Treating Lower Back Pain with Interventional Radiology

Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability in the United States. It’s estimated that 8 out of 10 people will experience some form of back pain in their lifetime. With so many varied sources of pain, it can be difficult to find relief, but not impossible. Have you considered treating lower back pain with interventional radiology? In this blog, we discuss why back pain is so common and how radiology now plays a role in new treatment options like kyphoplasty.

Lower Back Pain – An Overview

Essentially, the lower back (or lumbar spine) supports most of our body weight and allows us to twist and bend. When muscles and ligaments in this area become strained or injured, it’s likely to feel pain in this area. Lower back pain is often caused by poor posture, excessive sitting, lifting heavy objects improperly, or injury to the muscles and ligaments in the area. However, other causes can result in lower back pain such as spinal misalignment, osteoarthritis, kidney infections, and pregnancy. So next time you experience pain in your lumbar region, we advise you to speak to a doctor or healthcare provider.

Woman holding lower back with a red circle to indicate where it hurts.

Don’t Let Lower Back Pain Hold You Back

The road to relief begins with finding the right medical treatment. Fortunately, when it comes to lower back pain, there are plenty of treatment options available. Some individuals may find relief in over-the-counter or prescription medication for pain management.  Whereas others may benefit from treatments such as physical therapy and even the use of interventional radiology. It’s important to note that everyone is different and might require various treatments based on their unique needs.

 Interventional Radiology: Can Kyphoplasty Help?

Have you ever tried to stand up straight, only to have a stabbing pain shoot through your lower back? If so, kyphoplasty may be the solution for you. During this minimally invasive procedure, a small incision is made in the back and a balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra. The balloon is then inflated, restoring height to the vertebra and alleviating pressure on nerves and other delicate structures. A special cement is then injected to help stabilize the bone and provide further pain relief. The entire process usually takes less than an hour, with most patients able to resume their normal activities within one or two days. Don’t overlook the potential of treating lower back pain with interventional radiology can offer!

 

Radiology of Indiana provides various interventional radiological treatments to help treat lower back pain including kyphoplasty! Visit our website or contact us at (317) 621 – 5555 to get started today.

Resources:

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/low-back-pain-fact-sheet

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/early-treatments-lower-back-pain

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007511.htm