Conditions That Benefit From Interventional Pain Management

Pain, whether acute or chronic, can turn your world upside down; activities that you once enjoyed may become impossible due to intense pain. You may even develop disorders such as anxiety and depression due to the pain. If conservative treatments such as over-the-counter medications are not enough to alleviate the pain, do not despair; your trusted interventional pain specialist Eugene, OR, offers several alternatives to combat your chronic pain and improve your quality of life. Below are different conditions that can benefit from interventional pain management.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of one or more spaces within your spine; it is a common problem among men and women above 50 years but can also occur at a younger age. Limited space within your spine lessens the room available for your spinal cord and nerves that branch of your spinal cord. Therefore, the spinal cord and nerves can get compressed or pinched, causing back pain and sciatica. Spinal stenosis mainly affects your neck and lower back region, but it can occur anywhere along the spine. Sometimes treatments such as pain relievers and physical therapy are enough to relieve pain symptoms, but other times you may need minimally invasive procedures such as steroid injections.

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that stems from your lower back and radiates along the sciatic nerve path – your hips, buttock, and down each leg. Patients describe the pain differently, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain. Usually, sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerves are compressed; this may be due to spinal stenosis, herniated disk, or bone spurs on the spine. Besides pain, you may lose sensation in the affected leg. Self-care measures may be enough to treat mild sciatica, but your specialist may recommend medications, physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgery if you have severe symptoms.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that occurs when the protective cartilage covering the joints in your body wears down. It is common among older adults and mainly affects the joints in your knees, hips, spine, and hands. When the cartilage wears out, it allows bones to rub against each other when you move, producing pain. The affected joints may feel painful, stiff, and tender when you apply light pressure. Although joint damage is irreversible, treatments such as cortisone injections can help you manage the symptoms and slow disease progression.

Herniated discs

A herniated disc is a problem with one or several rubbery cushions that sit between the vertebrae. Usually, spinal discs have a soft, jelly-like center called the nucleus, which is enclosed with a tough membrane or annulus. As you grow older, the annulus wears down, developing a weak spot through which the disc’s inner contents can push through. When the nucleus pushes out, it can press on spinal nerves, producing pain, numbness, and pins and needles sensations. Herniated discs are common in the lower back, but they can affect any body part.

You don’t have to put up with chronic pain. Visit your specialist at Pacific Sports and Spine for treatment to improve your quality of life.