Advanced Treatment Options

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Neuromodulation

There are many different neuromodulation options, depending on the type of pain and the location. Spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, DRG (dorsal root stimulation), and multifidus (low back muscle) stimulation for chronic low back pain acts by altering nerve activity to reduce the sensation of pain within the area. These techniques are very popular because they are effective and minimally invasive. Ensure your implanting physician has surgical training, like Dr. Ranson, for the best outcomes. Dr. Ranson has implanted thousands of neuromodulation devices over his career. Learn more.

Intracept Procedure for Chronic Low Back Pain

The Intracept Procedure is an outpatient treatment for chronic vertebrogenic low back pain that offers proven relief and helps patients regain their quality of life. This implant-free procedure targets the middle of the low back, where pain is often worsened by physical activity, prolonged sitting, bending forward, or lifting. With a strong safety profile and consistent results across various studies, this same-day procedure performed in an outpatient setting provides a durable solution, improving function and reducing pain in the long term. Learn more.

Intradiscal Injections for Disc Repair

Dr. Ranson currently works with ViaDisc for intradiscal repair. Via Disc is a product made from human nucleus pulposus (the “jelly” in the middle of the intervertebral disc of the spine). Via Disc is injected into a degenerated intervertebral disc to restore the function of the disc WITHOUT the need for surgery. The procedure takes 10-15 minutes per level. Although patients can expect instant relief, they should still wait 4 weeks to resume normal physical activity. Dr. Ranson was the first physician in the state to perform the Via Disc procedure.

Nerve and Tumor Ablation

This procedure involves placing a heat-transferring electrode on the problematic area to ablate the tissue. Nerve ablations may be performed at the vertebrae for patients with chronic low back pain (Intracept procedure) or at the facet joint for patients who have arthritis of the spine. Ablation of nerves going into the vertebrae often provides substantial pain relief for patients who do not find relief with medication, conservative care, or common pain procedures (injections). A facet ablation procedure (single or multi-level) is performed in under 10 minutes, while a vertebral nerve ablation procedure takes about 15 minutes. Tumor ablations occur in conjunction with other procedures and can take much longer, depending on the severity of the tumor. In most cases, patients can expect instant, long-term relief.

Kyphoplasty

This is a procedure that repairs a fractured vertebra with both cement and, occasionally, more advanced techniques that implant both cement combined with metallic devices that can restore normal vertebral height after spine fractures. Dr. Ranson has performed over a thousand kyphoplasties and is one of the only physicians who has the skill set to correct fractured vertebrae in the upper spine. The procedure takes about 20-45 minutes, depending on the severity of the case. Patients can expect to have a significant reduction or elimination of pain directly after the procedure.

Regenerative Treatments

Although not covered by insurance, many patients seek out the use of regenerative products to help restore damaged joints and nerves. Regenerative injections can take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour, depending on the joints involved and the amount of regenerative product utilized. Patients usually experience long-lasting relief starting 1-30 days post-procedure. Regenerative treatments are the most natural procedure option. Dr. Ranson has been involved in the regenerative medicine arena since 2014. He was also a board member and medical consultant for Axolotl Biologix. Read more.

Fusions

Thanks to advances in modern medicine, surgically trained physicians can offer cutting-edge, minimally-invasive options for stabilizing parts of the spine or SI joints. These procedures take about 30 minutes to perform with minimal anesthesia and recovery. Modern fusions may also be performed on patients into their 90s. Most patients are comfortably back to their regular activity in 6-8 weeks. Dr. Ranson has been performing different types of fusion procedures since 2009. His surgical training gives him the skill set to safely and effectively perform fusions with outstanding results.