Interventional pain management is a type of treatment that uses medical technology to help relieve chronic pain. This can include injection therapy, nerve blocks, and surgical procedures. Interventional pain specialist Houston aims to reduce or eliminate pain by targeting the source of the discomfort. Most people who suffer from chronic pain have tried traditional treatments without success, so they may turn to interventional pain management as an option for relief.
Interventional pain management may also be used when other types of therapies are not appropriate or effective. An interventional pain management specialist will work with the patient’s doctor to determine whether this type of procedure is appropriate for them and will perform it if necessary.
Importance of interventional pain management
Quick relief
The most common reason people seek chronic pain treatment such as an orthopaedic doctor is to regain their normal lifestyle. Many patients also feel incapacitated by their symptoms and want a better quality of life and improved physical function. Interventional techniques can provide rapid relief from acute symptoms, allowing you to return to activities sooner than traditional treatments can provide.
Reduced dependence on opioids
Opioids are highly addictive and can lead to physical dependence, meaning you will need them to function normally. Opioid withdrawal can be uncomfortable and dangerous and often coupled with depression. Interventional pain management offers a safer alternative to opioids because it allows patients to avoid the risks of opioid abuse and dependence while still managing their pain.
Minimally invasive procedures
Minimally invasive procedures, such as nerve blocks, can be performed through a small incision on the arm or leg. This minimizes the swelling and bruising that occurs with traditional surgery and avoids complications such as infections.
No anesthesia
Interventional pain management allows you to receive non-invasive pain relief procedures without going under anesthesia. The physician may perform procedures such as nerve blocks or injections into the nerve pathways responsible for pain sensations rather than cutting nerves or muscles directly.
Avoiding surgery
Chronic pain can be difficult for patients to manage, especially those who have not been able to reduce their pain with traditional therapies. In addition, surgery is often required for patients with advanced diseases such as cancer or arthritis. Interventional procedures are less invasive than traditional surgeries and can help these patients live more comfortable lives without undergoing major surgical procedures for their condition.
Address a variety of conditions
In some cases, interventional pain management can help address multiple conditions. This can be especially true when the patient has a condition such as cancer or arthritis requiring multiple medications.
Improve the quality of life
For many individuals with chronic pain, mobility is affected, and they may have difficulty performing daily tasks like getting dressed, bathing, and cooking meals. Interventional therapy can improve their quality of life by allowing them to exercise more easily and participate in activities they otherwise could not do safely before treatment began.
There are several benefits of interventional pain management. In addition to the obvious reduction in pain, interventional pain management can improve mood, well-being, and quality of life. It can help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, reduce fatigue and improve sleep. To connect with an interventional pain management specialist, speak to William Yancey, MD.
