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Interventional pain management is a field of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating pain-related disorders. Doctors use a range of techniques to help patients manage pain that has not responded to other treatments, including minimally invasive procedures that target the source of discomfort. They aim to reduce pain intensity and improve the overall quality of life for individuals living with chronic conditions. Here are some common treatment options in interventional pain management:
Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks interrupt pain signals traveling along a specific nerve or group of nerves. Physicians often use imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to place a needle near the targeted nerve. Once the needle is correctly positioned, a local anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication is injected. This medication numbs the nerve and prevents it from sending pain messages to the brain.
Pain relief may last for a short period or provide longer-term benefits, depending on the specific type of block used. Some blocks are diagnostic, and they help doctors identify which nerve is causing the issue. Others are therapeutic, aimed at relieving acute or chronic pain. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients return home the same day, and recovery time is generally minimal, allowing individuals to resume normal activities quickly.
Injection Therapies
Interventional pain management includes injection therapies that deliver medication directly to the site of pain. Some of these include:
- Epidural injections: These injections deliver corticosteroids into the epidural space around the spinal cord to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
- Facet joint injections: These target the small joints in the spine that can cause back and neck pain due to arthritis or injury.
- Trigger point injections: These treat painful knots that form when muscles do not relax. These knots, or trigger points, may irritate surrounding nerves and cause referred pain in other parts of the body.
- Joint injections: Used for knees, hips, or shoulders, these deliver corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid to reduce inflammation and improve joint lubrication.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) uses a device to deliver pulsed electrical signals to the spinal cord to control chronic pain. This method is often reserved for patients who have not found relief through other conservative treatments, and it usually begins with a trial phase. During the trial, a temporary lead is placed near the spinal cord, and the patient uses an external generator to control the stimulation. If the patient experiences significant pain reduction during the trial, a permanent system may be implanted. Permanent implantation involves placing a small generator, similar to a pacemaker, under the skin. Leads carry the electrical pulses from the generator to the nerve fibers of the spinal cord. These pulses mask pain signals before they reach the brain. Patients control the device with a handheld remote, allowing them to adjust the level of stimulation based on pain levels throughout the day.
Visit an Interventional Pain Management Clinic
If chronic pain affects your daily life, seeing a specialist might provide new options for relief. An interventional pain management clinic offers a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating various pain conditions. Doctors will evaluate your medical history and current symptoms to develop a personalized treatment plan. Contact a pain management clinic today to schedule a consultation.
