At some point, most of us will experience back pain. For some, it will be a minor annoyance that goes away after a few days of rest. Others, however, will suffer from chronic back pain that can interfere with work, sleep, and other aspects of daily life.

If you fall into the latter category, you may be wondering what your treatment options are. While there are many different approaches to managing back pain, interlaminar procedures have become increasingly popular in recent years, says Dr Brian Blick.

How the procedures work:
Interlaminar procedures are usually performed by pain management experts or anesthesiologists. The goal of these procedures is to relieve pain by injecting medication into the space between the laminae, which are the thin plates of bone that make up the vertebrae. This space is known as the interlaminar space. By targeting this specific area, interlaminar procedures can help to reduce inflammation and pain more effectively than other approaches.

Types of procedures done by the experts:
There are a variety of interlaminar procedures that can be used to treat back pain.
The most common is known as an interlaminar epidural injections (ILESI). This procedure involves injecting medication into the interlaminar space using a needle and guided by fluoroscopic imaging.
Other types of interlaminar procedures include facet joint injections and nerve root blocks. These procedures work by targeting specific areas of the spine that are responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain.

Risks to consider:
While interlaminar procedures are generally safe and effective, they do carry some risks. The most common complication is post-procedure headaches, which can be severe but typically resolve on their own within a few days. More serious complications are rare but can include infection, bleeding, or nerve damage.

Endnote:
As with any medical procedure, it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before deciding if interlaminar injection is right for you. The pain management experts can help you to understand your options and make the best decision for your individual needs.