Chronic back pain can make you feel unreachable even the simplest activities like standing, walking, or sleeping. If you have lived in pain for months or years, you are not alone. Many people struggle to find lasting relief. That’s why interventional pain management appears in the photographs.
Instead of relying solely on medication, this approach uses minimal invasive procedures and relief from home pain to target the cause of pain. In this article, we will explain five ways interventional treatment can relieve chronic lower back pain and improve daily life.
What is interventional pain management?
Interventional pain management is a type of medicine that focuses on treating pain at its source using targeted procedures. These treatments are often performed with imaging tools such as x-rays and ultrasound to guide the physician and improve accuracy. Each treatment is personalized to your specific condition and needs.
Unlike common painkillers that can rely heavily on medication, intervention methods use injections, nerve blocks, or devices to reduce pain and inflammation. It also includes lifestyle support such as posture adjustment, dieting tips and physical therapy.
This approach may be useful for those who are not bailed out from physical therapy or medication alone. It is also a good option for those who want to avoid surgery.
1. Epidural steroid injection
Epidural steroid injections are one of the most common interventional treatments for lower back pain. They work by delivering anti-inflammatory drugs directly into the space around your spinal nerves.
This helps to reduce swelling and pain caused by conditions such as disc discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica. The injection itself is quick and is frequently performed in clinics or outpatient centers. It’s not a cure, but many people feel relieved for weeks or months, allowing them to move more freely and return to the activities they enjoy. This is a safe and non-engaged option worth exploring.
2. Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks are another useful tool for managing chronic low back pain. These injections deliver the drug near certain nerves to prevent it from reaching the brain. Nerve blocks can be used to relieve pain and to help doctors know exactly where the pain is coming from.
There are different types of nerve blocks depending on the patient’s symptoms and diagnosis. Relief can be immediate, and in some cases it can last for several days or more. If your pain is sharp, shooting, or difficult to follow, nerve blocks may be a major first step in building your treatment plan.
3. Radioactive regeneration ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) provides long-term relief for people with chronic low back pain. It works by using heat to gently “off” the nerves that send pain signals from the spine to the brain. During the procedure, a thin needle is directed to the correct location using imaging, and then a slight burst of heat is applied to the nerve.
This process calms the pain. Many people have received relief for six months to a year, and the procedures can be repeated as needed. If other treatments have not been going on for long enough, that’s a wise option.
4. Spinal cord stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation is a high-tech option to treat severe or stubborn lower back pain. It involves placing a small device near the spine that sends a gentle electrical pulse. These pulses destroy pain signals before they reach the brain, replacing them with irritating sensations, and sometimes blocking the pain completely.
The process usually starts with a short trial and see if it helps. If it works, you can embed a permanent device. Many people feel it reduces the need for painkillers and improves their ability to maintain activity. It is especially useful for nerve-related pain and back surgery failure.
5. Vertebral enhancement
Sometimes lower back pain can be caused by small fractures in the spine – often due to osteoporosis or damage. These are called compression fractures and can be extremely painful. Vertebral augmentation is a procedure that helps stabilize these fractures and reduce pain.
Two common methods are spinoplasty and myeloplasty. In both, special cement is injected into the broken bones to make it stronger. In Kyphoplasty, first use a small balloon to gently lift the bones before filling the space. These treatments can help quickly relieve pain and improve movement, especially if you struggle to walk or stand.
When should you consider interventional pain management?
If your back pain lasts for several months and isn’t improving with rest, physical therapy, or medication, it may be time to consider interventional pain management. These treatments are especially useful when your pain is hindering your work, sleep, or daily activities. You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Many people can benefit from early intervention.
A pain management physician at Bartlesville can assess symptoms, identify the cause using imaging, and recommend a plan tailored to your needs. You are still working with your primary care physician, but you can get the help of a professional who focuses solely on your pain.
