Which Interventional Pain Management Technique is Right For Me?

We know what a huge impact pain can have on your life. And we also know how risky prescription pain drugs can be when it comes to pain management. Studies show that in the United States, 128 people die of an opioid overdose every day.  

At the interventional pain management practice of David Wu, MD, in Torrance, California, we provide viable, long-term pain management solutions that take a holistic approach. We don’t just take into account your condition, but we look at all facets of your life. In this blog, we go over some of the pain management options that may be able to help you.

What is interventional pain management?

Interventional pain management is a field of medicine that provides patients with long-term solutions for pain. It may be particularly helpful to those who haven’t found relief through traditional medical treatments. 

The difference with interventional pain management is that we take a holistic approach. This means that we take into account your mental and emotional health when treating your condition and pain.

Treatment options

With interventional pain management, you have a few treatment options, including:

Injections

Facet joint injections and epidural injections are two common treatments that can help relieve pain. Facet joint injections ― which are steroid injections in the facet joints of your spine ― can help relieve pain in the neck or back caused by a degenerative condition or injury. 

Epidural injections ― which are steroid injections in the epidural region of your spine ― can help reduce inflammation and thus reduce or eliminate back, neck, or sciatic nerve pain. Your injections may be given in conjunction with physical therapy to help relieve pain and improve your range of motion.

Radiofrequency therapy

With this treatment, we target the affected nerves with radiofrequency waves to interrupt the pain signals. Patients usually experience pain relief that lasts 6-12 months, although many patients experience pain relief that lasts years. 

Platelet-rich plasma therapy

With this therapy, we draw a small amount of your blood and put it in a centrifuge. Then we spin it in the centrifuge to separate the platelets from the rest of your blood’s components. Platelets are cells that contain powerful healing properties. We then inject the platelet serum into your injured area to help promote healing.

Spinal cord stimulation

With this treatment, we implant a spinal cord stimulator under your skin. The stimulator then delivers controlled electrical impulses to your nerves, and the impulses interrupt the pain signals.

You don’t have to suffer through chronic pain. There are treatment options that don’t require harsh drugs. Learn more about interventional pain management options by booking an appointment online or over the phone with the office of David Wu, MD, today.