NECK PAIN, CERVICAL PAIN

Cervical pain refers to pain and discomfort in the neck and upper back region, sometimes it may go towards hand, head or scapular medial border or even in anterior chest. Here are some common causes, prevention, and treatment options for cervical pain:

Causes:

• Poor posture
• Repetitive strain injury
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Muscle strain or sprain
• Arthritis
• Pinched nerve
• Whiplash injury

Prevention:

• Maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping
• Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck and upper back muscles
• Taking frequent breaks from repetitive activities that put strain on the neck and upper back
• Using ergonomic furniture and equipment
• Avoiding carrying heavy bags or backpacks

Treatment:

• Non-surgical treatment options include:
• Physical therapy to help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the neck and upper back muscles
• Heat or ice therapy to reduce pain and inflammation
• Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants, to relieve pain and reduce inflammation
• Many times pain interventions like cervical epidurals, ultrasound guided root interventions, radio frequency ablations of facet joint are satisfactory and can save patient from surgeries.

If non-surgical treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be required in some cases.

It's important to see a qualified doctor if you are experiencing cervical pain, as they can help determine the underlying cause and provide a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Early treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent the condition from becoming worse.

Dr Anshul Agrawal

Spasrh spine & pain centre

303, Royal glory building

29-30 sum no 54, Sayaji square,

Indore - 452016

Helpline 7011156044, 07313561340

www.spinepaincentre.com

SLIP DISC, BACK PAIN, SCIATICA

A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc, occurs when a disc in the spine ruptures or bulges out of its normal position. This can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain, weakness, and numbness in the affected area. Here are some causes, prevention, and treatments for slipped discs:

Causes:

• Age-related wear and tear on the spine
• Trauma or injury to the spine
• Poor posture or body mechanics
• Overuse or repetitive strain on the back
• Genetics
• Obesity

Prevention:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles that support the spine
• Practice good posture and body mechanics, such as lifting with your legs and keeping your back straight
• Take breaks and stretch during long periods of sitting or standing
• Avoid smoking, which can reduce blood flow to the spine and increase the risk of disc damage

Treatments:

• Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate the symptoms
• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the spine
• Pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs
• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain
• Surgery may be necessary in severe cases, but it is usually a last resort.

It's important to see a doctor if you experience any symptoms of a slipped disc, as they can worsen over time if left untreated. Your doctor can help you determine the best treatment plan based on the severity of your condition.

Dr Anshul Agrawal

Spasrh spine & pain centre

303, Royal glory building

29-30 sum no 54, Sayaji square,

Indore - 452016

Helpline 7011156044, 07313561340

www.spinepaincentre.com

            TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA TREATMENT OPTIONS

• Medical Management - includes anticonvulsants (canbamezapine, lomotrigene, phenytoin) muscle relaxants (baclofen) and others (gabapentin, pregabalin)
• Percutaneous Procedures - Radio frequency ablation, ballon compression and chemical neurolysis.
• Surgical Management - Microvascular decompression in case of vascular loop around trigeminal ganglion.

Radiofrequency ablation for trigeminal neuralgia

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used to treat trigeminal neuralgia. During the procedure, a thin needle electrode is inserted through the skin and into the trigeminal nerve. The electrode produces a heat lesion that damages the nerve and stops the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

RFA is often used in cases where medication and other treatments have failed to provide relief. It is also considered to be a low-risk procedure with a high success rate.

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and mild sedation, and it takes about an hour to complete. Patients may experience some discomfort during the procedure, but pain medication can be administered to help manage this.

After the procedure, patients may experience some swelling and discomfort in the treated area, but this usually resolves within a few days. Pain relief can be immediate, but it may take up to a few weeks for the full effects of the procedure to be felt.

Overall, RFA can be an effective treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia, but it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with a healthcare provider to determine if it is the right option for you.

Ballon compression vs RFA for trigeminal neuralgia

Both balloon compression and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are minimally invasive surgical procedures used to treat trigeminal neuralgia. However, the two procedures work in different ways and have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.

Balloon compression involves inserting a small balloon through a needle into the space between the trigeminal nerve and a blood vessel that is compressing it. The balloon is then inflated, compressing the blood vessel and damaging the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia or general anaesthesia, and patients typically experience immediate pain relief.

RFA, on the other hand, involves using a thin needle electrode to produce a heat lesion that damages the trigeminal nerve and stops the transmission of pain signals. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and patients may experience immediate or delayed pain relief.

The choice between the two procedures depends on the individual case and the preferences of the patient and healthcare provider. Balloon compression is often preferred for younger patients and those with mild symptoms and in case of ophthalmic division (v1) involvement, while RFA may be preferred for older patients or those with more severe symptoms.

Both procedures carry some risks, such as infection, bleeding, or temporary numbness or weakness in the face. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of both procedures with a healthcare provider to determine which one is the best option for you.

Dr Anshul Agrawal

Spasrh spine & pain centre

303, Royal glory building

29-30 sum no 54, Sayaji square,

Indore - 452016

Helpline 7011156044, 07313561340

www.spinepaincentre.com

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve disorder that causes intense, stabbing pain in one side of the face. Here are some causes, prevention, and treatments for trigeminal neuralgia:

Causes:

• Compression or damage to the trigeminal nerve, which controls sensation in the face
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Aging
• Tumor
• Abnormal blood vessels

Prevention:

• There are no known ways to prevent trigeminal neuralgia
• but if u can avoid exposure to cold air, taking too hot , cold or spicy food.

Treatment:

• Anticonvulsant medication, such as carbamazepine, can help in relieving pain
• Surgery may be necessary in severe cases to relieve pressure on the nerve, such as microvascular decompression.
• Nerve blocks or injections of anesthetic or steroid medication can help relieve pain temporarily, they are also having diagnostic value in making of diagnosis.
• Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or biofeedback, may provide some relief for some individuals.
• If medication is ineffective, your healthcare provider may recommend you percutaneous radio frequency treatment or percutaneous ballon compression.

It's important to see a doctor if you experience symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, as the pain can be debilitating and affect daily activities. Your healthcare provider can help diagnose the condition and recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.

Dr Anshul Agrawal

Spasrh spine & pain centre

303, Royal glory building

29-30 sum no 54, Sayaji square,

Indore - 452016

Helpline 7011156044, 07313561340

www.spinepaincentre.com