Article Summary

Newer spine pain treatments focus on relieving pain with minimally invasive procedures, targeted therapies, and personalized care before surgery is considered. Most people with chronic back or neck pain do not require surgery. Instead, treatment may include image-guided injections, basivertebral nerve ablation (Intracept), multifidus restorative neurostimulation, advanced spinal cord stimulation, minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and newer non-opioid medications. The most effective treatment depends on the underlying cause of spine pain, imaging results, overall health, and individual goals. A multidisciplinary spine care team can combine interventional pain management, rehabilitation, wellness strategies, and advanced technology to create a personalized treatment plan that improves mobility, function, and long-term quality of life.

If you’re dealing with spine pain, you’re far from alone. More people are looking for relief from spine pain than ever before, with nearly 25% more people seeking care over the past year. The encouraging news is that treatment options have advanced quickly over the last decade with more minimally invasive techniques and team-based care that focuses less on “fixing anatomy” and more on helping people move, function and feel better in daily life.

Surgery is not needed for most spine issues, with only about 20% of patients ultimately requiring it after other treatments have been tried. The best path forward is a thoughtful conversation with your care team to align treatment with your goals. To start the journey toward spine pain relief, make an appointment with Endeavor Health interventional pain specialists at our spine center.

Injections for pain treatment

One of the most common and proven minimally invasive options is image-guided injections. These are performed with a needle rather than an open incision, often resulting in less downtime and a faster recovery. The injections can target inflamed joints or irritated areas to help reduce pain and improve movement.

Basivertebral nerve ablation (Intracept procedure)

Some people experience deep, aching low back pain without nerve-related shooting pain. In some cases, this pain is linked to small nerves within the vertebral bone. The Intracept procedure uses targeted energy to calm those nerves and reduce pain signals, often providing lasting relief after a single treatment for carefully selected patients.

Multifidus stimulation (restorative neurostimulation)

The multifidus muscles help stabilize the spine and support posture. When these muscles weaken, pain and instability can result. This treatment gently stimulates the muscles to help them strengthen over time and may reduce chronic back pain in a specific patient group.

Improved spinal cord stimulation systems

Spinal cord stimulation works by interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. Newer systems use higher frequencies and smarter feedback to provide more precise relief. Closed-loop technology can adjust in real time to maintain consistent comfort and reduce unwanted changes in stimulation.

Minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD)

For people with spinal stenosis, where the space around the spinal nerves becomes too tight, decompression is often needed. The MILD procedure offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery by gently removing small portions of tissue that contribute to narrowing. It may be a good option for patients who are not ideal candidates for open surgery.

Regenerative medicine for spine pain

Regenerative treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) aim to support the body’s natural healing process. PRP uses components from your own blood to stimulate repair and improve tissue health. It tends to work best in the earlier stages of degeneration rather than in advanced joint damage.

Targeted medications

New non-opioid medications are emerging that target specific pain pathways in the body. One example is Journavx (suzetrigine), which is currently approved for short-term acute pain. Research is ongoing to determine how these targeted therapies may help with longer-term spine pain.

Are you a candidate for newer treatments?

Not every treatment is right for everyone, and the best approach depends on your specific condition, imaging and goals. Your care team will review what has or has not worked for you and help match the right options to your needs. The goal is always to choose the safest and most effective path for your situation.

The role of overall wellness in spine pain

Spine pain is influenced by more than just physical changes in the body. Sleep, stress, activity level and mental health all play a role in how pain is experienced and managed. Building healthy habits can support treatment outcomes and sometimes reduce pain on their own.

Strength of a multidisciplinary approach

Effective spine care often involves specialists from multiple disciplines working together. This team-based approach enables more comprehensive, personalized treatment plans. As new therapies emerge, they can be quickly integrated into care to better support each patient’s recovery.

Spine pain care at Endeavor Health

At Endeavor Health, spine care is a collaborative process focused on understanding your pain and your goals. The team uses a wide range of treatments to build a plan that fits your needs and supports long-term relief. Start your journey for spine pain relief and make an appointment with Endeavor Health pain specialists at our spine center.