Spine Pain Management

Our board-certified experts provide superior outcomes, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. We strive to relieve pain and restore function to the affected parts of the body while preventing permanent damage to the spinal cord and nerves whenever possible.

For many people, mild neck or back pain can be relieved with rest, at-home treatments and over-the-counter pain medication. Patients with moderate or severe pain may need more advanced nonoperative care to reduce their dependency on medication for pain relief, such as:

• Aquatic therapy – includes a variety of exercises performed in water, using its natural resistance to improve strength and flexibility gradually
• Desensitization therapy – a technique that involves slowly dulling your skin’s pain response using harmless everyday items, like a soft washcloth
• Exercises – to increase core strength and flexibility
• Heat or ice therapy – applying ice to the painful area for the first 48 – 72 hours, then switching to heat, or as recommend by your doctor
• Hypnosis – to manage pain and learn coping strategies
• Integrative therapies – such as acupuncture or massage therapy

Over-the-Counter & Prescription Medication

Pain relievers you can buy without a prescription, also known as over the counter (OTC) medication, can reduce mild pain and swelling. Your doctor may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or aspirin for a short period of time for symptom relief. Non-prescription pain relievers are not intended for long-term use, so only take them for the amount of time your doctor recommends.

Your doctor may prescribe medication if OTC medications do not adequately relieve your pain or inflammation. Muscle relaxers may be prescribed to ease muscle spasms in the neck. Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and pain. Antiseizure medications may be prescribed to reduce pain from damaged nerves.

Injection-Based Treatment

One or more therapies may be performed by injection (administered with a needle) to address nerve pain and reduce inflammation, including:

• Epidural steroid injections (ESI) – steroids injected into the spine to treat irritated nerve roots
• Spinal or peripheral nerve stimulators – surgically implanted under the skin to deliver mild impulses to nerves responsible for pain
• Facet joint injections – local anesthesia injected directly into a joint in the spine (facet block) or near a nerve outside the joint (medial branch block)
• Infusion therapies – a special pump injects pain medication directly into the spinal fluid
• Botox® (botulinum toxin) – injections to relax the muscles

Physical Therapy

Your doctor may suggest you work with a physical therapist for nonsurgical ways to reduce your pain and restore function. Rehabilitation therapies commonly used to treat spine conditions include strengthening, flexibility exercises and stretching, gentle massage and hot/cold compresses.

For conditions causing pain in the spine, wearing a soft collar or brace around your neck for short periods of time can allow your neck to rest. Wear it only for the amount of time your doctor prescribes. Wearing a brace longer than recommended can weaken muscles and increase stiffness.

Depending on the severity of your condition, cervical spinal traction may be used to provide space in the spine to treat pinched nerves.

Surgical Procedures

In certain cases, surgery for spine pain may be recommended if standard treatments aren’t enough to manage your pain or if you experience increased neurological symptoms such as weakness in the arms or legs. 

Houston Methodist board-certified surgeons employ the most advanced surgical techniques available. Our spine surgeons have the expertise needed to successfully perform delicate procedures such as:

• Microdiscectomy – Also known as minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), this relieves pressure on the nerves through small incisions using special equipment, avoiding potential complications of open surgery.
• Radiofrequency ablation – This minimally invasive, image-guided procedure treats lower back pain using a high-frequency electrical current to eliminate bone spurs creating nerve pressure.
• Cervical microscopic foraminotomy – This minimally invasive procedure enlarges the space through which a nerve root exits the spinal cord, known as the neural foramen, in the cervical spine.
• Baclofen pump therapy – A pump is implanted into the body to deliver muscle-relaxing medication.
• Laminectomy  – This removes the lamina (part of the vertebral bone) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and address neurological symptoms. This can occur on the cervical (upper), thoracic (middle) or lumbar (lower) part of the spine.
• Lumbar microscopic discectomy – This procedure removes bone spurs and arthritis in the lumbar spine that is pressing on a spinal nerve.
• Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) – This procedure removes bone spurs and arthritis, and it decompresses the nerves in the cervical spine. ACDF is performed through the front of the neck.
• Posterior cervical fusion (PCF) – Bones in the back of the cervical spine are fused to relieve pressure and provide stability.
• Cervical laminoplasty  – This relieves pressure on the nerves in the cervical spine by cutting the lamina on both sides of the affected vertebrae.

Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive approaches to reduce surgery risk, speed recovery and help you return to your daily activities sooner. Recovery time can vary, and your surgeon will let you know what to expect. We’re here to guide you every step of the way through treatment and recovery.

Be Your Own Advocate

You know your body — what is normal and what is not. It is important to stay vigilant about any ongoing, recurring or worsening pain. Consulting your physician when symptoms begin or worsen can lead to an earlier diagnosis and better outcome.

Keep a record of your pain and any other symptoms to monitor how often they occur and if they seem to be getting better or worse with time. If something feels “off” or is a change from your normal experience, schedule an appointment with your health care provider as soon as possible.

We understand chronic pain can cause depression and contribute to additional health conditions. Our pain specialists pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and design a treatment plan aimed at reducing your pain and restoring your quality of life.

Across Houston, our patients have access to our expert neck, back and spine specialists so that you can get the best possible care personalized for your needs — without traveling far from home. Explore our footprint of locations in the greater Houston area and suburbs below.