Chronic pain can be debilitating, impacting not only physical health but also emotional well-being. Neurological surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to help patients combat persistent pain that doesn’t respond to traditional therapies. These methods target the source of discomfort and aim to improve quality of life. Here are some approaches surgeons use to address chronic pain effectively:
Spinal Cord Surgeries
Spinal issues typically contribute significantly to chronic pain. Neurological surgeons specialize in procedures that address these problems at their core. Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that removes small portions of herniated discs pressing on spinal nerves. This technique is designed to provide immediate relief from nerve pain caused by disc-related issues.
Disc replacement is another procedure gaining popularity. Surgeons replace a damaged disc with an artificial one to maintain mobility in the spine. Spinal fusion is used when stability is the priority. This technique permanently joins two discs to prevent painful movement and provide structural support to the spine. These surgeries aim to restore function while reducing pain. These techniques are used when medication, physical therapy, or injections fail.
Spinal Cord Stimulators
Surgeries for spinal cord stimulators offer another pathway for addressing chronic pain. These procedures involve implanting devices that alter pain signals before they reach the brain. Spinal cord stimulators function by emitting electrical pulses that disrupt pain signals traveling along the spine. This aims to help patients experience reduced pain or, in some cases, no pain at all.
Brain Surgeries
While spinal treatments address many issues, some types of chronic pain are rooted in the brain itself. Neurological surgeons turn to techniques like craniotomy or endoscopic surgery, which utilize different approaches that aim to tackle various areas. Surgeons may occasionally use brain surgeries to treat chronic pain conditions as a last resort. They are typically used in cases where other types of interventions have proven ineffective. This option highlights the sophisticated level of care that neurological surgeons provide in chronic pain management, even when the condition originates from less tangible sources.
SI Joint Surgery
The sacroiliac (SI) joint, where the spine meets the pelvis, can be a persistent source of lower back pain. For patients with intractable SI joint pain, surgical intervention may provide relief. SI joint fusion involves stabilizing this area by fusing the bones using small implants. This aims to reduce abnormal motion that leads to pain and increase overall mobility for many patients. Similar to spinal fusions, SI joint fusion is designed to achieve long-term stability. Individuals struggling with pain in this region often benefit from this targeted approach when non-surgical treatments fall short.
Find Neurological Surgeons Near You
Neurological surgeons don’t just perform operations; they guide patients through their pain management regimen. Before recommending surgery, they explore all available non-invasive treatments, and surgery is approached as a last resort. By implementing innovative surgical techniques and comprehensive care plans, neurological surgeons play a key role in restoring function and comfort to those who need it. If you’re navigating chronic pain, discuss these surgical options with a specialist.
