Epidural injections deliver medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal nerves, effectively reducing inflammation and interrupting pain signals to the brain. This procedure is particularly beneficial for managing pain in areas such as the head, neck, mid and low back, legs, and abdomen. The goal of an epidural is to stop pain signals from traveling from your spine to your brain and to decrease inflammation and pressure around the nerves.
Joint Injections
Joint injections involve administering anti-inflammatory medication directly into the joint space to relieve pain and improve mobility. Commonly treated areas include shoulders, wrists, hips, and knees. While these injections do not cure the underlying condition, they can provide significant pain relief for several months. Patients can usually resume full activity the day following an injection.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulators are beneficial for patients suffering from chronic pain associated with failed back surgery, neuropathy, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and other chronic pain conditions. Spinal Cord Stimulation uses a device implanted under the skin to send mild electrical pulses directly to the spinal cord via insulated wires placed in the epidural space. These impulses disrupt the pain signals to the brain, reducing the sensation of pain in targeted areas.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation can provide relief to patients suffering from joint, back, neck, and other chronic pains affected by arthritis. RFA uses heat generated by radio waves to interrupt a pain-generating area of a nerve, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. RFA is often performed following an injection that confirms a particular nerve as the source of the pain.
Nerve Blocks
The purpose of a nerve block is to turn off the pain signals generated by an inflamed nerve or group of nerves. During this outpatient procedure, a small needle is inserted as close to the affected nerve or nerve group as possible. Nerve blocks are used to treat an array of nerve-related pain conditions including spine pain, arm pain, leg pain, abdominal pain, and pelvic pain.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures. The doctor injects bone cement to stabilize and restore height to the vertebrae. Returning the spine to its natural shape relieves back pain in suffering patients. Heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks following the procedure.
Medication Management
Medication Management with Counseling This approach combines pharmaceutical treatment with psychological support to manage pain effectively. Medications may include non-opioids, low-dose opioids, or topical treatments, supplemented by counseling to help patients cope with the emotional aspects of living with chronic pain.
Botox Injections
Botox Injections Beyond its cosmetic applications, Botox is used therapeutically to treat certain types of pain, including chronic migraines and muscle-related pain. Botox has been proven to block chemicals that transmit pain signals to the neck and head and is FDA approved for pain management, covered by most insurances.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger Point Injections These injections are designed to alleviate pain in specific parts of muscles, which can contain knots that cause pain when compressed. Injecting a local anesthetic into these trigger points can relax the muscle and provide immediate relief from muscular pain.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections PRP therapy involves extracting a patient’s own blood, processing it to increase the concentration of platelets, and re-injecting it into the affected area. This promotes natural healing by utilizing growth factors in the platelets to repair damaged tissue, particularly effective in treating joint pain and injuries.
