By Deborah Westergaard MD
Pain Experts
Introduction: Maintaining peak physical condition is essential for high-performing professionals, and chronic spinal pain can severely impact both professional and personal lives. Traditional treatments like radiofrequency (RF) rhizotomies for cervical. thoracic and lumbar spine pain may provide temporary relief but come with potential downsides. At Pain Experts, we believe in a restorative approach to spine health using orthobiologics, which may offer more sustainable and less harmful solutions.
Problem: The Downsides of RF Rhizotomies
RF rhizotomies, a common procedure to manage chronic spine pain, involve using heat to disrupt facet joint nerve function, thereby reducing pain signals. While this method can provide temporary relief, it comes with significant drawbacks:
Collateral Damage: RF rhizotomies can inadvertently affect motor nerves and surrounding tissues, leading to unintended consequences such as muscle weakness. This can include the innervation of the multifidus muscles which provide spine support.
Temporary Relief: The pain relief from RF rhizotomies is often short-lived, typically lasting between six months to a year. Repeated procedures may be necessary, each time increasing the risk of complications and not actually addressing the inflammatory tissue from the facet joint inflammation which can continue to build and occupy space where nerves are.
Long-Term Implications: Continuous use of RF rhizotomies can eventually fail to produce results due to the previously noted facet joint inflammation which can continue to build and occupy space where nerves are.
Solution: Orthobiologics for Spine Health
Orthobiologics, including treatments such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and bone marrow-derived stem cells, leverage the body's natural healing mechanisms to address the root causes of spinal pain. Unlike RF rhizotomies, orthobiologic treatments focus on restoring tissue health and function.
Benefits of Orthobiologics:
Natural Healing: Orthobiologics promote the regeneration of damaged tissues and reduce inflammation, addressing the underlying issues causing pain.
Minimal Collateral Damage: By using the body's own healing agents, orthobiologics minimize the risk of collateral damage to surrounding tissues and nerves.
Sustainable Relief: These treatments aim to provide longer-lasting relief by promoting overall spinal health, potentially reducing the need for repeated interventions.
Inflammation Reduction: PRP intra-articular facet injections may decrease inflammatory tissue taking up room in the neuroforamen and spinal canals, thereby relieving pressure on nerves and reducing pain.
What It Means for Patients
For those suffering from chronic spine pain, orthobiologics offer a promising alternative to traditional RF rhizotomies. By focusing on natural healing and tissue regeneration, patients can experience improved mobility, reduced pain, and a better quality of life. This approach aligns with the needs of high-performing individuals who prioritize sustainable health solutions over temporary fixes.
Experience the Benefits of Orthobiologics at Pain Experts
If chronic cervical or lumbar spine pain is affecting your life, consider exploring orthobiologic treatments at Pain Experts. Contact Dr. Deborah Westergaard today to learn how advanced PRP and bone marrow stem cell treatments can help restore your spine health and enhance your quality of life without the drawbacks of traditional procedures.
At Pain Experts, we’re committed to enhancing your health and enabling you to continue your professional and personal activities without limitation. Orthobiologic treatments represent a modern approach to managing spine pain, ensuring that you can live your life to the fullest. Let's transform your health together—restore, not destroy.
Empower your journey back to health. Contact us today!
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