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Interventional Pain Management – Innovative Solutions Beyond Medication
- Executive Spine and Pain Team
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 11
Tags: Pain Management, Spine Pain, Treatment Options
Chronic pain touches every part of life, turning once-simple tasks into daily challenges. While medications offer short-term relief, many patients seek alternatives that provide longer-lasting, targeted results without the burden of daily drug use. That’s where interventional pain management comes in—offering minimally invasive treatments that address pain at its source and help patients regain control of their lives123.
What Is Interventional Pain Management?
Interventional pain management refers to image-guided procedures designed to block or interrupt pain signals traveling from the nerves to the brain. These treatments are commonly used for:
Back and neck pain
Sciatica
Joint or arthritis-related pain
Nerve pain (neuropathy, radiculopathy)
They're typically considered when conservative approaches—such as physical therapy, rest, or over-the-counter medications—don’t provide sufficient relief134.
Key Interventional Pain Treatments
1. Epidural Spine Injections
Epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the space around the spinal cord and nerve roots. They're used to treat pain caused by:
Herniated discs
Spinal stenosis
Nerve root inflammation
The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) or ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy and safety56. Relief can last anywhere from several weeks to months and is often part of a broader pain management strategy that may include physical therapy54. When performed by specialists, these injections are safe, well-tolerated, and supported by decades of clinical use67.
2. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulators are implantable devices that use mild electrical pulses to interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. This treatment:
Is adjustable by the patient through a handheld controller
Begins with a temporary trial before a permanent device is implanted
Is especially effective for chronic back, leg, or nerve pain unresponsive to other treatments
Patients often report reduced reliance on oral pain medications and a substantial improvement in quality of life134.
3. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA involves using radio waves to generate heat and disrupt specific nerves transmitting pain. It is commonly used for:
Arthritic spinal pain
Chronic neck or back pain
Facet joint pain
Before RFA, a diagnostic nerve block is typically performed to confirm the pain source. Relief can last 6 months to over a year, and the procedure can be safely repeated as needed378.
Benefits of Interventional Pain Management
Targeted Relief: Treatments focus on the exact source of pain for more effective outcomes3.
Reduced Medication Use: Many patients reduce or eliminate daily pain medications, lowering risks of side effects and dependence23.
Minimally Invasive: These outpatient procedures typically require little to no recovery time and have fewer risks than major surgery4.
Faster Return to Function: Pain reduction allows for quicker return to work, exercise, and daily life2.
A Personalized, Patient-Centered Approach
No two pain experiences are alike. Interventional pain specialists tailor treatment plans to each patient’s condition, medical history, and goals. While medications may be used judiciously, the focus is always on minimally invasive, evidence-based procedures that restore function and quality of life13.
Ready to Get Back to What You Love?
If chronic pain is limiting your life, interventional pain management may offer the lasting relief you’ve been searching for. With innovative procedures designed to reduce pain and improve function—without heavy reliance on medication—it’s possible to return to the activities and lifestyle you enjoy.
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