Non-Invasive Techniques for Pain Management

Chronic pain in the back or the neck can be extremely painful.The most common causes of chronic pain are arthritis, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia. In order totreat chronic back or neck pain, specialists in pain management clinics in Illnois may opt for invasive techniques. These techniques are safe, and have been proven to be effective in controlling pain and increasing function.

Though pain management doctors in Illinois, use a variety of invasive therapies and techniques, however, we will focus on the most popular ones:

Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections are optimal for acute flare-ups that require an immediate pain response. These injections involve lidocaine w/wo a steroid, or an injectible NSAID. These injections go into the muscle belly of the problem area, and can give pain relief within 20 minutes.

Joint Injections

Joint injections are used widely by doctors to relieve patients from acute and subacute pain flare-ups.They are primarily injected to ensure direct delivery of anesthetics and steroids into targeted joints. As the anti-inflammatory solution is injected directly into the affected joint, the results are faster and more effective than oral medications. Joint injections are primarily used for osteoarthritis in the spine, knees, wrists, and ankles.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are primarily used for neuropathic pain, but can also be used for stubborn osteoarthritis pain that is not responding to other treatments. These injections involve placing lidocaine and a steroid into the epidural space of the spinal canal. The goal is to decrease inflammation associated with disc herniations or spinal stenosis. The anti-inflammatory effect usually lasts 3 months to 1 year.

Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are directed toward temporarily eliminating sensory innervation toward a problem jont(s). This treatment is in lieu of severe osteoarthritis, where surgical interventions are sub-optimal in outcome. The nerves are eradicated using either chemical denervation, or a procedure called Radiofrequency Ablation. Successful responses result in a greater than 50% decrease in joint pain. This procedure can be done on levels of the spinal cord and the knees, where post-knee replacement pain can be a difficult problem to manage.

When the above procedures are used in combination with physical therapy, they can contribute to a sustained improvement in function and pain relief.

For more information, quick diagnosis and quality pain management treatments, get in touch with us. Health Solutions is one of the leading pain management clinics in Illinois. Call on +1.7088029355 to schedule your appointment.