Interventional pain procedures are recommended for patients who can no longer control chronic or severe pain with medications and other conservative or non-surgical treatment methods. In utilizing pain-blocking and inflammation-reducing techniques, they can help make day-to-day activities less difficult for patients and effectively restore their quality of life.
The idea behind interventional pain management is to use minimally invasive medical procedures to interrupt the nervous system’s transmission of pain-filled messages from the nerve endings to the brain, thus disrupting the pain cycle.
Interventional pain procedures are effective in treating pain caused by
- Arthritis
- Cervical Disorders
- Neck and Back Disorders
- Low-back Pain
- Lumbar Disorders
- Sciatica
- Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Spinal Disc Rupture
Common Interventional Pain Procedures Used to Manage Pain
Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation. This treatment is related to Spinal Cord Stimulation, except that it is localized on other parts of the body. The electrical leads are placed as close to the source of pain as possible and follow the same general process as Spinal Cord Stimulation.
Radiofrequency Ablation. This treatment is effective in pain in the lower back and neck, especially when pain is caused by arthritis. This technique uses a radio wave to produce an electrical current, which is then used to heat an area of nerve tissue to decrease the pain signals from that area.
Selective Nerve Root Block. A selective nerve root block is a specifically placed injection of either a lidocaine derivative, steroid, or both placed where the nerve root exits the spinal canal. This may be done to confirm a diagnosis or plan for a foraminotomy procedure, or for therapeutic purposes to treat an inflamed or irritated nerve root.
Spinal Cord Stimulation. Spinal cord stimulation is effective in treating patients with chronic pain. During this procedure, electrical leads are inserted close to the spinal column, while a tiny generator is inserted into the abdomen or buttock. The generator emits electrical signals to the spinal column, blocking the ability of the brain to perceive pain.
Interventional Pain Procedure Consultations at CalSpine MD
If you are interested in consulting with Dr. Ball about interventional pain procedures, please call CalSpine MD at (925) 667-3538 to schedule an appointment. You may also Request An Appointment online.
Dr. Ball collaborates with several neuroradiologists, pain management, and rehabilitation specialists to ensure patients get the most thorough assessment and treatment plan possible. Together, they apply a multidisciplinary, comprehensive approach to evaluate chronic pain and administer the most effective treatment for each patient.
You don’t need to suffer from chronic or severe pain needlessly. Call CalSpine MD today to see how we can help.