What is discogenic pain?
Discogenic pain occurs in the neck or lower back as nerve receptors in the intervertebral discs become irritated and inflamed. This degenerative disease leads to structural defects in the discs that may affect mobility and cause chronic pain. Discogenic pain can be a result of repetitive movements (mechanically induced), sports injuries, trauma to the spine, or chemical change in the spinal discs. Structural changes or defects of the spine can also lead to discogenic pain. Other causes of discogenic pain include aging, genetics, sitting with poor posture for long periods, frequent flexion (bending forward), sudden movements of the spine, and excess axial loading (lifting and carrying heavy objects too often) or vibrations (due to an occupation like construction). Some cases of discogenic pain are acute and may resolve within weeks while other cases may present long-term chronic pain and immobility.
Symptoms of Discogenic Pain
You may have discogenic pain if you experience the following symptoms:
- Pain that originates in the midline or paraspinal region (the tissue around the spine).
- Pain that worsens when sitting too long, lifting objects, flexion of the lower back.
- Pain levels that improve or subside when lying down.
- Neck pain when the neck is tilted forward.
- Muscle spasms in the neck or arms.
- Muscle stiffness in the neck or back.
How is discogenic pain treated?
Depending on the severity of your condition, your physician may recommend conservative treatments initially. When conservative measures like anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications fail to provide adequate relief, minimally invasive treatments may help reduce chronic low back pain associated with discogenic disorders.
Corticosteroid injections (also called steroid injections) help discogenic pain by reducing inflammation, which improves mobility and reduces pain. Steroid injections can help reduce pain to a level that is more tolerable so that the patient can focus on strengthening muscles supporting the spine for long-term relief and spinal health.
Radiofrequency ablation or Intracept may also help relieve pain associated with discogenic disorders. Radiofrequency ablation or RFA uses heat to destroy the nerve associated with the damaged spinal disc so that pain signals no longer reach the brain. Typically, a nerve block procedure is administered before RFA is performed to gather feedback and ensure that the correct nerve is treated.
At Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates, we offer minimally invasive treatments to help relieve or reduce chronic neck and back pain. We start by thoroughly examining your overall health and condition to help you decide which treatment option is right for you. Our pain management doctors that serve southwest Tennessee will also collect diagnostic imaging to get a closer look at your spinal structures and determine an exact diagnosis for your pain.
Treating Discogenic Pain in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson TN
It’s time to put chronic low back pain in the past and live a pain-free life again. While discogenic disorders are not curable, there are solutions to manage your pain. Learn more about treatment for discogenic pain by scheduling a consultation with Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates at (662) 284-8565.