Chronic pain is a pervasive and complex health issue that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. While traditional pain management approaches such as medication and surgery can be effective, they may not always provide adequate relief or come with unwanted side effects. This is where alternative medicine comes in. Your board certified pain management physician Arlington, VA, uses minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat chronic pain.
In recent years, pain medicine specialists have emerged as an important part of the healthcare team for managing pain.
Advantages of Alternative pain management
Long-lasting pain relief
This pain management approach can provide long-lasting pain relief without the side effects of medications. For example, nerve blocks can provide pain relief for several months, and injections of steroids or other medications into specific areas of the body can reduce inflammation and relieve pain without oral medications’ systemic side effects. These procedures are outpatient and do not require surgery, making them a less invasive option for managing pain.
Useful for diagnosing the source of pain
Multiple reasons can lead to pain, including injury, nerve impairment, or illness. Identifying the root cause of pain is vital to establish an efficient treatment plan. The utilization of these procedures can assist in locating the origin of pain, which can enable more precise and efficient treatment.
Treat a wide range of pain conditions
Some common conditions treated include back pain, neck pain, joint pain, headaches, and neuropathic pain. Various factors, including injury, arthritis, herniated discs, or nerve damage, can cause these conditions. Depending on the individual case, this method may be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies, such as physical therapy.
Lower Risk
The procedures are minimally invasive and performed under image guidance, which helps ensure accuracy and safety. There are trained pain management specialists with extensive experience performing these procedures.
Tailored to individual’s specific needs
Different procedures can target different types of pain, depending on the location and severity of the pain. This personalized approach allows for more targeted and effective pain relief and a reduced risk of side effects. These pain management specialists can work with patients to develop a treatment plan tailored to their unique situation, considering their medical history, current health status, and personal preferences.
Reduce long-term use
Medications such as opioids and NSAIDs can have side effects and risks, including the potential for addiction and overdose. By providing long-lasting pain relief through procedures such as nerve blocks and injections, the pain management approach can help reduce the need for long-term medication use. This can help prevent the development of medication dependence or addiction. For patients already on medication, this method can be combined with medication to provide more effective pain management with a lower overall dose of medication.
Cost-effective
Chronic pain can lead to high healthcare costs, including frequent doctor’s visits, medications, and surgical interventions. By providing long-lasting pain relief with minimally invasive procedures, alternative pain management can help reduce healthcare costs and improve the overall value of care.
Alternative pain management is a holistic approach that considers the emotional and psychological aspects of pain and the physical. Consult Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists for more information about pain management.