Back pain and sciatica
Description
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of back pain, including sciatica.
Alternative Names
Herniated disk; Sciatica
Other Treatments
Radiofrequency Nerve Destruction.
Radiofrequencies are being used to destroy nerves involved in the facet joints (or z-joints), which connect the vertebrae. Evidence is still weak on its benefits. A 2003 analysis suggested that it may be beneficial, however, for relief of neck pain and possibly for low back pain caused by problems in the facets joints. Serious infections have been reported.
Stem cell treatments
. Researchers in England have pioneered a new technique to grow new spinal tissue using the patient's own stem cells. Stem cells are the building blocks of specific cells. Every cell in the human body starts (or "stems") from a stem cell. The new tissue will replace damaged spinal tissue and may relieve low back pain. Researchers expect the treatment to enter pre-clinical trials in about 1 year.
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Review Date: 3/19/2007
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Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital
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