Chronic pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making everyday activities challenging. Finding relief is essential, whether from persistent back pain, joint discomfort, or lingering pain from an injury.
Many people, especially younger adults, may feel hesitant about surgery, wondering if there are less invasive options for pain management. The good news is that, for most people, surgery is often the last resort!
This blog post explores a variety of interventional treatment options designed to control chronic pain and help you regain control of your life.
The Importance of Diagnosis in Your Orthopaedic Journey
Before diving into treatment options, it’s crucial to understand what’s causing your pain. At OrthoUnited, we utilize advanced imaging techniques, including X-rays and MRIs, to pinpoint the source of your discomfort. With precise diagnostic tools, we can reach an accurate diagnosis and develop a targeted treatment plan to address your needs. Our doctors don’t just treat symptoms — they take the time to listen, understand your concerns, and carefully evaluate the root cause of your pain.
Imaging technology plays a critical role in this process. By accurately identifying areas of inflammation, nerve impingement, or structural abnormalities, we can avoid unnecessary treatments and move directly toward solutions that deliver the best results. Our approach provides personalized care with a treatment plan tailored to your situation.
Non-Surgical, Interventional Treatment Options
We offer a wide range of interventional pain management techniques that can alleviate chronic pain without the need for surgery.
Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are a common interventional option for patients dealing with chronic joint or spinal pain. These injections reduce inflammation and provide significant pain relief, making everyday activities more manageable. Depending on your diagnosis, injections can target areas like the knees, hips, shoulders, or spine, offering immediate and longer-term relief.
Nerve Blocks
If your pain stems from nerve irritation, nerve blocks may be an excellent option. This treatment involves injecting a local anesthetic near the affected nerve to interrupt pain signals. Nerve blocks are particularly effective for managing conditions like sciatica or neuropathy. The effects can last from weeks to months, and nerve blocks provide enough relief for some patients to delay or avoid surgery altogether.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that targets specific nerves with heat to disrupt pain signals. It’s an excellent option for patients dealing with chronic back or neck pain, particularly those who have not found relief with other treatments. RFA can provide long-lasting relief — sometimes up to a year or more — without requiring surgery.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) involves a tiny device implanted under the skin that transfers electrical impulses to the spinal cord, stopping pain signals from reaching the brain. This treatment is for individuals who experience chronic back or limb pain after other interventions have failed. SCS offers patients the ability to control their pain through a hand-held remote, giving them more autonomy over their pain management.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of chronic pain management and can often prevent the need for more invasive treatments. By focusing on posture correction, joint stabilization, and flexibility, PT helps restore function and ease discomfort over time. At OrthoUnited, our expert physical therapists work closely with you to design a program that strengthens muscles, improves mobility, and reduces pain.
When Pain Management Becomes the Focus
For some patients, managing chronic pain might require the ongoing support of a pain management specialist. From monitoring your progress to adjusting treatment plans, pain management physicians ensure that you’ve explored every option before considering surgery.
At OrthoUnited, we know that surgery is a big decision, and it’s not something we recommend lightly. This is why our specialists consider every available alternative, including the many interventional treatments that offer lasting relief. From physical therapy to pain management, we are committed to helping you find the best course of action for your chronic pain.
Reach Out Today
If you’re struggling with chronic pain and aren’t sure where to turn, OrthoUnited is here to help. With several convenient locations, our specialists are ready to guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. From interventional procedures to personalized physical therapy plans, we’ll work with you to find solutions that fit your needs and lifestyle.
Don’t wait to get relief. Contact us today and take the first step toward managing your pain. We’re here to help you move forward without the immediate need for surgery.