Also known as a rhizotomy, radio frequency ablations can provide long-term relief by ‘turning off’ nerve endings connected to arthritic facet joints. Overtime, the nerve endings will naturally heal, and the procedure can be performed as needed to give repeated relief.
Lumbar Epidural Injections treat pain in the lower back or sciatica. The procedure reduces inflammation and allows for improved mobility and of the lower back and legs, so the patient can progress with their rehabilitation.
Cervical epidural steroid injections are aimed at treating neck pain derived from inflammation to cervical nerve roots. This can cause radicular pain down the arm and into the hand. CESI’s can provide short-term relief to help the patient with a rehabilitation or exercise regimen to progress further.
Lumbar medial branch blocks are used to determine the source of the patient’s lower back pain. If the patient experiences significant relief after the injection, then the procedure has successfully determined the source of the pain, and the patient can proceed with their rehabilitation regimen/additional procedures to achieve long term relief.
Cervical epidural steroid injections are aimed at treating neck pain derived from inflammation to cervical nerve roots. This can cause radicular pain down the arm and into the hand. CESI’s can provide short-term relief to help the patient with a rehabilitation or exercise regimen to progress further.
SI joint injections are aimed at treating lower back pain or sciatica. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be diagnosed after an SI injection if the patient reports immediate significant pain relief.
Biacuplasty is aimed at treating chronic disc-related pain. The procedure is a type of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) that uses two thin electrode probes which are inserted into the disc. While producing the electrodes, the probes and tissue are actively cooled, and provide for less discomfort.
The celiac plexus is a nerve group surrounding the aorta. The block will stop the nerves from carrying pain information to your brain, and give you relief. This procedure is commonly performed on patients who experience abdominal pain linked to or derived from cancer.
Aimed at treating pain in and round the pelvic or groin area, a ganglion of impar injection is a sympathetic block to determine if the pain is derived from the injection site or is sympathetically medicated. This procedure is typically performed twice for confirmation.
Another type of RFA , genicular nerve ablations are used to treat osteoarthritis in the knee. The procedure is minimally invasive and can provide adequate relief for patients.
The hypogastric plexus is a bundle of nerves at towards the bottom of your spinal cord. Blocking these nerves is typically aimed at preventing pain derived from the lower digestive or reproductive systems, or sometimes cancer. Some patients will report immediate relief after the procedure, and long-term relief after a few days.
A steroid joint injection is a common injection performed directly into the area the patient is reporting pain. The length of relief is different for each patient, but long-term relief is more likely with a working physical therapy or exercise regimen.
An INB is used for treating chest pain caused by a surgical incision or shingles (herpes zoster infection). When the steroid is injected into the intercoastal nerves, located under each rib, the inflammation of the tissue is reduced, providing relief. It is advised patients do not do heavy lifting or significant physical activity in the 24 hours after the injection.
Kyphoplasty is necessary for patients who have a fracture from osteoporosis. A small balloon is surgically inserted into the vertebrae and inflated, which returns the structure to a more normal and more compact position.
Sympathetic blocks to the lumbar spine help relieve sciatica and/or chronic pain that radiates down the leg and into the foot.
Herniated discs create pressure on a spinal nerve root. A microdiscectomy removes the ‘bulge’ that is identified as the reason for lower back pain, sciatica and leg pain.
Spinal stenosis in the lower back is when the spinal canal is narrowed and nerve fibers compressed, which causes pain and numbness. MILD removes excess bone tissue and/or ligaments compressing on the spinal cord and causing the pain. Patients are advised to rest without heavy lifting or significant activity for a few days after this procedure.
Migraines or chronic headaches are usually related to occipital nerve irritation. The occipital nerves are injected through the back of the head or neck, and patients can experience relief almost immediately.
A spinal cord stimulator is a device that is sends electrical impulses through electrodes placed where the patient would typically receive an epidural for their pain relief. When the patient experiences pain, they can use a remote control to activate the stimulator.
Vertiflex is a implanted device that is used to treat patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. If pressure is being applied to the nerve roots, the vertiflex implant is placed within the spine to relieve the pressure, and relieve back and leg pain.
Pain traveling through sympathetic nerves in or around the neck can be treated with a stellate ganglion block. This injection is used for patients who experience causalgia, shingles, reflex sympathetic dystrophy or decreased blood flow to the heart.
The dorsal root ganglion nerves connect the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, which contain sensory neurons, to the rest of the nervous system. Stimulating these nerves allows for greater precision when dealing with lower body pain.
A pain management doctor specializes in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating various types of pain, ranging from acute discomfort due to injuries to chronic pain conditions. These professionals are pivotal in improving patients' quality of life by reducing pain and its associated symptoms.
Key aspects about pain management doctors include:
Pain management doctors are essential in settings where managing chronic pain is complex, offering hope and improved functionality to those suffering from debilitating pain conditions. The team at NASPAC is dedicated to utilizing advanced pain management techniques to help patients lead more comfortable and fulfilling lives.
Pain management specialist at NASPAC are equipped to treat a wide range of pain types, each presenting unique challenges and requiring specialized treatment approaches. Here’s an overview of the types of pain these specialists commonly address:
Definition and Causes of pain: Acute pain acts as a rapid alarm, such as an injury or surgery, indicating that something is wrong. It is typically sudden and severe but usually lasts for a short duration.
Examples of Acute Pain Conditions:
Definition and Causes: Chronic pain persists for weeks, months, or even years, often continuing beyond the expected period of healing. It might result from persistent health conditions, unresolved injuries, or chronic diseases.
Examples of Chronic Pain Conditions:
Definition and Causes: Neuropathic pain arises from damaged or dysfunctional nerves. The pain is typically described as shooting, burning, or stabbing and may be triggered by nerve damage associated with diseases or injuries.
Examples of Neuropathic Pain Conditions:
These diverse types of pain each require a tailored approach to management and treatment. Pain management doctors use their specialized training and comprehensive knowledge to devise effective treatment plans that improve patients' quality of life, addressing the specific characteristics and underlying causes of each type of pain.
Pain management doctors at NASPAC often utilize a range of medications tailored to treat various pain conditions effectively. These include:
These medications are part of a comprehensive approach to pain management, aimed at reducing pain and improving functionality.
For pain that does not respond well to medication alone, NASPAC offers a variety of interventional procedures:
These interventional procedures provide targeted relief and are an integral part of the multidisciplinary approach to pain management practiced at NASPAC, aiming to restore quality of life for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions.
At NASPAC, a multimodal approach to pain management ensures that each patient receives a comprehensive, tailored treatment plan that addresses their specific needs. This approach typically includes:
This multimodal strategy not only helps in alleviating pain but also aids in improving overall functionality and quality of life.
Effective pain management often requires a collaborative approach involving various healthcare professionals. At NASPAC:
This coordinated effort not only maximizes the effectiveness of the pain management plan but also supports the patient's overall well-being and rehabilitation journey.
