What Is Interventional Pain Management?

Interventional pain management is a method or process of using pain-blocking techniques to help to carry out daily activities with less feeling of pain. Some of the treatment processes surgery, nerve blocks, electrostimulation, or implantable drug delivery systems. This pain management process is used when the pain is severe and even doing daily activities becomes difficult. Some of the conditions this pain management treats are:

• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Chronic headaches, mouth, or pain in the face
• Muscle pain, bone pain

What Are the Types Of Interventional Pain Management?

There are different types of interventional pain management, and the treatment depends on the specific symptoms and conditions. Some of the standard treatment techniques are as follows.

Nerve Blocks:

Pain signals travel from nerves to the brain. Nerve blocks are used to interrupt or disrupt the pain signals from nerves to the brain to provide pain relief. The type of nerve block depends on the individual’s treatment plan, as some are not so invasive and may sometimes last for hours or days. Other nerve blocks require surgical procedures and could be placed for long-term or permanently.

Injections:

Some common types of injections are Trigger Joint Injections, Epidural Steroid Injections, and Facet Joint Injections. Each of these injections targets different pain spots in the body and generally include asteroid or a numbing agent.

Infusions:

Infusions are the process of delivering pain relief drugs directly into the body and are used generally for more extended periods. Intrathecal Infusions are transported into the subarachnoid space in the brain whereas Epidural Infusions are used in the spinal cord.

Radiofrequency Ablation:

This treatment mainly helps in the treatment of lower back and neck pain, specifically the pains that are caused by arthritis. Radiofrequency Ablation technique makes use of a radio wave to produce an electrical current that is used to heat an area or a part of nerve tissue. Hence, the pain signals in that area are significantly reduced.

Spinal Cord Stimulation:

This technique is used in the treatment of chronic pain. The procedure is followed by applying gentle electrical currents to the origin or of the pain. Electrical leads are inserted near to the spinal column, and at the same time, a tiny generator is inserted into the buttock or abdomen. This small generator emits electrical signals to the spinal column, hence blocking the ability for the brain to perceive or feel pain.

Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation:

This treatment is mainly used for Spinal Cord Stimulation. However, it is localized in other parts of the body. The electrical leads are placed as close as possible to the source of the pain and follow a similar process that is used for Spinal Cord Stimulation.

Treating The Whole Body

Along with treating only the area of pain, treating the entire body is essential as well. In this way, the patient heals quicker and regains their usual self which in return helps them to resume all their regular day-to-day activities. Some of the body treatment methods are:

• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Dietary or fitness counseling
• Talk therapy

Is Interventional Pain Management The Right Option?

There is a chance of the patient having to try several of the pain management techniques or a combination of them. These pain management techniques may heal all the pains and improve the quality of life. However, before going for or deciding on any treatment pain, it is best to consult the doctor and discuss it with them to get the advice that would work best for one’s health and well being.