Minimally invasive procedures dramatically reduce or eliminate pain
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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – For people who have lived with chronic pain, the concept that it can be reduced or even eliminated is often met with skepticism. Particularly those who have suffered for many years will claim to have tried everything – and many have. Surgery and medication have for years been the prescriptions of choice, but with varying – sometimes minimal – improvement.
However, there are interventional procedures that can make a significant difference. With 21st Century technology, and a growing medical field dedicated solely to the reduction of pain, the options today are greater than ever, and the results are, as well.
Introducing Interventional Pain Care
The concept of interventional pain care has seen a rise in the past ten years. Interventional pain care is tackling pain from the site of origin. Fluoroscopically-guided injections using small quantities of a local anesthetic may provide remarkable relief – and equally important, valuable diagnostic information. Using this diagnostic tool, more effective treatment can be subsequently rendered. Non-surgical treatment of ailments involving the spine such as disk disruption and arthritis is also possible.
MRIs, X-rays and physical therapy may all indicate different locations as to the source of pain. Interventional techniques confirm or disprove previous diagnoses. Often this eliminates unnecessary, ineffective and more invasive options such as surgery.
Cutting Edge Treatments
The use of Radio Frequency (RF) waves for pain elimination, particularly in facet joints, is commonly referred to as Radio Frequency Lesioning, is increasingly popular. While cervical and lumbar pain are not uncommon – in fact they are part of life as we grow – for those where the pain does not resolve on its own accord, chronic pain becomes the issue.
Through sophisticated technology, we can harness radio frequency waves and direct them at the site of pain. The fluoroscope guides the physicians to the exact location, and the insertion of special needles are minimally invasive, creating very minor discomfort. The patient is sedated for the procedure, which lasts approximately 45 minutes. The actual application of the RF signal is only about 90 seconds per application. Some procedures require multiple treatments of the RF energy. Computerized protocol determines the specific parameters of the RF energy, which generates heat that eliminates the nerve endings that are sensing the pain, rendering them nonfunctional. The elimination of these nerve endings results in nearly instantaneous relief of the typical pain experienced.
Patients most likely to be candidates for RF treatment are those who are receptive to local anesthetic blocks. Patients may require one to four weeks to completely recover, but can resume ordinary activities within days.
Epidurals – not just for labor
An “epidural” has long been associated with women in labor, but the term “epidural” refers to an injection that delivers medication directly into the epidural space in the spine. This can be a frequent and effective course of action for those with neck, arm, lower back or leg pain.
The epidural is minimally invasive, and has proven to be especially effective for those with herniated or degenerated disks, sciatica and spinal inflammation. Effectiveness is often predicated by the technique of the physician, and with experience and a perfected technique, epidurals can be highly effective.
Some patients will receive a recommendation to have an epidural neuroplasty, or lysis of adhesions procedure. This is an advanced epidural procedure which, in addition to depositing steroid in the epidural space, attempts to either chemically or mechanically disrupt adhesions or fibrous scar tissue that may have formed as a result of prior or ongoing inflammation, or prior spine surgery.
Also effective is a treatment called sacroiliac joint injection. At the base of the spine is the tailbone (the sacrum). The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum to the pelvis. Injury and disease to these joints will cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, abdomen, groin and legs. The joint is injected with local anesthetic and steroid under x-ray guidance to reduce inflammation and swelling inside the joint spaces. Injections may be repeated to effect long-term relief.
Interventional pain management encompasses numerous minimally invasive pain techniques, and the pioneers in the field are continuously seeking out new and novel methods of conquering pain. In fact, the World Institute of Pain was founded was founded in 1993 as a worldwide organization that aims to promote the best practice of pain medicine for the 21st century. It is a wonderful organization that has made terrific strides in reducing and eradicating pain in patients.
Dr. Fox founded Anesthesia Pain Care Consultants in June 1996. He has spent almost 25 years treating patients with acute and chronic pain. He has also earned the following designation: FIPP (Fellow of Interventional Pain Physicians); DABPM (Diplomate of the American Board of Pain Medicine) and ABIPP (American Board of Interventional Pain Practice). In addition, he is also an examiner for the FIPP designation. He was recently elected Chair of the Advisory Board for the World Institute of Pain Executive Board.
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