What is multifidus stimulation for back pain?

Multifidus stimulation is a minimally invasive procedure that activates weakened spinal muscles using electrical stimulation to improve stability and reduce chronic low back pain.

When is surgery recommended for back pain?

Surgery may be recommended for severe or persistent back pain, especially when neurological compression or structural instability of the spine is present.

Treatments We’re Watching for Back Pain Relief: The latest non-invasive and least invasive treatments for back pain

Q: Are there any new treatments for back pain?

Yes. New treatments for back pain include minimally invasive options such as multifidus muscle stimulation, endoscopic discectomy, and the Intracept procedure, designed for patients who have not responded to traditional therapies.

Q: What are the current treatments for back pain?

Current treatments include physical therapy, medications such as NSAIDs and muscle relaxants, spinal injections, and surgical procedures like discectomy, spinal fusion, and laminectomy.

New Jersey Brain and Spine | Treatments We’re Watching for Back Pain Relief: The latest non-invasive and least invasive treatments for back pain

December 16th, 2025
By Ira M. Goldstein, MD, FAANS

Back pain affects millions of people worldwide. Whether resulting from a degenerative condition, injury, or simply poor posture, it is essential to manage back pain to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

While traditional treatment approaches, such as physical therapy, surgery, and medications, have been effective for many patients, we are constantly looking for new and better means to treat back pain, particularly for those patients who have not responded to traditional therapies. At New Jersey Brain and Spine, we stay on top of the latest medical innovations for back pain management to ensure we offer our patients the most effective treatment options.

Are There Any New Treatments for Back Pain?

As the understanding of back pain and its underlying causes deepens, so do the recommended treatment options. These new, non-invasive, and minimally invasive treatments—including two that are detailed below—are designed to relieve pain while minimizing a previously lengthy recovery time.

What Are the Current Treatments for Back Pain?

There are still several established treatment options that remain effective for treating patients with back pain. The current treatment options include:

Physical Therapy: This remains the cornerstone of back pain management, with exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture.
Medications: Muscle relaxants and NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are commonly prescribed to reduce overall back pain and inflammation.
Injections: Steroid injections can be effective in targeting inflammation and providing relief to those who suffer from chronic back pain.
Surgery: With severe or persistent back pain, or for patients with neurological compression, surgery to stabilize or decompress the spine may be required. Common procedures include discectomy, spinal fusion, and laminectomy.

What Is a New Study for Chronic Back Pain?

Multifidus stimulation is a new, minimally invasive treatment for persistent low back pain. This procedure is designed for patients who have not responded to traditional treatment options and exhibit weakness in their multifidus muscles.

This treatment involves implanting small electrical leads near the nerves, controlling these muscles to stimulate them, and potentially restoring spinal stability through muscle activation. A recent study revisited patients three years after they received this new treatment for back pain, and the data they found proved promising for its long-term efficacy. After three years, more than 80% of treatment participants reported improvements in pain, disability, or both. Additionally, 70% of participants voluntarily reduced or discontinued opioid use for their back pain.

What New, Minimally Invasive Procedures Can Effectively Treat Back Pain?

Specific minimally invasive procedures are gaining popularity for back pain treatment. When it comes to back pain relief, minimally invasive procedures are becoming more and more recognized for their ability to reduce recovery times and minimize surgical risks.

One new, minimally invasive treatment for back pain is endoscopic discectomy. This procedure uses an endoscope, a small camera, to guide the surgeon as they remove the problem disc material. Compared to traditional spinal surgery, this procedure has significantly less risk of complications, less postoperative pain, and shorter recovery times.

Another is the minimally invasive Intracept procedure, which uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt pain signals between the spine and the brain.

Comprehensive Spine Care

At New Jersey Brain and Spine, we are committed to providing our patients with new, cutting-edge treatments for back pain. We continuously monitor the latest advancements and minimally invasive techniques to deliver better outcomes with less risk and downtime.

With decades of experience and ultra-specialized training, our spine neurosurgeons and pain management experts have eased the pain for thousands of patients. Whether the issue is inherited or injury-related, we determine a comprehensive treatment plan to help our patients resume their active, pain-free lives.

Contact New Jersey Brain and Spine today to learn more about our recommended treatment advancements for back pain treatment!