Back Pain Treatment

In addressing back pain, our Interventional Spine and Pain Clinic stands out with a specialized treatment that combines precision and innovation. Rather than merely managing symptoms, our clinic focuses on targeted interventions like epidural steroid injection, endoscopic spine procedure, Laser disc treatment , spinal cord stimulator like advanced procedures that directly address the underlying causes of back pain. Our physician employs state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedures designed to provide not only prompt relief but also long-term results. From herniated discs to spinal stenosis, our personalized approach ensures that each patient receives a tailored treatment plan, optimizing outcomes and minimizing the impact of back pain on daily life. Choose our Interventional Spine and Pain Clinic for a unique and effective solution to back pain, where expertise meets a commitment to lasting relief.

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    Slip Disc

    Although people often refer to a disc herniation as a slipped disc, the disc doesn’t actually slip out of place. Rather, the term herniation means that the material at the center of the disc has squeezed out of its normal space. Herniation occurs when the nucleus in the center of the disc pushes out of its normal space. The nucleus presses against the annulus, causing the disc to bulge outward. Sometimes the nucleus herniates completely through the annulus and squeezes out of the disc.

    Sciatica / Lumbar Radiculopathy

    The term sciatica describes the symptoms of leg pain—and possibly tingling, numbness, or weakness – that originate in the lower back and travel through the buttock and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of each leg. Sciatica is not a medical diagnosis in and of itself—it is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Common lower back problems that can cause sciatica symptoms include a lumbar herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or spinal stenosis.

    Spondylosis

    Spondylosis is a broad term that simply refers to some type of degeneration in the spine. Most often, the term spondylosis is used to describe osteoarthritis of the spine, but it is also commonly used to describe any manner of spinal degeneration. As with many other terms to describe spinal problems, spondylosis is more of a descriptive term than it is a clinical diagnosis.

    The patient may have pain from facet joint osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis (an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal, which is creating leg pain when the patient walks) or could be caused by degenerative disc disease, in which a degenerated disc that becomes dehydrated and loses some of its function. The degenerated disc can cause low back pain or neck pain, and possibly leg pain or arm pain.

    Disc Bulge

    Bulging discs, also known as a disc protrusion, are a very common occurrence. They usually remain asymptomatic; however, they can cause discomfort and disability in various parts of the body if the disc compresses an adjacent nerve root or the spinal cord. As we age, the outer fibrous portion of our discs can weaken. Pressure from the central core of the disc can then stretch to the outer rim, causing the disc to bulge. If left untreated, the disc can continue to bulge until it tears, which is classified as a herniated disc. Because a bulging disc does not always show symptoms, many people have bulging discs without realizing it. As long as the bulging area does not press against a nearby nerve, no symptoms occur. When the bulging disc does cause a pinched nerve, you may begin to experience symptoms.

    Spinal Stenosis

    In the medical field, stenosis means the abnormal narrowing of a body channel. When combined with the word spinal, it defines a narrowing of the bone channel occupied by the spinal nerves or the spinal cord. Some people are born with a congenital form, but most develop spinal stenosis as part of the degenerative cascade. A few do not feel any effects of the narrowing, but as part of the aging process, most people will eventually notice radiating pain, weakness, and/or numbness secondary to the compression of the nerves or spinal cord. While the narrowing may occur at different parts of the spine, the symptoms of nerve compression are often similar. That is why specialists often will perform testing to determine the cause and location of the narrowing.

    Pain after spinal surgery

    Post-Laminectomy Syndrome (PLS), also known as failed back syndrome, describes a chronic, painful condition that some patients after undergoing back surgery, specifically a laminectomy or microdiscectomy. Post-Laminectomy Syndrome is not a diagnosis, but rather a general term to describe a variety of chronic pain syndromes experienced by patients as they emerge from back surgery. The exact cause of Post-Laminectomy Syndrome is unknown, however one prominent theory points to epidural fibrosis, in which the development of scar tissue during post-surgical healing compresses nearby nerve roots and causes pain.

    Spine Joints pain

    Spinal arthritis causes stiffness and low back pain. The stiffness is worst upon waking up in the morning, tends to ease with activity and then worsens toward the end of the day. Presumably, this is because fluid has built up in the joint due to inactivity overnight, which causes more swelling.

    The low back pain due to spine joint arthritis has a typical pattern:

    • The pain is mostly in the back, runs into the buttocks, and often really feels like it’s in the hip.
    • As it gets even worse people often report burning on the outer aspect of the thigh, and sometimes pain down the leg.
    • Because the pain runs down the leg people, even doctors sometimes, confuse it with nerve root pain.

    Disc Degenerative Disease

    Disc degenerative disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. In some cases, degenerative disc disease also causes weakness, numbness, and hot, shooting pains in the arms or legs (radicular pain). Degenerative disc disease typically consists of a low-level chronic pain with intermittent episodes of more severe pain. Painful disc degeneration is common in the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine). These areas of the spine undergo the most motion and stress, and are most susceptible to disc degeneration.

    Facet Arthritis

    Facet joint arthropathy refers to a degenerative disease that affects the joints of the spine and the breakdown of cartilage on those joints. Facet joint arthropathy can go by other names, such as facet joint arthrosis or, most commonly, facet joint osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is one of many types of arthritis. There are actually more than 100 different types of arthritis in existence but osteoarthritis is the most widespread. Generally speaking, osteoarthritis is the result of normal age-related degeneration.

    Spondylolysis/Spondylolisthesis

    Spondylolysis is a crack or stress fracture in one of the vertebrae, the small bones that make up the spinal column. The injury most often occurs in children and adolescents who participate in sports that involve repeated stress on the lower back, such as gymnastics, football, and weight lifting.In some cases, the stress fracture weakens the bone so much that it is unable to maintain its proper position in the spine—and the vertebra starts to shift or slip out of place. This condition is called spondylolisthesis.Patients who have persistent back pain or severe slippage of a vertebra, however, may need surgery to relieve their symptoms and allow a return to sports and activities.

    Failed back surgery syndrome

    Failed back surgery syndrome(FBSS), also known as post-laminectomy syndrome, describes a chronic, painful condition that some patients after undergoing back surgery, specifically a laminectomy or microdiscectomy. Failed back surgery syndrome Syndrome is not a diagnosis, but rather a general term to describe a variety of chronic pain syndromes experienced by patients as they emerge from back surgery. The exact cause of FBSS is unknown, however one prominent theory points to epidural fibrosis, in which the development of scar tissue during post-surgical healing compresses nearby nerve roots and causes pain.

    Spinal compression fractures

    The type of fracture in the spine that is typically caused by osteoporosis is generally referred to as a compression fracture. A compression fracture is usually defined as a vertebral bone in the spine that has decreased at least 15 to 20% in height due to fracture.These compression fractures can occur in vertebrae anywhere in the spine, but they tend to occur most commonly in the upper back (thoracic spine), particularly in the lower vertebrae of that section of the spine (e.g. T10, T11, T12). They rarely occur above the T7 level of the spine. They often occur in the upper lumbar segments as well, such as L1.

    Spinal involvement with cancer

    Cancers that form in other parts of the body have a tendency to spread, or metastasize, to the spine. When this happens, the cancer weakens the spine bones, making them susceptible to compression fractures. Doctors may suspect unrecognized cancer if a patient has a compression fracture without any particular cause or reason.

    Pain of spinal cord injury, quadriplegia, and paraplegia

    Pain is a serious problem for many people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Pain after SCI can occur in parts of the body where there is normal sensation (feeling) as well as areas that have little or no feeling. The majority of people with SCI report that they have chronic pain. Chronic pain is pain that does not go away and instead lasts months to years. The cause of the pain may be unknown but is most often related to nerve damage from the SCI or musculoskeletal problems that arise in dealing with an SCI. The pain can come and go. Chronic pain is difficult to completely eliminate but often can be managed or reduced enough so that it doesn’t overwhelm your life.

    Sacroiliac joint pain

    The term sacroiliitis is used to describe any inflammation in the sacroiliac joint, which is located on either side of the sacrum (lower spine) that connects to the iliac bone in the hip. Sacroiliitis is often found as part of a feature of inflammatory conditions of the spinal column. As a group, these conditions and diseases are termed a “spondyloarthropathy” and include conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis, among others. Sacroiliitis is also a term that is sometimes used interchangeably with the term sacroiliac joint dysfunction, as technically either term can be used to describe pain that stems from the sacroiliac joint (or SI joint).

    Piriformis syndrome

    Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, spasms and causes buttock pain. The piriformis muscle can also irritate the nearby sciatic nerve and cause pain, numbness and tingling along the back of the leg and into the foot (similar to sciatic pain).

    Dr. Manish Raj

    MD, DA(Gold Medal), FENDS, FIAPM, FISP, FPM

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    Read Our Patient Opinion

    Jacob Thompson
    Jacob Thompson
    2024-03-06
    I currently do not live in Dubai, but I got referred to Dr Manish after I have had back pain for many years. From the first introduction when I arrived and spoke with Dr Manish, I was blown away at his extensive experience, knowledge, and explanation of a plan forward. I only had 7 days here in Dubai, and Dr Manish ensured I had all procedures completed before I had to fly out. There was no rush with these either. He took his time during the whole process. His care and compassion for patients is more than I have ever experienced. During every procedure, he wanted to make sure I was well informed, comfortable, and relaxed. He guided me through every step of the process. He truly went above and beyond. Dr Manish will be my spine doctor from here on out!
    Afsar Husain
    Afsar Husain
    2024-02-22
    I can not express enough gratitude for the exceptional care I received from Dr.Manish Raj suffering from back pain, I finally found relief under his expert guidance. His thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan, including interventional procedures, significantly improved my quality of life. Dr.Manish Raj demonstrated not only expertise in his field but also genuine compassion for my well-being. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking relief from spine and pain issues. Thank you, Dr.Manish Raj, for your outstanding care
    Gilberto Gastelum
    Gilberto Gastelum
    2024-02-15
    Very good and empathic doctor. Explains the situation and the science, and cares about his patients. Helped my headaches and neck pain after many other doctors couldnt, and although the process was not always easy, he makes patients feel heard and understood. Strongly recommend.
    jaswin kaur
    jaswin kaur
    2024-02-13
    Dr. Manish’s composed, calm demeanor coupled with his detailed explanations of treatment methods are truly remarkable. Each interaction with him fills me with confidence and optimism for my recovery journey. His interventions (Epidural Steroid Injection), advice, and guidance have played a pivotal role in alleviating over a year of pain, enabling me to resume walking and jogging with considerably less discomfort with a better quality of life. With his expert care, I am now hopeful and motivated to aim for participation in a marathon next year. My deepest gratitude goes to Dr. Manish Raj for his exceptional dedication and expertise ????
    Rukmani Jha
    Rukmani Jha
    2024-01-14
    Honest and rational advise given by him. Got endoscopic spine surgery done after being in pain for 2 yes.may God bless him
    Dr. Alaaeldin Noufal
    Dr. Alaaeldin Noufal
    2023-12-29
    Very good doctor with amazing knowledge. He is very kind and will listen to you very well . Thank you Dr. Manish for helping my daughter with her pain ( Manar )
    Vivek Anand
    Vivek Anand
    2023-12-07
    I underwent treatment for my backache with Dr. Manish Raj. My experience with him was very good. He was very knowledgeable and understanding. He patiently listened to all my issues and answered all my queries. He is the best Endoscopic Spine Surgeon and helped me navigate the treatment journey with his expertise and utmost care. Thank you Dr Manish Raj ????????
    RS
    RS
    2023-12-07
    Best Endoscopic Spine specialist in Dubai. I highly recommend treatment from him .
    Varsha Anand
    Varsha Anand
    2023-12-07
    Dr Manish Raj is my pain healer ! Being a doctor myself, I went to many doctors for my neck pain . But no one has given me a definitive answer and treatment. My active lifestyle was getting impacted and i was getting depressed.Finally i met Dr manish and underwent procedure. It was a miracle for me to not experience pain after the procedure. After suffering for so many years I finally got relieved. Now i can feel NORMAL!! I would recommend him to everyone suffering from pain . He is very polite and patient and listens to each and every thing a patient has to say . Very meticulous in his treatment.
    MANISH Nagariya
    MANISH Nagariya
    2023-12-05
    Dr Manish Raj is one of the best spine pain specialists in dubai and india. He treated my family after she had undergone big spine surgery with bad results. He implanted the spinal cord stimulator in her, and she is pain-free for the first time in 5 years. blessings to this professional.

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    We’ve Got Answers

    Potential causes of back pain include muscle strains or sprains, herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, skeletal irregularities, osteoporosis, infections or tumors, and other medical conditions like kidney stones or endometriosis. It’s essential to seek medical evaluation to accurately diagnose the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment plan for managing your back pain effectively.

    Yes, there are several non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments for back pain that can be explored before considering surgery. These may include physical therapy, over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks.

    Minimally invasive option is radio-frequency ablation, where heat generated by radio-frequency waves is used to interrupt nerve signals responsible for transmitting pain from the affected area of the spine. Additionally, minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedures, such as endoscopic discectomy or Endoscopic spine procedure, involve removing a portion of the damaged disc or bone to relieve pressure on spinal nerves causing back pain. These minimally invasive treatments typically result in shorter recovery times, less post-operative pain, and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery. It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

    The expected duration for recovery or improvement in back pain can vary widely depending on the cause of the pain, the severity of the condition, and individual factors such as overall health and adherence to treatment recommendations. In many cases, acute back pain caused by muscle strains or sprains may improve within a few days to a few weeks with conservative treatments such as rest, gentle stretching, over-the-counter pain medications, and physical therapy. Chronic back pain, on the other hand, may require a longer recovery period and ongoing management strategies such as exercise, lifestyle modifications, and possibly medication or other interventions to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan and monitor progress over time to achieve optimal recovery and long-term management of back pain.

    Several diagnostic tests can help identify the underlying cause of back pain. These tests may include:

    • X-rays: X-rays provide images of the bones in the spine and can help detect fractures, bone spurs, or degenerative changes.
    • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI scans produce detailed images of the spine’s soft tissues, including discs, nerves, and muscles, helping to identify conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or tumors.
    • CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of the spine and can reveal more precise details of bony structures than X-rays, making them useful for diagnosing conditions such as fractures, spinal deformities, or tumors.
    • EMG (Electromyography): EMG tests measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves, helping to diagnose conditions such as nerve compression or damage, such as sciatica.
    • Bone Scans: Bone scans involve injecting a small amount of radioactive material into the bloodstream, which is absorbed by bone tissue. Areas of increased bone activity, such as those caused by fractures, infections, or tumors, can be detected with this test.
    • Blood Tests: Blood tests may be ordered to check for signs of inflammation, infection, or other systemic conditions that could be contributing to back pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis.

    The available treatment options for back pain depend on the underlying cause, severity, and individual factors such as overall health and medical history. Some common treatment options and their likelihood of success include:

    1. Conservative treatments:

    • Rest: Resting for a short period may help relieve acute back pain caused by muscle strains or sprains.
    • Physical therapy: Physical therapy exercises and techniques can improve strength, flexibility, and posture, reducing pain and preventing future episodes.
    • Pain medications: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, or muscle relaxants can provide relief from back pain.
    • Heat or ice therapy: Applying heat or ice packs to the affected area may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
    • Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and avoiding activities that exacerbate back pain can help manage symptoms.

    2. Minimally invasive procedures:

    • Epidural steroid injections: Injecting corticosteroids into the epidural space around the spinal nerves can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
    • Facet joint injections: Injecting a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroids into the facet joints can alleviate pain caused by inflammation or arthritis.
    • Radiofrequency ablation: This procedure uses heat generated by radio-frequency waves to disrupt nerve signals responsible for transmitting pain, providing long-term pain relief.
    • Endoscopic Spine Procedure: An endoscopic spine procedure is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat spine conditions. It involves inserting a thin tube with a camera and surgical instruments through a small incision in the skin to access and treat the spine, allowing for visualization and treatment of spinal structures while minimizing tissue damage and recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
    • Spinal cord Stimulator -A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a device implanted near the spine that delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord to alleviate chronic pain. It works by interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain, thereby reducing the sensation of pain. SCS is often used to treat chronic back or limb pain that has not responded to other treatments. It can significantly improve quality of life for individuals with chronic pain conditions.
    • Reactive Multifidus muscle stimulator- The Reactiv8 Multifidus Stimulator is a medical device designed to target and stimulate the multifidus muscle, which supports the spine’s stability. It aims to improve back pain and function by restoring the multifidus muscle’s activation and function.
    • Sacroiliac joint fusion – SI joint fusion is a surgical procedure that aims to stabilize the sacroiliac joint (SI joint) by fusing the bones together using implants or bone grafts. It is typically performed to alleviate chronic SI joint pain caused by degeneration, injury, or instability.
    • Indirect spine fusion – Indirect spine fusion refers to minimally invasive technique where fusion of spinal bones is achieved without directly placing bone grafts or implants between the vertebrae. Instead, bone growth is stimulated by placing materials such as bone graft substitutes, proteins, or scaffolds around the spine to encourage natural fusion over time.

    3. Open Surgical interventions:

    • Discectomy: Surgical removal of a herniated disc or portion of a damaged disc to relieve pressure on spinal nerves.
    • Spinal fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae together with bone grafts or metal hardware to stabilize the spine and reduce pain caused by spinal instability.
    • Decompression surgery: Removing bone or tissue that’s compressing spinal nerves to relieve pain and improve mobility.
    • The likelihood of success with each treatment option varies depending on factors such as the specific cause of back pain, the patient’s overall health, and individual response to treatment. In many cases, conservative treatments and minimally invasive procedures are effective in providing relief from back pain without the need for surgery in more than 90% of the cases. It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

    Yes, there are specific warning signs in back pain that indicate you should seek medical attention immediately. These include back pain that is severe, sudden, or accompanied by weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs or arms, especially if it affects both sides of the body. Other concerning symptoms include loss of bowel or bladder control, difficulty walking or standing, fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition such as a spinal infection, cauda equina syndrome, or spinal cord compression, which requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment to prevent potentially serious complications.

    The long-term plan for managing back pain typically involves a combination of strategies aimed at reducing pain, improving function, and preventing future flare-ups. This may include continuing with exercises and stretches prescribed by a physical therapist to maintain strength and flexibility in the back and core muscles, practicing good posture and body mechanics, managing weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, staying proactive in your own recovery by adhering to treatment recommendations, staying active, practicing stress management techniques, and communicating openly with healthcare providers about any changes or concerns can play a crucial role in managing and minimizing the impact of back pain on your daily life.