Pain can stem from injuries, degenerative conditions, nerve compression, or long-term illnesses. Because pain has many sources, pain specialists offer a range of pain management services to reduce discomfort through different mechanisms, from conservative care to pain injections. A specialist evaluates your symptoms, medical history, and imaging results before recommending an approach, and many care plans combine several methods to address pain from multiple angles. Here’s more information on different pain management approaches for different pain conditions:
Targeting Pinched Nerve Pain
A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues, such as bone, cartilage, muscle, or tendons, place pressure on a nerve, often due to herniated discs, bone spurs, or arthritis. Pain management specialists often begin with conservative treatments to address symptoms that accompany discomfort, like muscle weakness and numbness. Rest lets irritated tissues recover by limiting activities that worsen compression, and bracing can also limit movement. A cervical collar or wrist splint, for example, holds the body in a position that reduces pressure on the nerve.
When conservative care does not provide enough relief, pain specialists may recommend corticosteroid injections. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that target swelling around the compressed nerve. A provider injects the medication near the affected area to address localized inflammation. Epidural steroid injections follow a similar principle, but they deliver medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves. Providers often use imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy, to place the needle accurately.
Reducing Chronic Pain
Chronic pain lasts longer than three months and often persists after an injury has healed. When standard treatments do not adequately manage symptoms, a specialist may discuss medical marijuana to help manage pain. Medical marijuana recommendations depend on state laws and qualifying conditions. A specialist reviews your diagnosis, current medications, and treatment history to determine eligibility, then explains the certification process and the dosing forms available in your state. Medical marijuana is typically one component of a broader care plan rather than a standalone treatment.
Benefiting From Infusion Therapy
Infusion therapy delivers medication directly into the bloodstream through an IV, allowing providers to control the dosage and monitor your response throughout the session. Ketamine and lidocaine are two medications commonly used in pain-focused infusions, which are performed in-office for safe monitoring. Ketamine is an anesthetic that, at low doses, interacts with receptors involved in pain signaling. Specialists may discuss ketamine infusions for conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome, neuropathic pain, or fibromyalgia
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that blocks sodium channels in nerve cells. When delivered intravenously, it may reduce pain signal transmission throughout the body. Lidocaine infusions are often recommended for neuropathic pain, but some providers use them for certain headache disorders. A specialist determines the number and frequency of sessions based on your condition and response.
Benefit From Pain Management
Chronic pain affects many areas of daily life; it may limit your ability to work, exercise, or complete household tasks. Persistent pain can also interfere with sleep, which affects your energy and concentration. If your pain doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter medications, contact a pain specialist to schedule a consultation. Pain that radiates into your limbs, causes numbness or weakness, or limits your mobility also warrants an evaluation. A specialist can assess your symptoms and discuss treatment options that align with your health goals.
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