Chronic back pain can make even the simplest activities like standing, walking, or sleeping feel unreachable. If you’ve been living with pain for months or even years, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to find lasting relief. That’s where interventional pain management comes into the picture.
Instead of relying only on medications, this approach uses minimally invasive procedures and at-home pain relief to target the source of your pain. In this article, we’ll walk you through five ways interventional treatments can ease chronic back pain and improve your daily life.
What Is Interventional Pain Management?
Interventional pain management is a type of medical care that focuses on treating pain at its source using targeted procedures. These treatments are often done with imaging tools like X-rays or ultrasounds to guide the doctor and improve accuracy. Each treatment is personalized to your specific condition and needs.
Unlike general pain care, which may rely heavily on medications, interventional methods use injections, nerve blocks, or devices to reduce pain and inflammation. They also include lifestyle supports like postural adjustments, diet tips, and physical therapy.
This approach can be helpful for people who haven’t found relief from physical therapy or medications alone. It’s also a good option for those looking to avoid surgery.
1. Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections are one of the most common interventional treatments for back pain. They work by delivering anti-inflammatory medicine directly into the space around your spinal nerves, called the epidural space.
This helps reduce swelling and pain caused by conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. The injection itself is quick and often done in a doctor’s office or outpatient center. While it’s not a cure, many people feel relief for weeks or even months, allowing them to move more freely and return to activities they enjoy. It’s a safe, non-surgical option worth exploring.
2. Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks are another helpful tool for managing chronic back pain. These injections deliver medicine near specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Nerve blocks can be used both to relieve pain and to help doctors figure out exactly where the pain is coming from.
There are different types of nerve blocks, depending on the patient’s symptoms and diagnosis. Relief can be immediate, and in some cases, it lasts for days or even longer. If your pain is sharp, shooting, or hard to trace, a nerve block might be a great first step in building your treatment plan.
3. Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers longer-lasting relief for people with chronic back pain. It works by using heat to gently “turn off” the nerves that send pain signals from your spine to your brain. During the procedure, a thin needle is guided to the right spot using imaging, and then a small burst of heat is applied to the nerve.
The process quiets the pain. Many people get relief for six months to a year, and the procedure can be repeated if needed. It’s a smart option if other treatments haven’t lasted long enough.
4. Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation is a high-tech option for treating severe or stubborn back pain. It involves placing a small device near your spine that sends gentle electrical pulses. These pulses disrupt pain signals before they reach your brain, replacing them with a tingling sensation or sometimes blocking the pain altogether.
The process usually starts with a short trial to see if it helps. If it works, a permanent device can be implanted. Many people find it reduces their need for pain medications and improves their ability to stay active. It’s especially useful for nerve-related pain or after failed back surgeries.
5. Vertebral Augmentation
Sometimes, back pain can be caused by small fractures in the spine — often due to osteoporosis or injury. These are called compression fractures, and they can be very painful. Vertebral augmentation is a procedure that helps stabilize these fractures and reduce pain.
Two common methods are vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. In both, a special cement is injected into the broken bone to make it stronger. In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is used first to gently lift the bone before filling the space. These treatments can quickly relieve pain and help you move better, especially if you’ve had trouble walking or standing.
When To Consider Interventional Pain Management
If your back pain has lasted for months and isn’t improving with rest, physical therapy, or medication, it may be time to consider interventional pain management. These treatments are especially helpful when your pain is keeping you from work, sleep, or daily activities. You don’t need to wait until things get worse — many people can benefit from early intervention.
A pain management doctor in Bartlesville can evaluate your symptoms, use imaging to pinpoint the cause, and recommend a plan tailored to your needs. You’ll still work with your primary care doctor, but you can also have expert help focused just on your pain.
