Pain may be due to chronic issues, trauma, or degenerative conditions. A reliable healthcare provider plays a key role in managing pain effectively. Here are a few common treatments that your doctor may recommend to help with pain management:
DRG Stimulation
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation is a type of therapy that targets nerves in the spine. Doctors can deliver electrical pulses to specific nerves, stopping pain signals before they reach the brain. This pain management technique is beneficial for patients who have discomfort in the lower extremities after surgery or trauma. It offers targeted relief for pain that doesn’t respond well to medications or injections, and it is a non-invasive solution. DRG stimulation can reduce flare-ups, help manage chronic nerve pain, and support ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
Facet Injections
Facet injections help provide targeted relief to individuals with pain in a specific joint. The injection helps to reduce inflammation and block pain signals in a particular area. The most common areas that people receive these injections include the neck, mid-back, and lower back.
Injections offer a quick pain relief solution and may help reduce reliance on medications. A few types of individuals who benefit from this treatment include elderly adults with arthritis, individuals with chronic back or neck pain, and people who experience joint pain from whiplash or other trauma. Getting facet injections from a medical professional can also help increase an individual’s ability to move comfortably. This may allow them to return to stretching, physical therapy, or light workouts, which help to reduce stiffness and improve strength.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat from radio waves to target nerves that are causing pain. If an individual is experiencing back, neck, or joint pain that has not improved after trying injections, RFA offers a unique alternative solution. Depending on the type of pain, individuals may experience relief for nine to 15 months. This solution also allows individuals to reduce their reliance on pain medications.
During the RFA process, a doctor will have a consultation with the patient to discuss past pain management treatments and their efficacy. As this is an outpatient procedure, individuals can often just go to their pain management clinic, where the doctor will clean and numb the area. Before targeting a nerve with ablation, doctors test it with a numbing medication to verify it’s the right one causing the discomfort. They will then deliver the radiofrequency ablation with a needle. The needle carefully heats the area and disrupts the nerve signals. This entire process is completed fairly quickly, allowing the patient to get back to their daily routine as soon as possible with reduced pain levels.
Find Reliable Pain Management Solutions Today
Working with a medical professional will allow you to obtain reliable pain management solutions. Whether you are dealing with arthritis, injuries, or chronic health problems, a pain specialist will evaluate your specific condition and prescribe custom treatment solutions. To learn more about modern pain management techniques, start your search for a medical specialist today.
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