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- Disc Decompression: Biacuplasty
How does biacuplasty work?
This innovative treatment is a blend of precision, technology, and minimally invasive techniques to provide significant relief from chronic back pain. Here’s a detailed look at each stage of the procedure:
- Preparation with local anaesthesia: the procedure begins with the patient lying on their stomach on an X-ray table. To ensure comfort and minimise pain, the area around the targeted disc is numbed using a local anaesthetic. This step is crucial for a pain-free experience during the needle and electrode insertion.
- Precise needle and electrode insertion: with the aid of fluoroscopy, a type of medical imaging that shows a continuous X-ray image on a monitor, your pain specialist precisely inserts a needle into the damaged disc. Fluoroscopic guidance is vital as it ensures the needle and, subsequently, the electrodes are accurately placed within the disc, targeting the exact area that is causing pain.
- Electrode placement: two thin electrodes are inserted into the disc through the needle. The precise placement of these electrodes is key to the effectiveness of the procedure, as they need to be positioned to optimally target the nerve fibres responsible for transmitting pain signals.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: once the electrodes are in place, they are heated to a specific temperature using radiofrequency ablation. This heat is carefully controlled and delivered in a targeted manner to deactivate the problematic nerve fibres within the disc. By disrupting these pain-signalling pathways, the procedure aims to reduce or eliminate the patient’s back pain.
- Procedure time: the entire biacuplasty procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. In most cases, patients can undergo biacuplasty on an outpatient basis.
Benefits of biacuplasty
- Minimally invasive
- Immediate and lasting relief
- Minimal downtime and quick recovery
- Targeted treatment
- Broad application
How does nucleoplasty work?
Nucleoplasty works by utilising a minimally invasive technique to relieve pressure on spinal nerves caused by herniated or slipped discs. The process focuses on reducing the bulge of the herniated disc, which is responsible for pressing against and irritating spinal nerves. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a nucleoplasty typically works:
- Preparation and imaging: the patient is positioned, and the treatment area is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray guidance, your pain specialist locates the exact location of the herniated disc that needs treatment.
- Needle insertion: a special needle is inserted through the skin and directed towards the slipped disc. This step is done carefully to ensure that only the targeted disc is affected, minimising the risk to surrounding tissues.
- Radiofrequency energy: a device emits radiofrequency energy (or radio waves) into the disc through the needle. This energy generates heat.
- Dissolving disc material: the heat from the radiofrequency energy dissolves a small portion of the disc’s nucleus pulposus, the gel-like centre. This process reduces the disc’s volume, thereby decreasing the pressure it exerts on the surrounding nerve roots.
- Pressure relief: by removing a portion of the disc material, the disc’s bulge is lessened, alleviating the pressure on the spinal nerves. This reduction in pressure can significantly decrease pain and improve function in the affected area.
- Rapid recovery: after the procedure, the small puncture site is covered with a bandage. Since nucleoplasty is minimally invasive, it generally allows for a quicker recovery time than traditional surgery. Patients can often go home the same day and may return to normal activities within a few days, following their doctor’s guidance.
What conditions can be treated by biacuplasty?
Biacuplasty is recommended for individuals experiencing chronic low back pain as a result of:
- Degenerative disc disease: degenerative disc disease is a condition in which spinal discs wear down over time, losing their cushioning ability. This leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Biacuplasty can target nerves associated with degenerative disc disease, providing relief from associated symptoms.
- Disc bulges and herniations: herniated or slipped discs protrude beyond their usual boundary, potentially compressing surrounding nerves.
- Facet joint syndrome: facet joint syndrome occurs when these joints become inflamed or damaged, often resulting in localised back pain and stiffness. By targeting the nerves supplying the affected facet joints, biacuplasty can alleviate pain and restore functionality.
- Spinal arthritis: arthritis of the spine, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause chronic back pain and stiffness. Biacuplasty offers a targeted approach to managing pain associated with spinal arthritis by disrupting pain signals transmitted by affected nerves.
What results can I expect from a biacuplasty?
After undergoing a biacuplasty procedure, patients can anticipate various outcomes, primarily centred around pain relief and improved mobility. Here’s what you can generally expect after a biacuplasty:
- Reduction in pain: the primary goal of biacuplasty is to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, chronic low back pain caused by conditions like degenerative disc disease or disc herniations. Many patients report a noticeable decrease in pain levels following the procedure, which can enhance their overall quality of life.
- Improved mobility: as pain diminishes, mobility often improves. Patients may find it easier to engage in previously difficult or painful activities, including basic daily tasks and light exercises. This increased mobility can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and potentially aid in further physical recovery.
- Gradual onset of benefits: while some individuals experience immediate relief after a biacuplasty, for others, the reduction in pain and improvement in function might be more gradual. It can take several weeks for the full benefits of the procedure to manifest as the body heals and adapts to the disruption of pain-signalling pathways.
- Duration of relief: the duration of pain relief following a biacuplasty varies among patients. Many report relief lasting several months to several years, and there are instances of permanent pain reduction. The longevity of the procedure’s benefits will depend on various factors, including the individual’s condition, lifestyle, and adherence to post-procedure recommendations.
- Minimal recovery time: one of the advantages of a biacuplasty is its minimal recovery time compared to more invasive surgical interventions. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure. However, they may be advised to avoid strenuous activities temporarily.
- Follow-up care: post-procedure, patients may be advised to engage in specific rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy to maximise the healing process and improve strength and flexibility in the back.
How many biacuplasty treatment sessions are needed?
Typically, one biacuplasty session suffices for lasting pain relief. However, the procedure can be repeated depending on the patient’s response and the severity of the underlying condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both procedures are minimally invasive and designed to treat disc-related pain. Still, biacuplasty’s use of cooled radiofrequency ablation offers a distinct approach to deactivating pain-transmitting nerves, potentially providing more durable pain relief.
Walking and light activities are encouraged soon after the procedure, aligning with the quick recovery ethos of a biacuplasty. Most patients find they can engage in everyday activities almost immediately with guidance from your specialist.
Pain relief duration varies among individuals but can last from several months to several years. Some patients have reported permanent relief from their chronic lower back pain.
Total Pain Specialist