Interventional pain management refers to a multidisciplinary approach used to alleviate chronic pain through various procedures. These procedures are often minimally invasive and are aimed at targeting the source of the pain directly. They can include injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, and more.
The goal of interventional pain management is to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, back pain, neuropathy, and complex regional pain syndrome, among others. This approach is typically used when conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes have not provided sufficient relief.
Interventional pain management techniques are performed by trained specialists such as interventional pain physicians or pain management specialists. They utilize imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to precisely target the affected area and administer treatments with minimal risk and discomfort to the patient.
Overall, interventional pain management offers a personalized and comprehensive approach to pain relief, focusing on improving patients’ function and well-being while minimizing reliance on opioid medications and their associated risks.