Back and Spine Advanced Procedures
Augusta Pain Center specializes in advanced, minimally invasive treatments for chronic spine and back pain , offering patients access to the latest innovations in pain management. Our expert team carefully evaluates each patient’s condition to determine the most effective treatment, providing solutions that reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Trials/Implants
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, disrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. This treatment is ideal for patients with chronic back pain and extremity pain who have not found relief through other therapies. Patients first undergo a trial period to test the stimulator’s effectiveness before a permanent implant is placed. Many find significant long-term relief, reducing their need for medication and improving mobility.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Trials/Implants
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) targets specific nerves outside the spinal cord to alleviate chronic pain in the back or other areas of the body. This procedure is beneficial for patients who experience nerve-related pain that has not responded to conservative treatments. Like spinal cord stimulators, PNS starts with a trial phase to assess effectiveness before permanent placement, offering a customizable and long-term pain relief solution.
If chronic back pain is interfering with your daily life, Augusta Pain Center is here to help. Our team will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your needs – request an appointment today!
Advanced Lower Back (Lumbar) Procedures
Chronic lower back pain can make even simple movements difficult, but advanced procedures at Augusta Pain Center offer innovative options for lasting pain relief.
Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
Chronic pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks can sometimes be traced to the sacroiliac (SI) joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis. When this joint becomes unstable or inflamed, it can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility. Augusta Pain Center offers advanced solutions like SI joint fusion to help stabilize the joint and provide lasting relief.
MinuteMan
The MinuteMan procedure provides stabilization for the lumbar spine by implanting a small interspinous device to limit excessive movement and reduce nerve compression. This treatment is particularly beneficial for patients with degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis, offering improved spinal support while preserving flexibility. The minimally invasive approach allows for a quicker recovery compared to traditional fusion surgery.
If lumbar pain is interfering with your daily life, Augusta Pain Center is here to help! Our pain management specialists will work with you to determine the best treatment for your needs – request an appointment today.
Vertiflex
Vertiflex is a small, implantable device designed to relieve pressure on the nerves caused by lumbar spinal stenosis. Placed between the vertebrae, it helps restore natural spacing in the spine, reducing pain and improving function. This option is best suited for individuals experiencing pain when standing or walking and who want a minimally invasive alternative to more extensive spinal surgery.
MILD (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression)
MILD is a safe, outpatient procedure for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition where thickened ligaments in the spine compress nerves and cause pain or numbness. Using a tiny incision, a specialist removes small portions of excess ligament tissue, creating space for the nerves and improving mobility. This procedure is ideal for patients looking to avoid open surgery while still achieving significant pain relief.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Trials/Implants
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, disrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. This treatment is ideal for patients with chronic back pain who have not found relief through other therapies. Patients first undergo a trial period to test the stimulator’s effectiveness before a permanent implant is placed. Many find significant long-term relief, reducing their need for medication and improving mobility.
ViaDisc
ViaDisc is a regenerative therapy designed for patients suffering from degenerative disc disease. This non-surgical procedure injects a specialized biologic material into the affected disc to restore hydration and improve structural integrity, reducing pain and improving mobility. It is an excellent option for those seeking an alternative to more invasive spinal surgeries.
Advanced Procedures for Joint and Hip Pain
Sacroiliac (SI) Fusion
Chronic pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks can sometimes be traced to the sacroiliac (SI) joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis. When this joint becomes unstable or inflamed, it can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility. Augusta Pain Center offers advanced solutions like SI joint fusion to help stabilize the joint and provide lasting relief.
SI joint fusion is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce pain caused by instability in the joint that connects the lower spine to the pelvis. When this joint moves too much or becomes irritated, it can lead to ongoing discomfort that may worsen with standing, walking, or certain movements. SI joint fusion helps by inserting a small implant to stabilize the joint, reducing pain and restoring function. This option is ideal for patients who have not found relief from injections, physical therapy, or other treatments.
At Augusta Pain Center, our pain management physician has extensive experience performing SI joint fusion with precision and care. If persistent lower back or hip pain is interfering with your life, request an appointment today to learn whether this procedure could help you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Advanced Procedures
How do I know which procedure is right for me? Who is a good candidate for advanced procedures?
We take a comprehensive approach to evaluating your specific diagnosis, the severity of your pain, and your overall health to create the most effective treatment plan for you. We will conduct a thorough assessment, which may include physical exams, imaging, and a review of your medical history. From there, we will collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan, which may include advanced procedures like spinal cord stimulators, nerve blocks, or joint injections. Advanced procedures are often helpful for those who have not achieved sufficient pain relief from more conservative treatments.
Does advanced pain management at APC require surgery?
While some of the advanced procedures we offer are surgical in nature, they are minimally invasive and do not require traditional surgery. Procedures like spinal cord stimulator trials, peripheral nerve stimulator implants, and nerve blocks are performed with small incisions or through the skin, allowing for quicker recovery times and less disruption to your daily life. Our goal is always to provide the most effective treatment with the least amount of risk and downtime.
How do you combine these procedures with other types of pain management therapies?
Advanced procedures are just one part of your personalized treatment plan. Depending on your needs, we may recommend combining these procedures with other therapies like medication management, physical therapy, aquatic therapy, or behavioral health support. For example, after a procedure, physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the affected area to improve mobility and prevent future pain. Behavioral therapy may also be incorporated to address any emotional or psychological aspects of chronic pain, helping you manage both the physical and mental challenges of living with pain.
