Pain management healthcare focuses on alleviating pain and improving the health of individuals living with acute or chronic pain. It involves a multidisciplinary approach that may include physicians, physical therapists, and other specialists to diagnose the source of discomfort. The goal of a comprehensive pain management plan is to address the underlying condition, causes, and symptoms to restore function. While medication is a common component of many comprehensive plans, there are several non-pharmacological interventions available. Here’s information on treatment approaches for managing pain:
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure often utilized for patients experiencing chronic pain. It is particularly beneficial for chronic pain from the lower back, neck, or arthritic joints. This technique uses radio waves to produce heat, which is then directed at specific nerve tissues to disrupt their ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. Because the nerve is effectively deactivated, the patient experiences relief that can last for several months or even longer.
Pain management plans incorporating RFA are typically for individuals who have not found relief through conservative treatments, such as physical therapy. Some chronic conditions and symptoms that may benefit from radiofrequency ablation treatments are:
- Spondylosis
- Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Peripheral Nerve Pain
- Certain Cancer-related Pain
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) involves a device that exerts electrical signals to the spinal cord to control chronic pain. A small device known as a pulse generator is implanted under the skin, usually in the buttock or abdomen, and thin wires called leads carry the electrical currents to the nerve fibers of the spinal cord. These electrical pulses modify and mask the pain signal before it reaches the brain.
This therapy is often done when other surgical or non-surgical treatments have failed to provide adequate relief. SCS allows patients to adjust the strength and location of the stimulation using a handheld remote control, providing a degree of autonomy over their pain. It is a specific option often explored for complex regional pain syndrome or failed back surgery syndrome.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a surgery that treats spinal compression fractures that are causing severe back pain and spinal deformity. Performed under local or general anesthesia, this surgery takes about an hour per vertebra. Some key procedural steps include:
- During the kyphoplasty, a physician inserts a needle into the fractured vertebra using X-ray guidance for precision.
- Through this needle, the doctor inserts a small balloon into the bone. The surgeon inflates the balloon to create a cavity that restores the collapsed vertebra’s height.
- Once the space is created, the balloon is deflated and removed, and the cavity is filled with a special bone cement that hardens quickly. This stabilizes the fracture.
A kyphoplasty procedure helps relieve pain by stabilizing the bone and restoring some or all of the lost vertebral height. These fractures are commonly associated with osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle. A kyphoplasty may also be utilized for fractures caused by certain types of cancer that have weakened the spinal bones, such as multiple myeloma.
Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that utilizes the patient’s own blood to promote healing in injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. This process involves drawing a small amount and spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets. These activated platelets are then injected directly into the injured or painful body tissue. This releases growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells produced by the body. PRP is recommended for conditions like tendonitis, osteoarthritis, and other soft-tissue injuries where the body’s natural healing process needs support.
Schedule a Pain Management Appointment
Living with chronic pain can impact daily life, but numerous non-pharmacological options exist to help manage symptoms and improve function. A qualified pain specialist can evaluate you and determine which of these advanced therapies may be best for your needs. To learn more about reducing your pain, contact a pain specialist to schedule an appointment today.
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