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Pain Management Without Addictive Medication

Chronic pain affects millions of New York and New Jersey residents every year, significantly diminishing their quality of life. Whether it’s persistent back pain, joint discomfort, or nerve issues, chronic pain can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. At International Spine & Sports Institute (ISSI), we specialize in providing effective, minimally invasive pain management treatments designed to help alleviate pain and restore your quality of life without subjecting you to potentially addictive pain medications. How do we do this? By using one of the most effective methods for pain management—spinal and joint injections.

Why Choose Pain Management Injections?

Injections have become a vital part of modern pain management strategies because they deliver medication directly to the source of pain. Unlike oral medications, which must pass through the digestive system and bloodstream before reaching the painful area, injections provide almost immediate relief by delivering medication precisely where it’s needed.

Oral pain medications, such as NSAIDs or opioids, can sometimes lead to systemic side effects, like stomach issues, drowsiness, or dependency, especially when used long-term. In contrast, pain management injections target pain at its root and can significantly reduce the need for oral medications. This makes them a safe, effective option for patients dealing with chronic pain, including knee pain, back pain, and other musculoskeletal issues.

Types of Pain Management Injections

At ISSI, we offer several types of pain management injections, each designed to alleviate specific types of pain. Here’s a look at some of the most common injections we provide:

1. Epidural Injections

Epidural injections are used to alleviate pain caused by inflamed spinal nerves, often due to conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, or spinal stenosis. This injection is administered in the epidural space of the spine, and it delivers anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling around the irritated nerves.

Epidural injections can be highly effective in reducing pain and improving mobility, allowing patients to regain their range of motion and resume daily activities without discomfort. Patients who suffer from severe back pain or radiating pain in the legs often benefit from this treatment.

2. Facet Block

Facet joints are located in the spine and allow for movement, such as bending, twisting, and turning. When these joints become inflamed or damaged, they can cause significant pain and discomfort. A facet block involves injecting a local anesthetic directly into these joints to relieve pain.

Facet blocks are particularly beneficial for individuals who experience chronic back or neck pain due to arthritis or other degenerative conditions affecting the spine. The injections can provide relief from pain, helping patients move more freely and with less discomfort.

3. Lumbar Sympathetic Block

The lumbar sympathetic nerves, located on both sides of the lower spine, help regulate involuntary bodily functions and blood vessel responses. When these nerves become irritated, they can cause pain, especially in the lower back or legs.

A lumbar sympathetic block involves injecting medication near these nerves to block pain signals from being transmitted to the brain. This treatment can be especially effective for patients suffering from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or other chronic pain conditions affecting the lower body.

4. Nerve Root Block

Nerve root blocks are another targeted approach to pain management. When spinal nerves are compressed or inflamed, they can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the areas served by those nerves, such as the arms or legs. A nerve root block involves injecting a local anesthetic near the affected nerve root to reduce inflammation and block pain signals.

This treatment is particularly beneficial for patients with conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or nerve impingements. By providing relief at the exact site of nerve irritation, patients can experience significant improvements in pain and function.

5. Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation, also known as neurotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce or eliminate pain signals from the nerves. During the procedure, a specialized needle is inserted near the affected nerve, and heat is applied to disrupt the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

This treatment is commonly used for patients with chronic back pain or arthritis who have not responded to other forms of treatment. Radiofrequency ablation provides long-lasting relief, often lasting six months or longer.

6. Sacroiliac Joint Injections

The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the spine to the hips and is responsible for transferring the load between your upper body and legs. Inflammation or dysfunction of this joint can lead to significant pain in the lower back or buttocks. Sacroiliac joint injections deliver medication directly to this joint, helping to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Patients suffering from SI joint pain often benefit from these injections, especially if conservative treatments such as physical therapy or oral medications have not provided sufficient relief.

7. Trigger Point Injections

Trigger points are tight bands of muscle or knots that can cause pain, tension, and even spasms. Trigger point injections use a combination of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication to relax these muscles and relieve pain.

These injections are especially helpful for patients who suffer from chronic myofascial pain syndrome or muscle-related pain. By targeting the specific muscles causing pain, trigger point injections provide localized relief and help patients regain normal muscle function.

When Should You Consider Pain Management Injections?

Pain management injections may be an excellent option if you suffer from chronic pain that hasn’t responded well to other treatments like physical therapy or oral medications. Injections can provide significant relief from knee pain, back pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions that limit your mobility and quality of life.

If you find that pain is affecting your ability to perform daily activities, injections may be the right choice to help you get back to an active lifestyle. Our experienced physicians at ISSI will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, ensuring you receive the best care possible. Our board-certified, award-winning physicians are experts in diagnosing the source of your chronic pain and developing individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition.

At International Spine & Sports Institute, we’re committed to helping you manage your pain and regain your quality of life through innovative pain management techniques. With a variety of injection therapies tailored to your specific needs, we can provide effective, minimally invasive solutions for managing chronic pain. Reach out to us today to explore your options and take the first step toward a pain-free future.

Bulging Disc vs. Herniated Disc

Bulging Disc vs Herniated Disc

Are you dealing with neck or lower back pain that won’t go away? Do you think you may have a bulging or herniated disc yet you don’t know the difference? That’s ok. In this blog we will explain the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc, what causes each condition, and the best ways to treat them?

Is a bulging disc and a herniated disc the same thing?

A bulging disc and a herniated disc may seem similar, but they are actually quite different. Wondering what sets them apart? A bulging disc occurs when the outer shell weakens, causing the disc to protrude to one side of the spinal canal. On the other hand, a herniated disc involves the softer, jelly like material within the disc pushing through a crack in its tough outer layer. This can lead to irritation or compression of nearby nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness. Both conditions can be caused by injury, aging, or degeneration of the spine. However, a herniated disc is typically considered more severe because it involves actual damage to the structure of the disc.

What causes  herniated and bulging discs?

A herniated disc can happen due to a connective tissue disorder like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Or it can happen because of congenital disorders such as heart defects or Down syndrome.

A bulging disc can happen for a variety of reasons. It can happen from a spinal injury resulting from a fall, sports injury, or car accident. Poor posture and repetitive motions can also cause bulging discs, especially if you are constantly lifting heavy objects and using improper techniques when lifting these objects. Age is also another factor. In fact, the majority of people have a bulging disc by the age of 40 years old, but most don’t realize it since they are not experiencing symptoms.

Can a bulging disc become a herniated disc?

Yes, it is possible for a bulging disc to progress and become a herniated disc. This occurs when the outer layer of the disc weakens enough to allow the inner gel-like material to leak out, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area.

How to prevent herniated and bulging discs

To keep your spine in good shape and avoid disc problems, it’s important to practice healthy habits and stay away from things that could make your discs worse. Here are some simple tips to help protect your discs and keep your spine healthy.

Avoid habits that can accelerate disc deterioration, such as:

  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Being overweight
  • Prevention tips for herniated and bulging discs
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Engage in regular exercise
  • Uphold good posture
  • Exercise recommendations
  • Engage in low-impact exercises to prevent further damage to an injured disc

How to treat herniated and bulging discs

So, how do you treat these two conditions? Treatment for both a bulging disc and a herniated disc usually starts with conservative methods such as rest, physical therapy, and pain management. In some cases, surgery may be necessary if symptoms persist or worsen. However, while a bulging disc can often be treated successfully with non-invasive measures, a herniated disc may require a more aggressive approach due to its potential impact on nerve function.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a bulging or herniated disc, it’s important to seek medical attention. At the International Spine and Sports Institute, we can diagnose the condition through a physical exam and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans, and provide treatment options to help you feel better and improve your quality of life.

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