The Role of Interventional Pain Management: Procedures and Benefits

August 20, 2023

A doctor in a white coat consulting a patient in a white T-shirt and blue jeans.

If chronic pain has made a negative impact on your life, you aren’t alone. Millions of individuals in the United States are affected by persistent pain that can significantly impact their quality of life. This is where interventional pain management comes in.

Using minimally invasive procedures, interventional pain management focuses on diagnosing and treating chronic pain conditions. From injections and nerve blocks to spinal cord stimulation, these procedures aim to reduce or eliminate pain, allowing individuals to regain control over their lives.

In this article, Southside Pain Specialists will explore the different procedures and benefits of interventional pain management, giving you valuable insights into this innovative approach to pain relief.

Interventional Pain Medicine vs. Traditional Pain Management

One of the key differences between interventional pain management and traditional pain management is the approach to treatment. While traditional pain management often involves the use of medications to mask the pain temporarily, interventional pain management aims to identify and treat the root cause of the pain. By directly targeting the source of the pain, interventional pain management offers the potential for long-lasting relief and a reduced reliance on medications.

Common Pain Management Procedures Used in Interventional Pain Medicine

Interventional pain physicians are trained in various procedures that can effectively manage different types of pain. The choice of procedure depends on the specific condition and needs of the patient. Here are some of the most common procedures offered at Southside Pain Specialists:

Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are injections of local anesthetic or medication that target specific nerves to block pain signals. These injections can be performed on various parts of the body, depending on the source of the pain.

For example, a medial branch block can be used to treat back pain, while a lumbar sympathetic block can alleviate pain in the lower back and legs. Nerve blocks can provide temporary or long-lasting pain relief, depending on the individual and the underlying condition.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a popular procedure for alleviating pain in the neck, back, arms, and legs. During the procedure, a combination of corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic is injected into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord.

The corticosteroid helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain, while the anesthetic provides immediate, short-term relief. ESIs can effectively manage pain caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.

Facet Joint Injections

Facet joint injections are commonly used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the facet joints in the spine. These joints, located on either side of the vertebrae, can become inflamed or irritated, leading to chronic pain.

During the procedure, a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid are injected into the affected facet joint. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the corticosteroid helps reduce inflammation and provide long-term pain relief. Facet joint injections can benefit conditions such as facet joint syndrome, spinal arthritis, and whiplash injuries.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a procedure that involves implanting a small device near the spinal cord to alleviate chronic pain. The device delivers electrical pulses directly to the spinal cord, interfering with pain signals and replacing them with a tingling sensation.

Spinal cord stimulation can effectively reduce pain and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and neuropathy. SCS is a reversible procedure, and the device can be adjusted or removed if necessary.

The Benefits of Interventional Treatment for Pain Management

Interventional pain management offers several benefits over traditional pain management approaches. Firstly, it provides targeted relief by directly addressing the source of the pain. This targeted approach often results in more effective and longer-lasting pain relief compared to medications alone.

Secondly, interventional treatment can help reduce the need for opioid medications, which are associated with various side effects and the risk of addiction. By minimizing reliance on opioids, interventional pain management can improve the overall safety and well-being of patients.

Additionally, interventional procedures are minimally invasive, meaning they involve smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and shorter recovery times compared to surgical interventions.

Transform your Quality of Life With Southside Pain Specialists

Interventional pain management has the potential to transform your quality of life by providing targeted relief and improving overall well-being. By addressing the root cause of the pain through minimally invasive procedures, interventional pain management offers more effective and longer-lasting pain relief compared to traditional approaches.

This treatment can also reduce the reliance on medications, including opioids, and minimize the associated risks and side effects. If you are struggling with acute or chronic pain, consider exploring the possibilities of interventional pain management and find relief at a trusted clinic like Southside Pain Specialists.

Find Relief at Southside Pain Specialists

If you are seeking effective interventional pain management, look no further than Southside Pain Specialists. Our team of experienced and board-certified interventional pain physicians is dedicated to providing personalized care and delivering optimal outcomes for our patients.