3 Helpful Tips To Remember When Getting Interventional Injections For Chronic Pain

Michelle Hopkins

Dealing with chronic pain on a daily basis can take its toll on you mentally and physically. If you want a change for the better, consider interventional injections. They can provide pain relief for an extended period of time. To ensure these injections work out, remember these tips. 

Know If You're a Good Candidate 

Just because you're in pain doesn't automatically mean you should get interventional injections. This type of care is reserved for pain in specific parts of your body. These typically include the neck, lower and upper back, and in the bones.

If your pain isn't in any of these areas or it's a mild form of pain, you may be able to find relief with home remedies. If you're still not sure if you're a good candidate for these injections or not, talk with your doctor. They can assess your particular pain to determine if these injections are appropriate.

Decide on an Injection Type 

The great thing about interventional therapy is there are many injection types to treat chronic pain. Each works a bit differently, and you'll need to know how to choose the appropriate injection type. Some of the most common include epidural steroid injection, facet joint injections, single nerve root blocks, and sacroiliac joint injections.

The epidural steroid injection is typically reserved for the lumbar spine. Facet and sacroiliac injections target specific joints in your body. Single nerve root block injections are designed to alleviate pain in the spinal column. Determine where on your body you're experiencing pain to decide on one of these options. 

Understand the Side Effects 

After these injections are administered, your body may experience a few side effects. They may include headaches, numbness, and high blood sugar. If you're experiencing headaches, go ahead and take over-the-counter medication. 

Any numbness you may be experiencing at this time will gradually start to dissipate. It's a common by-product of the local anesthesia you're given in conjunction with the injection. You'll typically experience blood sugar issues if you have diabetes. For these spikes, take your prescription medication and see a doctor if your levels don't come back down to their normal range.

You shouldn't have to deal with chronic pain. You won't have to if you take full advantage of interventional injections. They'll provide you with the relief you've desperately been seeking. Just make sure you research these injections and know what they involve. Then, getting them administered will be a stress-free process. 

For more information on interventional injections, contact a medical professional like Joel D Stein DO PA.


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