Kevin Macadaeg, MD

Back pain is one of the most common reasons individuals see their physician. It is estimated that at some time 80% of all adults will suffer from back pain. Approximately 70 to 80% of spine problems can be conservatively managed with medications, with or without physical therapy. Symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks.

If the back pain does not go away with simple conservative measures, then people would see a spine specialist. At this point, a specific cause of the pain may be necessary.

To diagnose the cause, in addition to a detailed patient history and examination; other diagnostic imaging tests may be required. Here is a link, which provides an overview of some of the diagnostic imaging considered.

Many times, an injection into a specific structure of the spine, including a nerve, disc or joint, is necessary for precision diagnosis.

Once the painful source is determined, a specific treatment plan is tailored to the patient. This may require a minimally invasive therapy which may be done in conjunction with physical therapy or oral medications. Only 5% of patients with spinal problems will require surgery.

Minimally invasive procedures typically include an injection of medications directed at the focal area of pain generation, radiofrequency neurotomy or intradiscal therapy.

To learn more about minimally invasive spine procedures and Indiana Spine Group visit our web site or call 317.228.7000.