based interventions can help decrease pain intensity and improve physical functioning in chronic pain. It also notes moderate-quality evidence for mindfulness-based stress reduction in low back pain. Progressive muscle relaxation is among the nondrug approaches suggested as a first step for chronic low back pain.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback uses sensors to show real-time information about muscle tension, heart rate or breathing, so you can learn to adjust those responses. NCCIH notes that biofeedback may moderately improve low back pain.

Sleep

Sleep and pain affect each other. Research published in the Journal of Neuroscience in 2019 found that sleep loss heightened pain sensitivity in healthy adults. Protecting sleep is one practical way to keep the gate from swinging wider.

Neuromodulation

The gate control theory also influenced the development of spinal cord stimulation, which sends mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord to interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. Spinal cord stimulation may be considered for certain types of chronic pain when conservative treatments and medications haven’t provided enough relief. Whether it’s an option for you depends on a detailed evaluation.

Does Gate Control Theory Mean Pain Is “All in Your Head”?

No. Gate control theory confirms that pain is real and rooted in the nervous system. It shows that the brain and spinal cord actively shape how strongly pain is felt, which is very different from saying pain is imagined.

This distinction matters for people with chronic pain, who are sometimes told their symptoms are exaggerated. Understanding that stress, sleep and attention affect pain signals doesn’t mean you can or should simply think your pain away. It means there are several ways to support your nervous system alongside medical care.

Building a Personal Approach

Because pain is shaped by many factors, the most useful approach is one built around your condition, triggers and daily life. A few practical starting points:

  • Keep a simple pain diary to track what seems to make pain better or worse
  • Try one gate-closing strategy at a time, such as heat, gentle movement or slow breathing, so you can tell what helps
  • Make sleep a priority. The CDC recommends at least seven hours a night for adults
  • Combine physical, emotional and lifestyle strategies instead of relying on just one
  • Be patient. Changes in chronic pain often happen gradually, and bad days don’t mean a strategy has failed

Self-management works best alongside professional care, not instead of it.

When To See a Pain Management Specialist

A pain management specialist can help when self-care strategies aren’t enough on their own. Consider making an appointment if:

  • Your pain has lasted longer than three months or keeps coming back
  • Pain is limiting your sleep, work or ability to stay active
  • Pain travels into your arms or legs, or comes with numbness, tingling or weakness
  • You’re relying on pain medication more than you’d like
  • You want a coordinated plan that includes options beyond medication

Seek immediate care for sudden severe pain, pain after a serious injury, or pain with loss of bladder or bowel control.

Chronic Pain Care at Summit Spine & Joint Centers

At Summit Spine & Joint Centers, chronic pain care starts with understanding where your pain comes from and what affects it. Our board-certified physicians, many with fellowship training in fluoroscopically guided spine interventions, build personalized plans that may combine medication management, rehabilitation and minimally invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation. Find the pain management clinic near you or talk to a specialist at (844) 972-7752.

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Gate Control Theory of Pain FAQs

Simply put, the gate control theory of pain says there’s a “gate” in the spinal cord that controls how many pain signals reach the brain. Touch, pressure and calming signals from the brain can help close it, while strong pain signals, such as stress and fear, can push it open. It explains why the same injury can feel more or less painful depending on what else is happening in your body and mind.

Common strategies include rubbing or massaging the sore area, using heat or cold, gentle movement, slow breathing, mindfulness and activities that hold your attention. Protecting your sleep and managing stress also help, since both affect how the nervous system handles pain. These strategies can ease pain for many people, but they work best as part of a broader plan, and they don’t replace evaluation for pain that is severe, persistent or getting worse.

The theory itself is an explanation, not a treatment, but many approaches that fit within it have research behind them. NCCIH reports evidence that mindfulness-based programs, yoga, tai chi and biofeedback can help with some types of chronic pain, especially low back pain. Spinal cord stimulation grew directly out of gate control ideas. Evidence for other tools, such as TENS, is less certain. Results vary from person to person, which is why a specialist’s input is valuable.

The classic example is rubbing your elbow after bumping it. The pressure activates large touch fibers that compete with pain signals at the spinal gate, so the pain eases. Getting so absorbed in a conversation or movie that you briefly forget a headache is another example, this time driven by signals from the brain.

Yes, though it has been refined. Researchers have since found that the specific spinal wiring Melzack and Wall proposed in 1965 is more complex than they described. The core idea, that pain signals are modulated in the spinal cord and influenced by the brain, remains foundational in pain science. It also helped inspire treatments such as TENS and spinal cord stimulation.

Pain Management Medication: 10 Myths and Facts Patients Should Know

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Few parts of pain care raise as many questions as medication. Pain management medication covers a wide range of options, from common over-the-counter pain relievers to prescription drugs used for nerve pain, inflammation or more severe pain. These medications may be used to ease short-term pain after an injury, manage flare-ups of a chronic condition or make it easier to take part in physical therapy and daily activity. 

In most cases, medication is one part of a broader pain management plan, not the whole plan. The right choice depends on the type and cause of your pain, your medical history and the other medications you take. Below, we cover the main medication categories and correct some of the most common misunderstandings patients and caregivers bring to their first appointment.

What Medications Are Used for Pain Management?

Pain medications work in different ways, so providers choose them based on where pain comes from and how it behaves. Most fall into a few broad groups.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen relieves pain and reduces fever, but it doesn’t treat inflammation. It’s available over the counter and is also an ingredient in many combination cold, flu and prescription pain products.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen reduce both pain and inflammation. They’re often used for muscle, joint and back pain, and some are available in prescription strengths or as topical creams and gels.

Medications for Nerve Pain

Nerve-related pain, such as sciatica or neuropathy, doesn’t always respond well to standard pain relievers. Providers may prescribe certain anticonvulsant or antidepressant medications, which can calm overactive nerve signals even in people who don’t have seizures or depression.

Muscle Relaxants and Corticosteroids

Muscle relaxants may be used for a short time to ease painful muscle spasms. Corticosteroids, taken by mouth or delivered by injection, reduce inflammation around irritated joints and nerves.

Opioids

Opioids are strong prescription pain relievers. Current guidance generally reserves them for situations where other treatments haven’t provided enough relief, and the expected benefits outweigh the risks. When they are used, they’re typically prescribed at the lowest effective dose with close follow-up.

10 Myths and Facts About Pain Management Medication

Misinformation about pain medication can push people in either direction. Some avoid treatment that could help, and others rely on medication in ways that carry unnecessary risk. Here’s what the evidence says about some of the most common beliefs.

Can Pain Management Medication Lead to Addiction?

Myth: Taking pain medication always leads to addiction.

Fact: No. Most pain medications, including acetaminophen and NSAIDs, carry no risk of addiction. Opioids can lead to addiction, but that doesn’t mean everyone who takes them will develop it. Many myths about addiction come from mixing up three different things. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, tolerance means needing more of a drug to get the same effect, and dependence means the body has adapted to a drug’s presence. Addiction is a chronic disease marked by compulsive use despite harmful consequences. NIDA notes that prescription opioids used for pain relief are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed, but they can be misused. That’s why providers review your history carefully, start at the lowest effective dose and monitor how you respond.

Is It Better to Tough Out Pain Without Treatment?

Myth: If you can endure the pain, it’s better not to treat it.

Fact: Not necessarily. Ongoing pain that goes unaddressed can affect sleep, mood, physical activity and the ability to work. Pain is also a signal worth investigating, and treating it is about finding and addressing the cause, not just masking symptoms. Medication is one tool, but not the only one.

Are Over-the-Counter Pain Medications Safe?

Myth: Over-the-counter pain relievers are completely harmless.

Fact: They can carry real risks, especially when taken in higher amounts or for long periods. The FDA warns that taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver failure. Because acetaminophen is found in hundreds of products, it’s easy to take more than intended by combining medications. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and kidney problems, and the FDA has strengthened its warning that non-aspirin NSAIDs increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, with greater risk at higher doses. Follow label directions, and talk with a provider if you need OTC pain relievers regularly.

Does a Higher Dose Mean Better Pain Relief?

Myth: More medication always means more relief.

Fact: No. Past a certain point, a higher dose often adds side effects and risks without adding much relief. Providers aim for the lowest dose that controls pain well enough for you to function, and they adjust based on how you respond. The CDC’s 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline applies the same principle to opioids, recommending the lowest effective dose when they’re prescribed.

Is Medication the Only Way to Manage Chronic Pain?

Myth: Medication is the only real solution for pain.

Fact: No. Chronic pain medication can be helpful, but it works best as part of a broader plan. The CDC’s 2022 guideline states that non-opioid therapies are preferred for subacute and chronic pain, and that category includes both non-opioid medications and treatments that don’t involve medication at all. Depending on the source of pain, a plan may include physical therapy, exercise, behavioral approaches or interventional procedures such as radiofrequency ablation or spinal cord stimulation. Combining approaches, often called multimodal pain management, lets each one do part of the work.

Do Pain Medications Work the Same for Everyone?

Myth: If a medication works for one person, it will work for you.

Fact: No. People respond to the same medication differently because of genetics, the cause of their pain, other health conditions and the other medications they take. A drug that helps one person may do little for another or cause side effects. That’s why pain management plans are individualized and often adjusted over time.

Does Taking Pain Medication Mean Ignoring the Cause?

Myth: Using pain medication means giving up on finding out what’s wrong.

Fact: No. Good pain care treats symptoms while working to identify and address the underlying cause. Medication can make it possible to take part in physical therapy, diagnostic testing and other treatments that target the source of the pain.

Should Pain Medication Eliminate Pain Completely?

Myth: If medication is working, you should feel no pain at all.

Fact: Not always. For many conditions, especially chronic ones, the realistic goal is to reduce pain enough that you can sleep, move and handle daily activities more comfortably. Chasing zero pain can lead to higher doses and more side effects without a meaningful gain in function.

Should You Wait Until Pain Is Severe to Take Medication?

Myth: It’s always best to hold off on medication until pain becomes unbearable.

Fact: It depends on the medication and your treatment plan. For some types of pain, providers recommend a regular schedule because pain can be harder to control once it escalates. For others, medication is meant to be taken only as needed. Follow the timing your provider recommends, and ask if you’re unsure.

Does Everyone Experience Pain the Same Way?

Myth: Two people with the same condition feel the same pain.

Fact: No. Pain is shaped by physical, emotional and psychological factors, so two people with the same diagnosis can experience it very differently. A good care plan takes your own experience of pain seriously instead of treating the diagnosis alone.

When To Talk With a Pain Management Specialist

Questions about medication are often a sign that it’s time for a more complete look at your pain. Consider speaking with a pain management specialist if:

  • Your pain has lasted longer than a few months or keeps returning
  • You rely on over-the-counter pain relievers most days
  • Your current medication isn’t controlling pain well enough to sleep, work or stay active
  • Side effects are making it hard to continue your medication
  • You want to explore options that reduce how much you depend on medication

Individualized Pain Care at Summit Spine & Joint Centers

At Summit Spine & Joint Centers, medication is one part of a care plan built around your diagnosis, health history and goals. Our board-certified physicians, many with fellowship training in fluoroscopically guided spine interventions, combine medication management with rehabilitation and minimally invasive procedures when appropriate. Find a location near you or call (844) 972-7752 for more information.

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Pain Management Medication FAQs

Common pain management medications include acetaminophen, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, topical pain relievers, medications for nerve pain, muscle relaxants and corticosteroids. Opioids are used in some situations, usually when other options haven’t provided enough relief. A provider chooses among them based on the type of pain, its cause and your overall health.

No single medication is the safest choice for everyone. Acetaminophen and NSAIDs don’t carry addiction risk, but they can harm the liver, stomach, kidneys or heart if they aren’t used as directed. The best option depends on your pain, your medical history and the other medications you take. A pain management specialist can weigh those factors and help you find a plan that balances relief with risk.

No. Many people find pain relief without medication through physical therapy, exercise, heat and cold therapy, behavioral approaches and interventional procedures. Treatments such as radiofrequency ablation target the nerves that carry pain signals directly. For many people, the most effective plan combines several approaches, and medication may play a large role, a small one or none at all.

Consider seeing a specialist if your pain lasts more than a few months, keeps interfering with sleep or daily activity, or isn’t well controlled with your current approach. It also helps to see a specialist if you’re worried about side effects or long-term medication use. Seek immediate care for sudden severe pain, pain after a serious injury or pain with weakness, numbness or loss of bladder or bowel control.

A Warning About “Do-It-Yourself” Back Pain Fixes

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As back pain specialists, we have observed a rising trend in patients attempting do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions for back pain relief. While the desire to find quick and easy fixes is understandable, especially given the discomfort and disruption back pain causes in daily life, it is crucial to approach these remedies with caution. This article serves as a warning about the risks and limitations associated with DIY back pain fixes and underscores the importance of professional medical advice.

The Allure of DIY Solutions

In an era where information is just a click away, the internet has become a treasure trove of home remedies and DIY solutions for nearly every condition, including back pain. Social media platforms and forums are filled with tips ranging from stretching exercises to homemade concoctions. The appeal of these solutions is undeniable: they promise quick, cost-effective relief without the need to visit a healthcare provider.

The Risks of Self-Diagnosis and Treatment

Self-diagnosing and treating back pain can lead to a range of issues, some of which may exacerbate the problem rather than alleviate it. Here are several reasons why DIY back pain fixes can be more harmful than beneficial:

  • Misdiagnosis: Back pain can stem from a variety of causes, including muscle strain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and more. Each condition requires a specific treatment approach. Without a proper medical diagnosis, you may be treating the wrong problem, delaying effective treatment, and potentially causing further harm.
  • Inappropriate Treatments: Many DIY remedies lack scientific backing and may not be effective for back pain relief. Some treatments may even be harmful, leading to increased pain, injury, or other health complications.
  • Over-reliance on Quick Fixes: Quick fixes may provide temporary relief but often fail to address the underlying cause of back pain. This can lead to a cycle of chronic pain and dependency on ineffective treatments.
  • Neglecting Professional Care: Attempting DIY fixes can delay seeking professional medical advice and treatment, which can lead to worsening conditions and more complex problems in the long run.
A Warning About “Do-It-Yourself” Back Pain Fixes
 

Understanding the Limitations

It is important to recognize the limitations of DIY back pain solutions. While some home remedies and exercises can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, they should not replace professional medical advice and intervention. Only a qualified healthcare professional can assess your condition accurately, recommend appropriate treatments, and monitor your progress. Seeking professional guidance from a healthcare provider specializing in pain management or musculoskeletal disorders, like those here at Summit Spine & Joint, offers several benefits:

  • Accurate Diagnosis: A professional can conduct a thorough assessment, including medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, to identify the precise cause of your back pain.
  • Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your diagnosis, a healthcare provider can develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, which may include medication, physical therapy, exercises, lifestyle adjustments, or even surgery, if necessary.
  • Safe and Effective Treatments: Professionals can recommend evidence-based treatments that are safe and have been proven effective for back pain relief.
  • Monitoring and Adjustment: Your healthcare provider can monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed, ensuring that you are on the right path to recovery.

When DIY Might Be Appropriate

While this article serves as a caution against DIY back pain fixes, it’s worth noting that not all home remedies are off-limits. Some practices, such as gentle stretching, yoga, and applying heat or cold packs, can be beneficial when used correctly and as part of a broader treatment plan recommended by a healthcare professional.

Help Yourself with a Phone Call

Back pain can significantly impact your quality of life, and the desire for quick relief is understandable. However, the risks associated with DIY back pain fixes cannot be overlooked. Misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatments, and neglecting professional care can lead to worsened conditions and prolonged suffering. It is paramount to seek professional medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and a tailored, effective treatment plan. Schedule an appointment at any of our 30 locations in Georgia including our featured location this month for Pain Management in Columbus, GA.

 

What is “Text Neck” and How Can You Prevent It?

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So-called “text neck” is a very common affliction affecting people who text on a phone or other device frequently. This condition is a result of the constant growth in the mobile user population, whereby flexing the head forward to text on a smartphone directly impacts the spine. It’s more common among children and teens who spend a majority of their day on smart phones.

Text neck is essentially a repetitive stress injury with the primary cause being excessive texting or mobile device use. It can be diagnosed by a doctor after performing a physical exam and taking the patient’s history.

When you tilt your head forward 15 degrees, this action places 27 pounds of force on your neck, according to Physiopedia. This increases to 40 lbs. at 30 degrees, 49 lbs. at 45 degrees and 60 lbs. at 60 degrees.

The damage caused by untreated text neck is akin to occupational overuse syndrome or repetitive stress and strain injuries.

 

Common Symptoms of Text Neck

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Pain in the neck, upper back, or shoulder. This pain can be intense or stabbing, or it could be more like a general achiness and soreness over a broader region, such as from the bottom of the neck to the shoulders.
  • Rounded shoulders and forward head posture. Muscles in the chest, neck, and upper back may become imbalanced due to excessive periods of forward head posture.
  • Reduced mobility. You may experience tightness and reduced mobility in your neck, upper back, and shoulders.
  • Headaches. Muscles can spasm at the base of the neck, resulting in pain in the head. You may also experience eyestrain and headache.
  • Increased pain with neck flexion. Symptoms may worsen when your neck is flexed forward while glancing down and texting.
  • Radiating pain: Neck pain can radiate into the arms and shoulders.

 

Text Neck Treatment

Text neck can usually be treated at home without the need for invasive procedures. You can:

  • Do exercises and stretches to increase your neck’s strength and flexibility
  • Improve your postural habits when using your smartphone.
  • Raise the phone closer to eye level so you don’t have to tilt your head forward.
  • Take frequent breaks. Set reminders on your phone to put it down, do some stretches and take a break.
  • Stand up straight, tucking your chin in and pulling your shoulders back. This will ensure your body remains aligned in a neutral position.
  • Arch your neck and upper back backward every so often to alleviate muscle pain.
  • Exercise regularly: Teens can engage in low-impact team or endurance sports to keep neck pain at bay. People who have strong and flexible backs and necks are better able to handle extra stress.

Most times, text neck can be dealt with on your own. But for more persistent text neck pain, you can explore non-invasive treatments for pain, which can include medications, pain-relieving procedures and rehabilitation.

Contact Summit Spine and Joint Centers

To book a consultation to treat your “text neck” or other pain condition, contact us at (844) 972-7752 about visiting one of our 21 centers including our newest location for Pain Management in Stockbridge, GA. 

 

 

How to Tell Acute Pain From Chronic Pain

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Pain is the way your body can signal that something has happened or that something may be wrong. When that pain happens rapidly and then starts to go away once the source is removed, that is called acute pain. If the pain lasts longer than a period of six months and you still feel that pain, even when the initial injury has been treated, this is known as chronic pain.

Acute Pain

Acute pain appears suddenly by something specific, and the pain is sharp. Acute pain is a “good” pain – it tells you that you have been hurt and is a normal reaction to an event. You feel acute pain when you break an ankle, hit your thumb with a hammer or put your hand on a hot stove top.

It does not last longer than a period of six months and goes away when the underlying cause is removed. Causes of acute pain can include:

  • Injuries
  • Surgery
  • Fractures
  • Dental work
  • Burns and cuts
  • Labor and childbirth

Yes, the pain is very real and very strong when it happens, but it does subside. Generally, once acute pain recedes you are able to move on with your life and live pain free.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is something you typically live with for a long time, perhaps even your whole life. Chronic pain is ongoing and lasts longer than six months. It often continues well after the initial injury or illness has been resolved. That’s because pain signals remain active for weeks, months or years in the nervous system. Some people even have chronic pain even when no past injury, illness or bodily damage has occurred.

More than 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, according to Healthline.

Chronic pain is associated with the following conditions:

  • Headaches
  • Arthritis
  • Cancer
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Nerve pain
  • Back pain

Stress impacts the body in many ways, and many stressors can result in physical and emotional conditions such as:

  • Tense muscles
  • Limited movement
  • Lack of energy
  • Changes in appetite
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Anger
  • Fear of re-injury, which could limit the ability to engage in leisure activities, physical exercise or return to work.

Many people cannot work due to chronic pain, or miss several days a year from work. Researchers say the total value of lost productivity because of chronic pain in employees is about $300 billion annually. The most common sources of chronic pain include back, hip, knee, and foot pain.

Fibromyalgia is another common source of pain, with symptoms including exhaustion, depression, restless leg syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, bladder problems, tingling and numbness, and sensitivity to lights, noise, or temperature.

Chronic pain differs from acute pain in that it doesn’t go away when the initial injury has healed. It can be present and affect your life for months, years or decades. But there are solutions, and they don’t all include invasive surgery.

Contact Summit Spine and Joint Centers

If you suffer from chronic pain that is interfering with your daily life, you may be a good candidate for one of our minimally invasive techniques. Call Summit Spine and Joint Centers today at (844) 972-7752 to make an appointment about visiting one of our 21 centers including our newest location for Pain Management in Stockbridge, GA. 

 

MEDIAL BRANCH BLOCK

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Do you know what a medial branch block is?

A medial branch block is a treatment we perform at Summit Spine and Joint Centers to help with pain that has developed due to a damaged or inflamed facet joint in the spine. A facet joint is the bony structure that connects spinal vertebrae together. Facet joints help control the movement of the spine and provide extra support and stability for the vertebrae.

When you have a medial branch block, a local anesthetic such as lidocaine is injected into the medial nerve of the facet joint. Injecting the local anesthetic into the medial nerve helps healthcare providers diagnose back pain. If the injection relieves at least 50% of your usual back pain, your healthcare provider will likely confirm that the pain is coming from the facet joint and recommend radiofrequency ablation as treatment. Medial branch blocks are also used to diagnose sacroiliac joint pain.

For the full article click here

If you feel pain when you are bending, twisting or flexing, you may be a candidate for a medial branch block! Call us today to begin your pain free journey! (844) 972-7752

 

 

 

Ways to Treat Sciatica Without Surgery

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Sciatica references the pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back through your buttocks and hips, and then down each leg. This condition usually only affects one side of the body. Sciatica most commonly arises in cases of herniated disks, bone spurs on the spine or spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spine). All of these can compress parts of the nerve, leading to pain, inflammation, and sometimes numbness in your leg.

While sciatica can get quite painful, most times, you can feel relief with non-surgical treatments as well as physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, exercises and cold therapy.

Common causes of sciatica can include:

  • Compressed Lumbar Disc, also known as lumbar radiculopathy, AKA sciatica
  • Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (caused by osteoarthritis and bulging discs)
  • Spondylolisthesis (caused by trauma to the spine)
  • Trauma to the gluteal area
  • Pregnancy

Here at Summit Spine and Joint Centers, we treat many acute and chronic pain conditions of the neck, joints and back, including sciatica, fibromyalgia, disc disease, and spinal stenosis using state-of-the-art, minimally-invasive techniques that help to restore function and ensure a higher quality of life.

It’s always wise to explore all non-surgical options before resorting to an operation as a last-ditch effort. Here are some ways sciatica can be treated without surgery.

How to Alleviate Sciatica

Mild cases of sciatica only need some rest and self-care treatments at home such as hot or cold ice packs. If your symptoms are lasting more than a week, or have resulted from an injury or trauma, see your doctor.

Here are some non-surgical options for sciatica pain treatment:

  • Exercise: Because inflammation improves when you stay active, taking short walks can help.
  • Limited bed rest: Sleep on a firm mattress and stay mostly in bed for a few days to see if that helps.
  • Hot and cold packs: Apply to the lower back, on and off, a few times a day. Do cold packs first for a couple of days, then switch to heat packs.
  • Alternative therapies: Yoga, massage, biofeedback, acupuncture
  • Medication: You can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and NSAIDS such as ibuprofen and naproxen but don’t use for a long period of time without discussing it with your doctor.
  • Physical therapy: PTs can come up with an exercise and stretching routine to improve posture and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
  • Stretches: Do lower-back stretches every day.
  • Non-surgical procedures: These include Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection, designed to relieve lower back and radiating leg pain. Steroids reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by a variety of spinal conditions.

Surgery isn’t the only option when it comes to sciatica and other spinal pain. Trying non-invasive techniques first can save you a lot of time, money and post-surgical issues.

Contact Summit Spine and Joint Centers

To book a consultation on how to treat your painful sciatica without undergoing invasive surgery,  Call us today at (844) 972-7752 and make an appointment to visit one our 22 pain centers including our featured location in July for Pain Management in Roswell, GA. 

 

 

 

 

 


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