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.