Back Pain

What causes back pain?

The human spine is comprised of a network of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. A problem with any of these components can lead to significant back pain. 

When you think about the strain placed on your spine throughout each day, it’s surprising back pain isn’t even more common. Some of the issues that can lead to back pain include:

• Muscle spasm
• Sciatica
• Bulging or herniated discs
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Abnormal curvature of the spine
• Poor posture
• Certain cancers
• Shingles

This is far from a comprehensive list. Numerous factors can contribute to or worsen back pain. 

What are some surgical solutions for back pain?

There are several surgical procedures that can correct back problems and relieve pain. Dr. Piska works with you to find the treatment plan best suited to your specific needs. 

Minimally invasive sacroiliac joint surgery is one example. Your sacroiliac joint connects the lowest portion of your spine to your pelvis, and performs a shock absorbing function. When this joint degenerates or is injured, a surgical procedure to permanently fuse these bones together can provide lasting pain relief.

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are options that treat compression fractures in your vertebrae. Vertebroplasty involves injecting medical cement into an area of fractured bone. Kyphoplasty involves using a medical balloon to form a space within a fractured bone before filling it with cement. 

What other options can help relieve back pain?

Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment that relieves back pain by disrupting the signalling pathway between body and brain. The process involves placing an electrode over your spinal cord in the area where pain originates. 

That electrode is implanted into your body and connected to a control unit. Electrical current is directed to the electrode and disrupts the nerve activity between the source of pain and your brain. The system is powered by batteries, some of which need to be replaced every few years and others that can go as long as 10-15 years before needing replaced. 

Electrical nerve stimulation is a similar treatment but works on your peripheral nerves. The stimulating device is often positioned temporarily to ensure the treatment is effective before being implanted beneath your skin. 

For men and women with lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the space within your spine), you can benefit from a treatment called the mildⓇ procedure. This outpatient procedure allows Dr. Piska to access your spinal canal and remove excess ligament tissue and small pieces of bone. By restoring proper space within your spinal canal, pressure is relieved from your spinal cord, reducing pain. 

If you’d like to explore these and other treatments for back pain, call the office to book an appointment today, or spend a few moments on the online scheduling page.