Excruciating back pain
Munich Clinic

Bending over to weed. Playing with the dog in the garden. Or picking up a dropped pen from the floor. For most people, no problem at all. Just everyday life! But Cornelia L. (46) from Ebersberg (Bavaria) didn't know this everyday life for a long time. Chronic back pain made the secretary's life a living hell: "I could hardly move anymore," she recalls. "The pain radiated from my lower back down deep into my leg. My foot went numb, I could barely walk."„
Her recovery is thanks to a new therapy and a very unusual examination technique that, after months, led to the correct diagnosis.

The pain is getting worse and worse.

Flashback: Cornelia has severe back pain and goes from doctor to doctor. One suspects a herniated disc, another a narrowed spinal canal. She receives painkillers, injections, and physical therapy – nothing helps.

On the contrary, the pain is getting worse. "I couldn't even stand up straight anymore. Half-sitting, half-lying, I huddled on the sofa, propped up with lots of pillows. At night, I couldn't sleep because of the pain. Just going to bed became an ordeal." Driving? Walking the dog? Cleaning and cooking? Impossible! Every movement brings tears to Cornelia's eyes. She is completely desperate!

Dr. med. Samer Ismail

✉ info@wz-muenchenost.de

☎ +49 89 420 45 017

Since 2012, we have been certified as a highly specialized spine center throughout Germany and at the WZMO we treat all acute and chronic diseases and pain conditions of the spine.

„"Your spine is not the cause!"“

Until a physiotherapist referred her to Munich neurosurgeon Dr. Samer Ismail (45). He examined her back more closely and determined: "Your spine is healthy! The cause lies in the sacroiliac joint!" Sacroiliac joint? Cornelia was surprised. She'd never heard of it! This was nothing new for Dr. Ismail. He had treated many patients who were previously unaware of their condition: "Based on the symptoms, it's difficult to distinguish whether the discomfort is caused by intervertebral discs, the lumbar spine, or the sacroiliac joints," the expert explained.

Even X-rays or MRI scans often fail to provide a clear diagnosis. "That's why we use special injections. I inject a local anesthetic directly into the joint and observe whether the patient feels better. If so, I know that this is what caused the pain."„

Just like with Cornelia. But since the usual therapies hadn't helped her, the expert suggested a new method: radiofrequency therapy. Monitored by a camera, he inserted a special probe directly into the affected joint using a very thin needle. This probe generated heat, which essentially "switched off" the pain. "With this new therapy, we can ensure that the patient remains pain-free for two to three years. Some patients even become pain-free permanently." For Cornelia, that would be paradise. So, she had no trouble agreeing to the procedure.

Yes, indeed, three weeks after the minimally invasive surgery (very gentle for the patient, without an incision, only with a tiny cannula, leaving no scars) all the pain is gone. "Incredible!" Cornelia rejoices. "I can move around again without any problems and do everything that was impossible before. For me, it's the beginning of a completely new, joyful life!"„

Minimally invasive therapies for back pain in Munich at the WZMO

Radiofrequency therapy helps people with severe lower back pain (sacroiliac joint). It is often the last resort. A typical characteristic of these chronic conditions is that they are particularly bad in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. The cause is irritated nerve fibers (red) in the area of the iliac bone. Before the procedure, the patient is given a local anesthetic. The doctor then inserts a thin needle through the skin to the sacroiliac joint. Through this needle, he pushes a special probe, which allows him to treat the nerves along the entire sacrum step by step.

The special feature: The pain-relieving probe generates heat. It reaches temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius! This cauterizes the pain-conducting nerve fibers. Depending on the severity, the procedure takes between 45 and 60 minutes. Afterwards, about 80 percent of patients feel better. Great news: The costs (approximately €2,800) are covered by most health insurance companies.

New patients are also welcome: Your Center for Spinal Medicine in Munich

Are you looking for a clinic in Munich due to chronic back pain? At our spinal center, you will be welcomed by a friendly and exceptionally well-organized team and receive expert advice and treatment from specialists in neurosurgery. To offer you the best possible therapy, we first take a detailed medical history and understand the progression of your symptoms. Therefore, it is important to know this beforehand.

a comprehensive anamnesis interview

The identification of pre-existing conditions, for example, using existing X-rays or diagnoses from your family doctor. Please bring along any documents you have available.

the use of imaging techniques (MRI)

If necessary, the use of electroneurography and lumbar puncture

Are you most afraid of the "tube"? Don't worry, we completely understand. Many patients initially feel uneasy when a CT scanner is used. At our practice in Munich, we therefore use state-of-the-art technology that not only offers you more space than other machines, but also allows you to relax while listening to music or watching videos. And a friendly smile and an encouraging word are always part of our daily routine.

Acute back pain? Need advice? We're ready!

Are you already suffering from chronic pain and suspect something more serious? Then don't wait too long, contact us as soon as possible. Book your appointment online or call us during our office hours.

You have no acute symptoms, but occasionally need a specialist in spinal medicine? We would be happy to accept you as a new patient and conduct an initial consultation so that we already know each other in case of an emergency and can treat you immediately.

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