Common Invasive Pain Management Procedures
Epidural Steroid Injection (lumbar, thoracic or cervical)
Between the dura mater and the wall of the vetebral canal is the epidural space, which is filled with fat, connective tissue, and blood vessels. It serves as padding around the spinal cord. Epidural blocks are done every day in hospitals across the country for women in childbirth. Patients in chronic pain receive epidural injections of local anesthetics and/or steroids to help diagnose and/or decrease chronic pain and increase blood flow to the painful area.
Facet Infiltration (lumbar, thoracic or cervical)
The facets are located in between the vertebrae in the spine. Through age, injury, or disease the small sacks of fluid can shrink and do not allow the vertebrae to move easily. The nerves near the facets can become irritated and inflamed from the rough, rubbing facets. A mixture of Depomedrol and Xylocaine is injected to stop the pain.
Sympathetic Block
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, a condition of continuous limb pain, feels often like a burning, and usually results from an injury. The development of RSD can result from many types of minor trauma. The clinical diagnosis of RSD is complicated and sometimes difficult. Sympathetic blocks to the affected limb using local anesthetic is the most useful tool for evaluating the presenting signs and symptoms.
Trigger Point Injection
For myofascial pain and peripheral nerve pain.
|
This procedure is for treatment of low back and radiating leg pain. It is performed by a pain physician so that pain relieving medications are placed around the nerve roots at the most appropriate level. X-ray guidance is used to ensure correct needle placement. These nerve blocks are often successful in patients who have had spine surgery but do not respond to conventional epidural blocks.
Radiofrequency Ablation is a procedure in pain medicine that uses a specialized device to disrupt nerve conduction. This pain relief technique can be used by those with back pain, neck pain and other pain syndromes.
Disc Decompression is a significant medical advancement in the treatment of contained bulging, painful discs. Because of its new technology, Disc Decompression is a minimally invasive procedure. It is a fast treatment that requires only local anesthesia an a mild sedative. Recovery is rapid with no bracing needed. The procedure is much like having an epidural steroid injection. First you will be given local anesthetic. Then you doctor will insert a needle into the center of the bulging disc. Intradiscal material (nucleus pulposus) is removed. This relieves the pressure inside the disc and also on the nerves. When the pressure is relieved, the symptoms are relieved. Disc Decompression's new technology allows for a quick recovery. 
A Intrathecal Pump is a pain pump that delivers a variety of narcotic and non narcotic medications. This medication is delivered through a catheter into the spinal canal which circulates with the spinal fluid covering the entire central nervous system. The medication is delivered continuously twenty four hours a day. This procedure is used to treat several pain syndromes. 
