If you’re living with neck or back pain and feeling unsure about your options, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of luck. Dr. Michael Hermann, a non-operative spine specialist at Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, wants patients to know that not all spine care involves surgery. In fact, many people find real, lasting relief through conservative treatment options like epidural injections.
“We all have different roles and we collaborate quite a bit,” says Dr. Hermann, describing what he calls the “spine ecosystem” at CSMO. “My job is to focus on the non-operative side, and we have a great team that supports each patient from diagnosis to treatment.”
What Is an Epidural Injection?
Many people associate the term “epidural” with childbirth, but in spine care, epidurals serve a different and equally important purpose. These injections deliver medication directly around the spinal nerves, reducing inflammation and helping to relieve pain.
“Epidurals are really simple,” explains Dr. Hermann. “We clean off the skin, numb the area, and place a small needle to deliver the medicine. It’s done under X-ray guidance to make sure it’s in exactly the right spot.”
The goal? Relief that can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months—or even longer.
“I have some patients who come in once a year for an epidural and they’re good to go,” says Dr. Hermann. “Others may need different options. But even if the relief is short-lived, that helps us figure out what’s going on and what to try next.”
A Personalized, Conservative Approach
Dr. Hermann and the CSMO team believe in creating treatment plans tailored to each individual.
“Even when we say ‘conservative approach,’ that doesn’t mean slow improvement,” he says. “If someone is really hurting, we’ll use all of the tools available to get them out of pain as quickly as we can.”
That might mean combining an epidural with physical therapy or exploring another non-surgical option such as radiofrequency ablation—another treatment CSMO offers for patients with arthritis-related back pain.
“It’s been around for about 50 years, and it’s a great solution for arthritis in the spine, especially since surgery isn’t usually the best route in those cases.”
Don’t Settle for a Life of Pain
Back pain can be complicated, and no two cases are exactly alike. But that’s why Dr. Hermann loves what he does.
“Every patient is a new chapter. You have to customize the plan each time. But the most important thing I tell patients is—this pain doesn’t have to be forever.”
If you’re struggling with neck or back pain, now’s the time to explore your options. Learn more about Dr. Michael Hermann and non-operative spine care at sportmed.com, or call (423) 624-2696 to schedule an appointment. Relief could be just one step away.
