Frequently Asked Questions How do I get an appointment? What is a Herniated Disc? What are other causes of low back pain? What is Sacroiliac Joint Pain? What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?  What causes numbness and the tingling in the upper or lower limbs? What is an MRI? How Can Steroids Be Helpful?

What is a Herniated Disc? A disc herniation is when a portion of the intervertebral disc material bulges and "sticks out" into the neural canal. This can produce pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots and cause pain, numbness, or tingling into the arm or leg. This is very rarely a surgical condition and usually responds with non-surgical treatment. This is also often referred to as a "slipped disc" and is much different than a ruptured disc fragment, which can sometimes lead to surgery.

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What are other causes of low back pain?

There are many conditions that can cause back pain. Some of these are congenital, such as scoliosis. Most causes of back pain, however, result from injury or trauma. Common causes of back pain include:

* Muscle Strain

* Bulging or herniated disc

* Degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis

* Spinal stenosis

* Sciatica or Pinched Nerve

* Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation

There are also many other conditions which can contribute to back pain. These conditions are almost always treated non-surgically, resulting in a successful outcome 60 to 70% of the time.

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What is Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

Inflammation in the sacroiliac (SI) joint can cause pain in the low back or buttocks. This is especially common in women, and often radiates into the leg, masquerading as sciatica. SI joint pain responds well to non-steroidal medications and physical therapy. Occasionally, injections into the joint space are necessary to enhance pain control and improve function.

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What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

The epidural steroid injection is the placement of a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, into the epidural space which approximates the disc and spinal column. The treatment of epidural injection has been around for over 40 years. It involves using either steroids or anesthetic agents allowing good benefit with minimal risk factors. The main goal of the epidural injection is to shrink swelling and to decrease any inflammation that surrounds the disc.

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How do I get an appointment?

Talk to your Doctor and ask them if the Pain Network at MGHS is right for you or to speak with a pain network referral coordinator call us toll free at: (888)-995-PAIN

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What causes numbness and the tingling in the upper or lower limbs?

Pain or a "pins and needles" sensation can sometimes be present in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. There are many conditions that cause these symptoms, including: * Carpal Tunnel Syndrome * A pinched nerve in neck or in the lower back * Peripheral Nerve Damage

A herniated or inflamed disc in the back can irritate or compress a nerve that travels into the arm or leg, and thereby produce symptoms of pain, numbness, or tingling.  Although this may cause alarm, there are many non-surgical treatment options available.

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What is an MRI?

MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a type of powerful radiographic study that provides a clear diagnostic picture without using radiation. The MRI image gives enhanced views of the body part in question. An MRI scan of the spine, for example, provides a superior view of the discs in the back, as well as the nerves and other soft tissues. The doctor can look at the MRI films and determine whether there is a pinched nerve, a degenerative disc, a tumor, or in some cases spinal stenosis. The doctor may use the MRI to correlate with the patients' symptoms and physical exam. The greatest advantage of the MRI is in its ability to allow the physician to see inside the body without the need for surgery or potentially harmful radiation.

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How Can Steroids Be Helpful?

Steroids are very effective in decreasing swelling and inflammation in the body. Often steroid injections are used to "cool off" inflammation in a joint or in the spine around a disc. This is a very effective treatment method with few side effects.

Many patients ask about the potential risks or side effects of steroid use. While it is true that long term repetitive use of steroids over many years can increase the risk of side effects, short term use in the form of injections or oral medications is thought to be relatively safe with hardly any side effects or problems.

Be sure to ask your doctor if you have questions or concerns.

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