Treatments We Use to Relieve Pain

Infiltration:

Consists of the administration of a long-acting local anesthetic to the peripherial nerves, plexus, or muscle. This permits immediate short-term relief from pain while therapuetic medical treatments work to provide longer-term relief.

 

Epidural Infiltration:

The application of a local anesthetic along with a corticosteroid as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory to the epidural space in the spinal column to achieve pain relief.

 

Neurolitic Blocking:

The interruption of nerve transmission for a substantial amount of time and in some cases, permanently (chemical sympathectomy) to block the passage of pain signals. This procedure offers great possibilities for the relief of chronic pain and is indicated in cases of malignant chronic pain, chronic pelvic pain, chronic pancreatitis, etc. The neurolytic substances most commonly used are alcohol, phenol, and glycerol.

 

Subcutaneous Reservoir:

Generally used in persons with malignant pain and neoplastic suffering. This permits continuous venous administration of the pharmaceutical with a minimum of bother for the patient.

 

Ambulatory Infusion Pump (PCA):

Used for the management of acute or chronic pain. It is a small infusion pump for ambulatory use that continuously administers a controlled dose of medication.

Botulinum Toxin:

Botulinum toxin is produced by the botulinum bacteria. It is used to eliminate pain resulting from muscular contractions, cerebral paralysis, and hyperhidrosis.

 

TENS:

Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation consists of the use of electricity to stop pain. Electrostimulation permits the release of endorphins which are endogenous substances that act against pain and block pain stimulus at the level of the peripherial nerves and the medulla oblongata. It is indicated for neuropathic pain, injuries to the medulla oblongata, musculo-skeletal pain, and chronic or acute joint pain.

 

Radiofrequency Generator:

Uses heat to deaden the nerves that transmit the pain. This technique provides rapid relief and is indicated in cases of spinal cord injury, lumbalgias, cervicalgia, neuropathic pain, radiculopathias, and discopathias.

 

Implantable Intrathecal Pump:

A pump that is placed under the skin to administer analgesics directly to the spinal fluid. It has the advantage of using microdoses of medication which provides excellent pain relief without the side effects associated with larger doses of medication. It is indicated for post-laminectomy lumbar pain, thoracic pain, visceral pain, etcetera (picture).

 

Neuromodulator:

It is a device that is placed under the skin and transmits precisely controlled electrical impulses. The impulses block the pain signals from arriving to the brain, thereby providing pain relief. This technique is indicated in cases of neuropathic pain, neuropathic diabetes, complex regional pain syndrome, pain of vascular origin, chronic back or leg pain, and Parkinson´s disease using deep cerebral stimulation.