TL;DR: Spinal cord stimulation can help reduce your pain, improve your daily function, and reduce your reliance on pain medication. However, it also comes with risks, possible device issues, and no guarantee of long-term relief. Thankfully, you can try the therapy first, giving you a chance to see how your body responds before deciding. You’ve […]
TL;DR: A spinal cord stimulator trial is a temporary test period that lets you and your doctor evaluate whether spinal cord stimulation provides meaningful pain relief before considering a permanent implant. The trial typically lasts five to seven days and involves temporary leads placed near your spine that are connected to an external device you […]
TL;DR: A nerve conduction study checks how quickly and strongly electrical signals travel through your nerves, while an EMG looks at how your muscles respond to those signals. Together, they can help your doctor evaluate issues such as pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and certain muscle disorders, providing a clearer picture of what […]
TL;DR: An EMG test measures the electrical activity in your muscles to help doctors determine whether symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning pain are related to a nerve or muscle problem. At Florida Spine and Pain Institute, EMG testing is used alongside your symptoms, physical exam, and imaging to help pinpoint the source of […]
TL;DR: A medial branch block is usually a diagnostic injection that temporarily numbs small nerves near the facet joints in your spine. These nerves carry pain signals that may contribute to back or neck pain. Relief often lasts only hours, but your response can help your doctor confirm the source of the pain and decide […]
TL;DR: Medial branch block vs facet joint injection comes down to target and purpose. A facet joint injection treats irritation in or near the joint, while a medial branch block numbs the small nerves carrying pain signals from that joint. It’s often used to help confirm whether radiofrequency ablation may be appropriate. Back or neck […]
TL;DR: Sciatica is usually caused by irritation or compression of the lower spine nerves. Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, inflammation, and nerve root compression. Mild symptoms may improve with basic care, but weakness, numbness, worsening pain, or sudden bladder or bowel changes need prompt medical attention. Sciatica can feel like more […]
TL;DR: When back pain travels down the leg, it often means a lower spine nerve may be irritated or compressed. This can happen with sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, or nerve inflammation. Mild symptoms may improve with basic care, but weakness, numbness, worsening pain, or changes in bladder or bowel function require prompt […]
TL;DR: Many patients may feel relief from radiofrequency ablation for several months, and some experience relief for six months to two years. Results vary depending on the pain source, the nerves treated, and follow-up care. RFA can wear off as nerves regrow, but it may be repeated if it helped before. When back or neck […]
TL;DR: Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses controlled heat to interrupt pain signals from certain nerves. It may help chronic back or neck pain linked to facet joints. Diagnostic medial branch blocks often come first to confirm the likely pain source. Relief varies, but it may last several months or […]
