Workplace mishaps, slips and falls, car accidents, and other sudden incidents can leave you in pain that lasts for weeks, months, or longer. This persistent discomfort is called chronic pain. It can make simple tasks hard to manage, such as opening the door, going upstairs, or just standing. If this condition persists, you will surely look for long-lasting pain relief.
However, traditional pain relief options often fall short. Luckily, interventional pain management (IPM) offers options that can save you from discomfort that doesn’t seem to go away. In this article, we will explain to you what interventional pain treatment is, when it is necessary, and the different types of treatments available.
Before opting for interventional pain management solutions, you’ll want to find doctors and other medical experts who specialize in them. However, where can you find one? That’s our job here at 1-800-ASK-GARY®.
Our mission is to make sure you are connected with the right professionals for your medical and legal needs. Available 24/7, our helpline is always ready. All you have to do is give us a call.
What Is Interventional Pain Management?
Interventional pain management is a direct and targeted approach to managing chronic pain. This pain relief method is quite different from traditional techniques, which usually rely on general therapies and medications. However, what makes it unique?
Targets Pain Source
Unlike oral medications that mask pain temporarily or physical therapy that may take weeks to yield results, interventional pain therapies go straight to the root of the problem. As a targeted method, IPM focuses on diagnosing the exact source of pain. After identifying the pain source, doctors will use targeted treatment, such as nerve blocks, injections, or radiofrequency ablation. These healthcare options provide faster relief compared to general therapies.
Minimally Invasive
Interventional pain methods are designed to reduce recovery time. Unlike surgeries, they involve minimal discomfort. Also, they are commonly done in outpatient settings. This means that you’ll have fewer scars and can recover faster.
Reduce Medicine Consumption
In many cases, medications don’t always relieve chronic pain. Thankfully, interventional pain methods can ease the discomfort that traditional drugs can no longer address.
When To Consider Interventional Pain Management: Is It Right for You?
In some cases, traditional pain management is enough to get rid of the discomfort. However, if the pain you’re enduring lasts for months or doesn’t go away despite treatments, then you need to have interventional pain therapy and other interventional pain treatments.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is usually caused by arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or complex regional pain syndrome. If you want the pain that these conditions cause to go away, you can’t rely on basic treatments. Interventional pain treatment is needed if discomfort persists despite medications or physiotherapy regimens.
Pain Persists After Surgery
Sometimes, even surgeries don’t work. Injuries like herniated discs often come with lingering pain despite undergoing surgical procedures. To achieve long-lasting pain relief, you should try interventional pain methods.
Physical Therapy No Longer Works
There are some cases where physical therapy, exercises, and medications can’t address the leading cause of the pain. If this happens, you’ll need interventional options that can target the root cause of discomfort.
Pain Caused by Nerve or Joint Conditions
Chronic nerve pain, such as peripheral neuropathy, is painful and hard to treat. Interventional treatments can address these conditions by providing focused relief for nerve-related issues.
Top Interventional Pain Treatments You Should Know About
Interventional pain management options can help you go back to your daily life by easing your chronic pain. These interventional pain therapies can give you the pain relief you’ve been looking for. Let’s learn the different types of interventional pain management therapy.
Injections for Pain Relief
Injections are common in interventional treatment. Epidural steroid injections are usually used for managing inflammation and reducing nerve pain caused by herniated discs and other conditions. For spinal problems, facet joint injections are used to target small spine joints. Another injection method is SI joint injections, which reduce lower back pain in the sacroiliac joint.
Nerve Blocks
Nerve block procedures — injecting a numbing medication into a group of nerves — are also effective. For example, peripheral nerve blocks can ease the pain in your arms or legs. If the discomfort stems from the sympathetic nervous system, then a sympathetic nerve block is conducted.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Arthritis-related pain or chronic back pain can be addressed by radiofrequency ablation. This method is a precise technique that destroys specific nerve fibers to ease discomfort. During the procedure, heat is delivered to stop pain signals, reducing recovery time.
Implantable Devices
If chronic pain is severe, implantable devices are used. These include spinal cord stimulators, which can disrupt pain signals by sending electrical impulses within your body. Another example is intrathecal pain pumps, which deliver medication directly to your spinal fluid.
Need Help Finding the Right Physician? Call 1-800-ASK-GARY®
Living with chronic pain caused by car crashes and other traumatic accidents can feel overwhelming, but finding the right physician who’s an expert in providing IPM solutions makes all the difference. With interventional pain management, you don’t just mask symptoms — you target the root cause of discomfort for lasting pain relief.
At 1-800-ASK-GARY®, we’re here 24/7 to connect you with physicians, chiropractors, and specialists who understand advanced interventional pain therapies — from injections to minimally invasive procedures. Our team will listen to all your pain relief needs and match you with the right professionals.
If your pain stems from a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace injury, we’ll also connect you with trusted attorneys who can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
You don’t have to endure pain for too long. Call us today and take the first step toward lasting relief with interventional pain management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by interventional pain management?
Interventional pain management is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating the root cause of chronic pain through targeted procedures. Instead of solely relying on medications or general therapies, it uses minimally invasive techniques like injections, nerve blocks, or implantable devices to provide long-term pain relief.
What is the difference between interventional and non-interventional pain management?
Non-interventional pain management usually includes treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes, which often help but may not fully address the source of pain. Interventional pain management, on the other hand, directly targets the specific nerves, joints, or tissues causing discomfort. This approach is especially helpful for accident-related injuries, where pain can persist even after surgery or therapy.
What are the interventional approaches to pain management?
Common interventional approaches include epidural steroid injections for spinal inflammation, facet joint and SI joint injections for back or pelvic pain, nerve blocks to numb specific pain pathways, radiofrequency ablation to interrupt pain signals, and implantable devices like spinal cord stimulators or pain pumps.