Expert Pain Procedures for Chronic Pain Relief
At Sydney PainAid Specialists, we use advanced, evidence-based procedures like nerve blocks, RFA, and spinal cord stimulation to relieve chronic pain and improve quality of life.
What Are Pain Procedures?
Pain procedures encompass minimally invasive interventions targeting specific nerves or tissues to disrupt pain signals transmitted to the brain. These techniques are particularly effective for patients who have not found relief through conventional treatments like medications or physical therapy.
Common pain procedures include
- Nerve Blocks: Injections that deliver anesthetic or anti-inflammatory agents near specific nerves to interrupt pain transmission.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to destroy nerve fibers carrying pain signals.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation Assessments: Evaluations to determine the suitability of implanting devices that send electrical impulses to the spinal cord, modifying pain perception.
Conditions Treated with Pain Procedures
We offer advanced interventional pain procedures to treat a wide range of physical and psychological conditions. From chronic headaches, shoulder and knee pain to complex spinal issues and diabetic neuropathy, our targeted treatments—such as nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA)—are designed to provide lasting relief.
We also address post-surgical spinal pain and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), while our innovative Virtual Reality clinic supports those managing PTSD, depression, and anxiety related to chronic pain.
Our interventional pain procedures are effective in managing a variety of conditions, including
- Chronic Headaches and Migraines: Targeted nerve blocks can alleviate persistent headaches.
- Shoulder Pain: Conditions like bursitis and rotator cuff injuries benefit from nerve blocks and RFA.
- Knee Pain: Arthritis and bursitis-related knee pain can be managed with genicular nerve blocks and RFA.
- Neck and Back Pain: Facet joint pain and other spinal issues respond well to medial branch nerve blocks and RFA.
- Post-Surgical Spinal Pain: Spinal cord stimulation assessments help in managing persistent pain after surgery.
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve blocks can provide relief from nerve damage caused by diabetes.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A combination of nerve blocks and RFA can be effective.
- PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety: Our Virtual Reality clinic offers innovative therapies for psychological conditions related to pain.
How Pain Procedures Work
Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks involve injecting medication near specific nerves to temporarily disrupt pain signals. This can provide immediate relief and help in diagnosing the source of pain.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA uses heat generated by radio waves to destroy targeted nerve tissues, preventing them from sending pain signals. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed under local anesthesia.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Assessments
These assessments determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for a spinal cord stimulator implant, which sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord to modify pain perception.
Hydrotherapy
Conducted by experienced physiotherapists and exercise physiologists, hydrotherapy involves water-based exercises that reduce joint stress, alleviate pain, and improve mobility.
Benefits of Pain Procedures
Pain procedures offer targeted, minimally invasive relief for chronic pain, often with little downtime. These treatments can improve mobility, reduce the need for medications, and are customized to each patient’s specific condition and goals—helping restore function and enhance quality of life.
- Effective Pain Relief: Targeted interventions provide significant relief from chronic pain.
- Minimally Invasive: Most procedures are outpatient with minimal recovery time.
- Improved Functionality: Enhanced mobility and daily functioning.
- Reduced Medication Dependence: Potential to decrease reliance on pain medications.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored approaches based on individual patient needs.
Risks and Considerations
Pain procedures are generally safe, but like all medical treatments, they carry some risks. These may include infection, minor bleeding, nerve damage, or allergic reactions to medications. While rare, it’s important to understand and discuss these risks with your specialist to make an informed choice.
While pain procedures are generally safe, potential risks include
- Infection: At the injection or procedure site.
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding may occur.
- Nerve Damage: Rare but possible, leading to increased pain or numbness.
- Allergic Reactions: To medications used during the procedure.
It’s essential to discuss these risks with your specialist to make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pain relief from RFA last?
Relief can last from 6 months to over a year, depending on the individual and condition treated.
Are these procedures covered by insurance?
Many pain procedures are covered by insurance. We recommend checking with your provider for specific coverage details.
What is the recovery time?
Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, though this can vary based on the procedure and individual response.
Schedule Your Consultation
Take the first step towards a pain-free life. Our team of dedicated pain specialists in Australia is here to help you navigate your journey to recovery.
Book an Appointment today to start your journey toward safer and more effective pain management.