Chronic pain is a common issue that can significantly disrupt your life, whether caused by an accident or a long-standing condition. While there are numerous treatments available, pain management injections provide an effective and targeted approach to managing persistent discomfort.
Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology has a team of experienced neurologists, orthopedic specialists, and pain management experts in Charlotte, NC. Contact our team and let us develop a comprehensive treatment plan for your needs.
What Are Pain Management Injections Used for?
Pain management injections can be highly effective for managing a variety of chronic pain conditions, especially those related to injuries or degenerative diseases. Here are some of the most common conditions treated with pain relief injections:
Arthritis
Arthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain, especially osteoarthritis, which results from the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints. This breakdown causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis, another type, involves inflammation in the joints. In both cases, injections can provide relief by reducing the inflammation and pain in affected joints.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of the spinal disc pushes through its tougher exterior, often compressing nearby nerves. This can result in intense pain, tingling, or numbness, especially in the back and legs. Pain management injections help by addressing the inflammation and relieving the pressure on these nerves.
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. This condition is often the result of nerve compression from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. Injections can reduce inflammation around the nerve, helping to alleviate the sharp, shooting pains typically associated with sciatica.
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints become inflamed. This inflammation can cause significant pain, typically in the shoulders, hips, or knees. Injections into the affected area can help to reduce swelling and provide pain relief.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, typically due to overuse or injury. This condition commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, and knees, resulting in localized pain and tenderness. Pain management injections can help reduce this inflammation and relieve the discomfort associated with tendinitis.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis involves the narrowing of spaces within the spine, which puts pressure on the nerves traveling through the spine. This condition often leads to pain, numbness, or weakness in the back or legs. Pain management injections can reduce inflammation and provide relief from the pain caused by spinal stenosis.
Muscle Pain
Muscle pain, such as that experienced in conditions like fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome, can be effectively treated with pain management injections. These injections target the specific areas of tension in the muscles, providing relief from chronic pain and improving overall mobility.
Types of Pain Relief Injections
Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology offers several types of pain management injections, each designed to address different types of pain and conditions. These minimally invasive treatments help many patients avoid surgery while offering effective pain relief.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to reduce inflammation in the joints or soft tissues affected by arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis. By injecting a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the area of pain, these injections can provide long-lasting relief, often for several weeks to months, allowing patients to return to their normal activities.
Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks involve injecting a local anesthetic near specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This can provide relief for conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, and chronic pain in the back, neck, or limbs. Nerve blocks can also be used as a diagnostic tool to identify the source of the pain.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections are used to alleviate pain in areas of muscle that have developed tight knots, known as trigger points. These injections contain a local anesthetic and, sometimes, corticosteroids, which help to relax the muscle and relieve pain. Trigger point injections are effective for treating chronic muscle pain conditions like myofascial pain syndrome.
Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections target the small joints between each vertebra in the spine. These joints can become inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or overuse, leading to back or neck pain. By injecting a mixture of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected joint, facet joint injections can reduce pain and improve your range of motion.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use the patient’s own blood to promote healing and reduce pain. In this procedure, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient, processed to concentrate the platelets, and then injected into the injured or painful area. The growth factors in the platelets stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. PRP injections are particularly beneficial for treating chronic tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, and other conditions that affect the joints or soft tissues.
Benefits of Pain Injections
Pain management injections offer several advantages, particularly for individuals looking for non-surgical treatment options. Some of the key benefits include:
Targeted, Quick Pain Relief
Pain injections deliver medication directly to the source of the pain, providing more effective and focused relief than oral medications. This targeted approach helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pain more quickly.
Improving Mobility
By addressing inflammation, many pain injections, such as corticosteroids, help to reduce swelling and irritation in the affected area. This reduction in inflammation not only alleviates pain but also helps improve mobility and prevent further damage to the joint or tissue.
Long-Lasting Relief Without Surgery
Injections are a minimally invasive treatment option that typically involves only a small needle and a short procedure. This makes them an appealing alternative to surgery for patients looking to avoid more invasive treatments. Many patients experience long-lasting relief with injections.
Are Injections Right for You?
Pain management injections are an excellent option for many individuals dealing with chronic pain, especially those who have not found relief with other treatments.
However, certain factors, such as active infections, uncontrolled diabetes, or specific medical conditions, may make pain injections less suitable for some patients. Pregnant individuals or those taking blood-thinning medications should consult with their doctor before considering pain management injections.
The team at Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology can help determine if you are a good candidate for pain management injections.
Contact Our Team Today
Chronic pain can significantly impact your ability to live a full and active life, but pain management injections can provide targeted relief and help you regain control.
If you are struggling with chronic pain, contact Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology. We can help you explore your options and create a comprehensive treatment plan. Along with pain relief injections, we offer chiropractic care, physical therapy, and minimally invasive orthopedic surgery.
We have locations in Charlotte, Raleigh, and High Point, North Carolina plus an office in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Contact us today for a consultation.