Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are used to prevent chronic pain that occurs in a specific organ or area of the body. This treatment option involves injecting a nerve-numbing medication directly into the group of nerves causing the pain. Nerve blocks are typically used to treat acute pain, but can also be used for diagnostic, prognostic, and preemptive purposes.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a targeted treatment option designed to provide localized and specific pain relief. This outpatient procedure uses a specialized catheter to heat up and destroy the affected nerve endings with radiofrequency waves. This procedure effectively blocks the transmission of pain signals to the brain for up to 6 months.

TENS

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy used to provide short-term pain relief. This treatment option involves the use of a device that delivers a low-level electrical current to the affected nerves. This electrical stimulation effectively blocks the transmission of pain signals to the brain and also helps stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. TENS therapy is typically used to treat acute muscle pain and is often used in conjunction with trigger point injections.

Trigger Point Injections

Trigger points are specific painful areas of muscle or connective tissue. These trigger points can irritate the surrounding nerves and cause extreme tenderness and muscle spasm. Injecting a combination of local anesthetic and steroid medications directly into the site can help relax the affected muscle and provide pain relief.

Epidural Injections

Epidural injections are used to target chronic back pain. This treatment option involves the injection of steroid and local anesthetic medications into the epidural space that surrounds the spinal cord. Epidural injections effectively numb the area to provide short-term pain relief and decrease inflammation to provide long-term pain relief. This treatment option is typically performed in a series of injections and can be administered in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar areas of the spine.

Spinal Drug Pumps

Spinal drug pumps, also known as intrathecal pumps, are designed to send pain medications directly to the spinal cord. These pumps deliver powerful local anesthetics and narcotics that block the affected nerve from delivering pain signals to the spinal cord. This targeted treatment option is commonly used with cancer patients or individuals that have developed side effects from large doses of medication. Because the pump is implanted underneath the skin, it can provide instant pain relief with a much smaller dose and fewer negative side effects.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation is one of the best ways to treat chronic pain. This targeted treatment option involves the surgical implantation of a pacemaker-type device into the body. This device is designed to deliver low-level electrical signals to the spinal cord to effectively block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. The patient can use a remote to activate and adjust the intensity of the electrical signals. Spinal cord stimulation is commonly used when all other treatment options have failed. Before considering spinal cord stimulation or any other chronic pain treatment option, it is important to consult a qualified and experienced pain doctor in Sarasota to properly diagnose your condition and discuss your treatment options.