For individuals with chronic conditions, pain management is a structured field of medicine that aims to address persistent pain signals in the body. While many treatment paths exist, several procedures target sources of pain, offering a different approach when other methods are insufficient. Understanding these techniques can help you have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider. Here is more information about innovative strategies for managing pain:
Epidural Steroid Injections
An epidural steroid injection delivers medication directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord, providing relief from pain. This space is the area between the protective membrane covering the spinal cord and the vertebrae. Medical professionals perform this procedure to treat pain due to irritated spinal nerves.
This treatment is used for conditions such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs, where inflammation significantly contributes to pain. The goal is to reduce swelling around the nerves, which in turn may alleviate the pain that radiates from the spine to other parts of the body. They perform this procedure with precision, utilizing imaging guidance to make sure the needle alignment is accurate.
Advanced Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a pain management procedure that uses an electrical current produced by a radio wave to heat a small area of nerve tissue. This process, which is also known as radiofrequency neurotomy, disrupts the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to the brain. A diagnostic nerve block can help confirm the nerve that causes the pain before the procedure. The RFA procedure itself is minimally invasive.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) uses low-voltage electrical currents to interfere with the pain signals traveling from the spinal cord to the brain. Because it modifies the pain message before it reaches the brain, your perception of pain is altered. An SCS system involves a small, implanted device that delivers these electrical pulses. It is often compared to a pacemaker for pain. The system has several components:
- Thin lead wires
- A pulse generator
- A handheld remote
First, specialists conduct a trial period to see if the therapy is effective for your specific type of pain. During the trial, you typically wear the generator externally, so you and your doctor can evaluate the device’s impact on your daily pain levels. If the trial is successful, a surgeon can implant a permanent device under the skin.
Injectable Nerve Blocks
An injectable nerve block involves the injection of medication near a specific nerve or group of nerves to interrupt the transmission of pain signals. This is a targeted treatment. Anesthetics are used to numb the area, while steroids can be added to reduce inflammation. Nerve blocks may be helpful for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. They help physicians identify the source of pain, and they can provide temporary pain relief. The effects of a nerve block vary from person to person.
Schedule Pain Management Services
Navigating the options for chronic pain requires a personalized approach based on your unique medical history and condition. A thorough evaluation with a pain management specialist is the first step toward developing a plan that is right for you. If you are living with a chronic condition and want to learn more about these or other pain management techniques, contact a pain specialist today to schedule a consultation.
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