The Beaumont Center for Pain Medicine offers many specialty services
to help you manage your pain. More information about each specialty
procedure is below.
Osteoporosis and osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are
commonly encountered clinical problems. The critical element in deciding
a treatment regimen is pain and percentage of vertebral collapse.
Kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty may be indicated as an initial
intervention. These types of surgical procedures offer the potential to
restore bone height in the vertebra and reverse deformity of the spine.
Discogram
An injured disc can be a source of pain. A discogram is used to
determine if a particular disc is the source of pain. Discograms are
provocative tests, meaning that they attempt to reproduce rather than
remove pain. The reproduction of pain during a discogram can help
determine if injury to a particular disc is the source of a person's
pain.
Intrathecal (IT) pumps
IT pumps deliver small doses of medication directly to the spinal
fluid. It consists of a small battery-powered, programmable pump that is
surgically implanted under the skin. Sophisticated drug dose regimens
can be instituted. Implanted pumps need to be refilled every 1 to 3
months. Patients requiring this modality of pain management go through
an in-depth screening process prior to having an IT pump implanted.
Percutaneous Disc Decompression
This method, which removes disc tissue and reduces internal pressure
may be appropriate for treatment of a bulging or herniated disc. The
reduction of pressure creates a partial vacuum, which enables the disc
to suck the herniation inside and reabsorb the tissue
Spinal Cord Stimulator
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a procedure that uses an electrical
current to treat chronic pain. A small pulse generator is implanted in
the back. Once turned on, it sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord.
These pulses interfere with the nerve impulses that make you feel pain.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating
osteoporotic fractures. A special balloon is inserted inside the
fractured vertebrae and gently inflated in order to restore height to
the bone thus reducing deformity of the spine. A cement-like material is
then injected directly into the fractured bone which stabilizes the
fracture and, in many cases, provides immediate pain relief. Most
patients return to their normal daily activities after the procedure.