Interventional Pain Medicine Procedures in Houston

Chronic or severe pain can significantly interfere with daily life, limiting mobility, sleep, and overall well-being. When conservative treatments are no longer effective, interventional pain medicine offers targeted solutions designed to reduce pain and restore function.

At St. Michael Clinics, we provide a range of advanced interventional pain management procedures tailored to each patient’s condition, symptoms, and treatment goals.

What Is Interventional Pain Management?

Interventional pain management is a specialized field of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating pain using minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. These treatments may be non-surgical or surgical and are often recommended when acute or chronic pain interferes with activities of daily living and other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief.

The primary goals of interventional pain management are to:

• Reduce or eliminate pain
• Improve physical function and mobility
• Minimize reliance on long-term pain medications
• Enhance overall quality of life

Interventional Pain Management Treatments

The type of procedure recommended depends on your diagnosis, pain location, and response to previous treatments. Some of the most commonly performed interventional pain management procedures include:

Nerve Blocks

Nerves transmit pain signals from the body to the brain. Nerve blocks are used to interrupt these signals and relieve pain.

This procedure involves injecting a combination of a local anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory medication near a specific nerve or group of nerves. Nerve blocks can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and pain relief may last from several days to several weeks or even months.

Infusion Therapy

Infusions allow pain medication to be delivered directly into the body over an extended period of time.

• Intrathecal infusions deliver medication into the subarachnoid space surrounding the brain and spinal cord
• Epidural infusions deliver medication into the epidural space of the spinal column

These treatments are often used for patients with chronic or complex pain conditions requiring long-term pain control.

Pain-Relieving Injections

Targeted injections help reduce inflammation and pain in specific areas of the body. Common injection types include:

• Epidural steroid injections
• Facet joint injections
• Trigger point injections

These procedures typically involve a numbing agent combined with a corticosteroid to decrease inflammation and relieve pain at the source.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is commonly used to treat chronic neck and lower back pain, especially when caused by arthritis or degenerative joint disease.

During the procedure, a specialized probe delivers radiofrequency energy to heat and deactivate specific nerve tissue. This disrupts pain signal transmission, providing longer-lasting pain relief compared to injections.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced treatment for chronic pain that does not respond to other therapies.

This procedure involves placing a small generator beneath the skin, usually in the abdomen or buttock area, along with electrical leads near the spinal cord. The device delivers mild electrical impulses that modify pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing the perception of pain.

Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation

Peripheral nerve field stimulation works similarly to spinal cord stimulation but targets pain in specific peripheral regions of the body.

Electrical leads are placed near the source of pain rather than the spinal cord. This approach can be especially helpful for localized chronic pain conditions.

Who May Benefit from Interventional Pain Management?

Interventional pain medicine may be appropriate for individuals experiencing:

• Chronic neck or back pain
• Joint pain due to arthritis
• Nerve-related pain
• Post-surgical pain
• Pain following injury or trauma
• Pain that has not improved with medication or physical therapy

A thorough evaluation is performed to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Interventional Pain Medicine

Are interventional pain procedures safe?

Yes. Interventional pain management procedures are generally safe when performed by experienced specialists. Most procedures are minimally invasive and performed using imaging guidance to improve accuracy and safety.

How long does pain relief last?

The duration of pain relief varies depending on the procedure, diagnosis, and individual response. Some patients experience relief for weeks, while others may benefit for several months or longer.

Will I need surgery?

Interventional pain management is often used to avoid or delay surgery. Many patients experience significant relief without the need for invasive surgical procedures.

Are these procedures painful?

Most procedures involve minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is commonly used, and many patients tolerate the procedures very well.

How long is the recovery time?

Recovery time is typically short. Many patients are able to return to normal activities within a day, although specific instructions may vary depending on the procedure performed.

Interventional Pain Care at St. Michael Clinics

At St. Michael Clinics, our pain management specialists focus on identifying the underlying source of pain and delivering precise, effective treatments. We combine advanced technology with compassionate care to help patients regain function and improve their quality of life.