Union Anesthesia Associates

Review of Union Anesthesia Associates

Great Review for Union Anesthesia Associates

Procedure Profile: Discogram

When you are experiencing back pain, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis of the cause so that proper treatment can be administered. Different sources for pain require varying therapies, and choosing the wrong treatment could actually worsen the problem. In order to identify which part of the spinal anatomy is causing pain, your doctor will use imaging techniques like MRI and CT scan. If damage is seen in the spinal discs, a discogram may be used to further assess the problem.

What happens during the procedure?

A discogram involves the injection of contrast dye into discs that are suspected to be problematic. You will be completely awake while this happens, as you will need to alert the doctor if the injection of contrast dye causes any pain. The entire procedure is performed using X-ray guidance so that the dye can be accurately inserted and so that the physician can get the best possible view of the disc damage.

What will the discogram show?

Once the test is complete, your doctor will have an accurate picture of your overall disc health and of the type of damage, if any, that has occurred. There are several different problems associated with spinal discs, and injured discs can put pressure on nearby nerves and cause extreme pain. The discogram will show if the discs have been subject to degeneration, herniation, or tearing. If there is severe degeneration, the vertebrae can become compressed and exert force onto nearby nerve roots. Herniated and torn discs can irritate the nerve through direct pressure from the bulging or leaking disc matter.

Diagnostic tests such as the discogram can help you get to the root of your back pain and provide answers as to how to properly manage the pain. To schedule a consultation, contact the spine specialists of Union Anesthesia Associates. Visit us online or call (908) 364-2539 to learn how we can help you live free of back pain.

What You Can Do Today to Prevent Back Pain Tomorrow

Dealing with back pain is a challenge for many individuals, and it can be difficult to understand the complexities of available spinal repair treatments. Because of these factors, prevention is a key component of back pain treatment. Below are some of the ways that you can eliminate back pain before it starts and avoid the toll of recovery.

Perform daily exercise: If you spend time building the muscles that support your spine, you can lower your chances of sustaining painful injuries. Aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, biking, and dancing will strengthen the muscles in your lower back, and performing daily stretches will help keep you flexible and limber. Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of this type of activity into your daily routine. You will notice greater strength in both your back and your lower body, along with greater ease in managing your weight, which will further improve your spinal health.

Get a massage: Help yourself relax and relieve tension in your back with a therapeutic massage. Massage works to improve circulation, remove toxins from the muscles, and promote relaxation. All of these effects can have a positive influence on your spine and help you feel better.

Alter your sleep posture: Sleep is an important contributor to spinal health, as it provides the tissues of the spine with time to rebuild after the damage of the day. If you are sleeping on your stomach or on your side, you may not be giving your spine the proper support it needs to remain pain-free. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees is ideal for spinal health. Keep a supportive pillow under your head to allow your neck proper rest, and get comfortable in a position where your spine is completely aligned.

For more tips to help you avoid the need for spinal therapies like surgery and medication, consult the pain management experts at Union Anesthesia Associates. Make an appointment with us to discuss your spinal health by visiting our website or by calling (908) 364-2539.

5 Great Resources on Managing Pain and Treatment Options

Happy Friday! Here are some great links to explore this weekend. The websites below have some great information on pain management, back pain treatment and spine injuries.

• This link provides an overview on sprains and strains of the soft tissues of the spine.
   
• Check out this WebMD.com article for information on degenerative disc disease.
   
• Learn about fractures of the lumbar and thoracic spine with this link from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
   
• What are the uses of branch nerve blocks? Find out with this link.
   
• Learn about facet joint injections with this article from Spine-Health.com.

If you’re suffering from chronic back pain, give our pain management doctors a call at (908) 851-7161.