What’s next if facet joint injections don’t work? You might be asking yourself after an unsuccessful procedure. The truth is, you’re not alone. Back pain is a common problem that affects many people. It can be caused by a number of factors, including aging, injury, and certain medical conditions. For some people, the pain can be so severe that it interferes with their ability to carry out their daily activities. If you’re one of these people, you may be looking for ways to relieve your pain and get back to your normal routine.
Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center in Bear, Delaware provides their patients with an unmatched level of care and professionalism. We seek to treat our patients with the least invasive options that offer the greatest patient outcomes. Continue reading to learn more about how we approach conditions on the spine when facet joint injections didn’t get the job done.
What are Facet Joint Injections, and Are They Reliable?
One option that you may have heard of is facet joint injections. These injections are designed to help reduce pain in the back and neck by targeting the facet joints, which are small joints that help control movement in the spine. The injections typically contain a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroids, which help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
However, not everyone who receives facet joint injections will see the results they’re hoping for. In some cases, the injections may only provide temporary relief, or they may not work at all. If you’re in this situation, you may be wondering what your next steps should be.
Fortunately, there are a number of alternative treatments that can help you manage your back pain, even if facet joint injections haven’t worked for you. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most promising options, including regenerative medicine, exercise and physical therapy, and weight loss.
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is a relatively new and innovative treatment option for people with back pain. It works by using your body’s own allogeneic cells to help promote healing and regeneration in the affected area. Recent studies show that regenerative medicine offers patients an alternative to invasive, risky procedures – especially for the spine.
In a regenerative medicine procedure, your doctor will extract allogeneic cells from your bone marrow or fat tissue. These allogeneic cells will then be carefully prepared and injected into the affected area, where they will begin to work their magic.
One of the benefits of regenerative medicine is that it is minimally invasive and non-surgical. Unlike traditional back surgery, there is no need for incisions, and the recovery time is much shorter. For senior patients, they should consider the inherent risks of going under the knife – and the time they would have to spend in physical therapy to achieve recovery. Ask yourself, is it worth the risk?
Regenerative options have been shown to be very effective in treating a wide range of back pain conditions, including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs. In many cases, patients who have received regenerative medicine report a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in their quality of life.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
Another alternative to facet joint injections is exercise and physical therapy. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to help manage your back pain, as it can help to strengthen the muscles that support your back, improve your posture, and reduce inflammation.
Your physical therapist can help you design an exercise program that is tailored to your specific needs and abilities. You may also learn exercises and stretches that can help you manage your pain on a daily basis.
In addition to exercise, physical therapy may also include manual therapy techniques, such as massage, heat and cold therapy, and electrical stimulation. These techniques can help to reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve the function of your back and neck.
Weight Loss
If you’re overweight, your extra body weight can put a lot of strain on your back and neck, leading to pain and discomfort. Studies show that patients who are morbidly obese are nearly 50% more likely to deal with lower back pain. If you’re experiencing back pain, it’s important to consider the role that your weight may be playing and to make any necessary lifestyle changes to help you lose weight.
Losing weight can help to reduce the amount of stress on your back and neck, and may also help to reduce inflammation and improve your overall health. Some effective strategies for weight loss include eating a balanced and nutritious diet, increasing your physical activity, and reducing your portion sizes. It’s also important to talk to your doctor about any weight loss supplements or medications that may be appropriate for you.
In addition to helping you manage your back pain, losing weight can also help to reduce your risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. So, even if you’re not experiencing back pain, it’s still a good idea to maintain a healthy weight.
Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center Offers Alternatives
If your facet joint injections haven’t provided the relief you were hoping for, it’s important to remember that there are many alternative treatments that can help you manage your back pain. Whether it’s regenerative medicine, exercise and physical therapy, or weight loss, there is a solution that will work for you.
It’s important to work with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your specific needs and circumstances. With the right combination of treatments and lifestyle changes, you can get back to your normal routine and enjoy a pain-free life. Contact the medical team at Comprehensive Accident and Injury Center today to get started on your path to healing.
