What Are Common Forms of Pain Management?

Initially, a patient experiencing pain often tries a very conservative approach to pain relief such as the following: 

OTC Medications

For mild pain, over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are readily available and can be effective. Prescription medications regulated by physicians may offer enhanced pain relief.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Using heating pads or warm compresses can increase blood flow and relax muscles. It may offer pain relief for muscle tension and stiffness. Cold therapy, such as using ice packs or cold compresses, may help reduce inflammation and swelling, providing relief for acute injuries and pain.

If these conservative approaches do not offer significant relief, that is when seeking the services of an interventional pain management physician is recommended.  These doctors have a much larger arsenal of state-of-the-art therapies to proactively get to the root of your source of pain and offer significant relief as quickly as possible.

Treatment Options

Depending on the source of your pain, our pain management physicians can offer numerous treatment options.  Here are just a few:

• Epidural steroid injection is an injection of anti-inflammatory medicine into the irritated/inflamed area that is causing the pain.  They can help relieve neck, arm, back and leg pain caused by certain conditions or injuries.  More than one injection into the area may be needed to provide long lasting relief. 
• Radiofrequency (RF) ablation helps with joint pain and targets specific nerves. Before performing this type of therapy, we test the nerves with anesthetic medication to make sure we’ve identified the correct nerves causing pain.  This type of treatment can provide pain relief for 12-18 months and at times indefinitely. 
• Spinal cord stimulation is another alternative for pain management. The treatment targets nerve pain that affects the arms, legs, or a combination of both. It involves using electrodes placed close to the nerves that are causing the pain signals to help block them. These types of treatments alleviate pressure, pain, and more.

Choosing the Right Pain Management Approach

The best pain management approach depends on several factors, such as the type and cause of pain. Different conditions respond better to specific treatments. A patient’s medical history or other underlying conditions may restrict certain treatment options. At St Louis Pain Consultants, we want our patients to return to their maximal daily activity. We want to help prevent long-term chronic pain using state-of-the-art equipment and diagnostic treatments. We help assess your condition, identify the cause, and create a personalized treatment plan. 

Contact St Louis Pain Consultants Today

By exploring the various forms of pain treatments available, we will find an approach that provides relief and improves your quality of life. A combination of therapies may help yield the best results. With the right approach, you can find ways to minimize discomfort and live a more active and fulfilling life. Contact us with any questions and book your appointment today.