Pain management doctors specialize in alleviating chronic pain through tailored treatment plans and therapies. Their expertise aims to improve daily functioning and quality of life for patients experiencing persistent discomfort. By addressing the root causes and providing comprehensive care, these specialists offer support in managing long-term pain. Here’s how your pain management dr will help reduce or manage your chronic pain:
Injections
Pain management doctors utilize minimally invasive procedures to address chronic pain, employing injections to deliver medication directly to affected areas. They pinpoint the source of pain to determine the appropriate treatment approach, which may include injections for conditions such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and annular tears. These injections interrupt pain signals or reduce inflammation in specific areas.
Common procedures involving injections include facet injections and epidural steroid injections, which target facet joints affected by arthritis and inflammation and the spinal canal to alleviate inflammation and associated pain.
Thermal Ablation
If injections do not provide sufficient relief, your pain management dr may recommend thermal ablation as an alternative treatment. A common type of thermal ablation used for chronic pain management is radiofrequency ablation. This therapy targets specific nerves responsible for pain transmission. The procedure involves using radiofrequency waves to heat and disable these nerves, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain and thereby reducing chronic pain.
Another thermal ablation technique is basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA), sometimes known as intracept procedure. It is often used for lower back pain. During BVNA, a radiofrequency probe is inserted into the affected vertebra to generate heat and deactivate pain-transmitting nerves, offering relief from chronic pain symptoms.
Nerve Stimulation
Pain management doctors use nerve stimulation to alleviate pain affecting various. Some of these areas include the back, limbs, and head. During this procedure, electrodes are strategically placed near the affected nerves to provide relief. Common applications include peripheral nerve stimulation, where wire-like electrodes are positioned near peripheral nerves to deliver controlled electrical pulses, replacing chronic pain sensations with mild tingling (paresthesia).
In spinal cord stimulation, a spinal cord stimulator device is implanted in the epidural space. This device administers a low-level electrical current to the spinal cord. This effectively blocks pain signals from reaching the brain when activated, reducing pain perception.
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Surgical Implant
Some pain doctors suggest surgical implants as a lasting remedy for chronic pain. They use minimally invasive procedures to implant medical devices directly into affected areas. One such implant commonly used is the SI-Bone iFuse Torq Implant. This implant is ideal for relieving pain resulting from sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
The process involves implanting a 3D-printed device across the sacroiliac joint to alleviate pain and enhance stability. Another treatment option for SI joint pain is the Catamaran SI Joint Fusion System, which involves inserting a single titanium implant directly into the joint.
Find a Reliable Pain Management Dr
Effective pain management options empower individuals dealing with chronic pain, whether caused by spinal osteoarthritis, herniated discs, or facet joint syndrome. A pain management doctor will diagnose the pain source and recommend personalized treatment options. Take proactive steps today by consulting a trusted pain management specialist to effectively manage or treat your chronic pain.
