Non-surgical treatment for the spinal problems

Stem Cell Therapy. Stem cell therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses the body’s own healing cells to help repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and support recovery in joints, discs, tendons, or muscles. Stem cells are typically collected from bone marrow or fat tissue and injected into the affected area under imaging guidance. This treatment may help reduce pain and improve function in selected patients with degenerative or orthopedic conditions. Stem cell therapy is usually considered when conservative treatments such as medications and physiotherapy have not provided sufficient relief.

Transforaminal Root Block Injections. A transforaminal root block is a targeted injection given around a specific spinal nerve root that may be inflamed or compressed due to conditions such as a slipped disc or spinal stenosis. The injection usually contains a local anesthetic and steroid medication to reduce inflammation and relieve radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the arm or leg. This procedure is performed under imaging guidance for accuracy and may also help identify the exact nerve causing the symptoms.

Facet Joint Blocks and Radiofrequency Ablation (RF Ablation). Facet joint blocks are injections used to diagnose and relieve pain arising from the small joints of the spine called facet joints. These joints can become painful due to arthritis, wear and tear, or spinal degeneration. If temporary relief is achieved from the diagnostic injection, radiofrequency ablation may be recommended. RF ablation uses heat generated by radio waves to interrupt pain signals from the affected nerves, providing longer-lasting pain relief that may continue for several months.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections. PRP therapy involves using a concentrated portion of the patient’s own blood that is rich in platelets and growth factors. The PRP is injected into injured or degenerated tissues to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve recovery. PRP injections are commonly used for tendon injuries, ligament problems, arthritis, and certain spine or sports-related conditions. Since PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is minimal.

Muscle relaxants. This medication acts as a depressant of the central nervous system and increases the mobility of tense muscles, relieving pain from muscle tightness or spasms. Muscle relaxants have no role in chronic pain management.

Narcotic pain medications. Narcotic medications, also called opioids or painkillers, alter one’s perception of pain by weakening signals sent to the brain. Narcotic medications are most often used for treating intense, short-term pain, such as acute pain after an operation. Narcotics are rarely used to treat long-term pain, as they have many side effects and can easily become addictive.

Back braces. Some patients find that a back brace can be used to provide comfort and possibly reduce pain. There is some evidence that use of an inelastic corset-style brace, worn daily, in combination with a physical therapy exercise program, can speed healing and reduce pain.1 A back brace may also be helpful after back surgery.

Medical treatments are often used in combination with other methods. For example, an epidural steroid injection may provide enough short-term pain relief to allow progress in physical therapy.