Pain is a very personal topic for anyone who suffers from it. A lot of pain symptoms subside when the underlying condition causing the pain is treated. However, in some cases, pain symptoms must be managed because the underlying condition cannot be cured. In such situations, pain management techniques are utilized.
When it comes to pain management, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Your doctor will review your symptoms, overall health, other medical conditions you have, lifestyle, and other factors to determine which pain management technique is right for you.
One of the most common places to experience pain is in the back or neck. There are a variety of causes of back pain and many of them cannot be cured, which is why pain management techniques must be employed to control symptoms.
Here are some of the most popular and effective pain management techniques used to treat back and neck pain.
Epidural Steroid Injections
This minimally-invasive procedure is typically recommended for patients who suffer from neck, leg, arm, and back pain. The doctor administers steroid injections into the epidural space in the back. The pain relief can last several months. Patients with spinal stenosis, sciatica, and herniated and degenerated disc respond well to epidural steroid injections.
Facet Joint Injections
Facet injections are injected into the intraarticular joint of the medial branch blocks. The purpose is to numb the facet joint to provide pain relief. This is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. Patients with arthritis of the spine or back injuries that cause pain typically respond well to facet joint injections.
Spinal Cord Stimulator
A spinal cord stimulator is placed under your skin to deliver low-dose electrical pulses to your spine to block pain signals going to the brain. The message is scattered as a result of the stimulator, which reduces pain. A hand-held device is used to trigger the electrical pulses. Patients with chronic back pain respond well to this pain management technique.
Nerve Blocks
A nerve block or neural blockade is administered by a doctor to turn off pain signals that are being sent to the brain by numbing the nerves. The injection site is in the nerve or bundle of nerves that are responsible for the pain signals. Patients with chronic pain respond well to nerve block injections.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation destroys nerve fibers to stop the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Elastic current heats and kills the nerve tissue. The procedure is done using a needle that can deliver radiofrequency currents to the target area where the pain originates from. Radiofrequency ablation is great for patients with chronic back or neck pain.
Joint Pain Doctors in Naples, Florida
The team of physicians and specialists at Joint Replacement Institute specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions and injuries. Our specialties include sports medicine, joint replacement, pain management, and foot and ankle disorders.
If you are ready to live a life without pain, call our compassionate physicians and specialists at (239) 261-2663 or book an appointment now. We are happy to get you the pain relief you need!
