What Is Pain Management and How Does It Work?

Managing pain effectively is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life. Pain can be as unique as the individuals who experience it, encompassing various types and requiring personalized approaches.

Today, with advancements in interventional pain management and a multifaceted approach to treatment, people with acute (short-term) and chronic (ongoing) pain have more options than ever to take control of their health.

Whether you're exploring options for chronic pain treatment or wondering about specific techniques like acupuncture or steroid injections, we've got you covered.

What are the two types of pain?

Pain is your body's natural way of signaling that something is wrong. It is categorized into two primary types:

Acute pain: Short-term pain lasting less than three months, often responsive to treatments.
Chronic pain: Persistent pain lasting longer than three to six months or even years. Chronic pain is complex and may not respond to traditional treatments. It can significantly impact daily activities, mental health and overall quality of life.

If you or a loved one is dealing with chronic pain, know that there are innovative solutions available to ease discomfort and help restore daily functions.

What is interventional pain management?

Interventional pain management is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating pain using cutting-edge techniques. At Ochsner Health, specialists develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. These plans aim to improve function, reduce pain, and enhance overall well-being.

What types of pain does Ochsner treat?

Interventional pain management addresses a wide range of conditions, including:

Arthritis
Lower and upper back pain
Neck pain
Joint pain
Nerve pain (such as sciatica)
Headaches and migraines
Muscle pain
Sports or work-related injuries
Cancer-related pain

What are common pain management techniques?

Pain management doctors use what is called a “multimodal approach,” incorporating various treatments and interventional techniques, including:

Epidural steroid injections: These reduce inflammation and pain in the spinal region. Steroid injections are among the most common interventional procedures for chronic pain. These injections decrease inflammation, offering relief for conditions like arthritis, joint pain and nerve-related back pain. They are an excellent noninvasive alternative to surgery in select cases.
Peripheral joint or muscle injections: These target pain in areas like knees, shoulders or other joints and muscles.
Nerve blocks: These interrupt pain signals from nerves.
Nerve ablations: These are specialized procedures that uses heat or cold to disrupt pain signals in the spine or peripheral joints.
Spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation: These advanced procedures use electrical impulses to block pain signals.
Kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty: These minimally invasive surgeries are designed to stabilize fractured vertebrae. These techniques are often used to address issues that may otherwise require surgery and can provide long-lasting pain relief.

What is multimodal pain treatment?

Multimodal pain treatment means using different methods together to help manage pain. Instead of relying on just one type of treatment, doctors combine therapies like medications, physical therapy and procedures to create a plan that works best for each person. This approach can make pain relief more effective and help improve the patient’s overall quality of life. By addressing pain from multiple angles, multimodal treatment can reduce the need for strong medications or risky surgeries.

Chronic pain is a complex condition influenced by social, biological, psychological and physical factors. Addressing chronic pain comprehensively often requires multiple approaches working in harmony.

Treatment options Include:

Physical therapy, to improve strength, flexibility and mobility.
Acupuncture, an ancient technique that focuses on stimulating specific points on the body to alleviate pain.
Chiropractic care and massage, to address issues in alignment and soft tissues.
Medications, especially nonnarcotic and tailored to specific conditions, including muscle relaxants or nerve pain medications.
Psychiatry and counseling, to support mental health that is vital for managing the anxiety, depression and stress that chronic pain can exacerbate.
Lifestyle modifications, or simple steps like maintaining an active lifestyle, proper sleep, and a healthy diet can have a profound impact on pain management.

Can acupuncture get rid of chronic pain?

Acupuncture has gained recognition as an effective complementary treatment for conditions such as migraines, nerve pain and muscle disorders. While it may not entirely eliminate chronic pain, it can reduce the severity and improve overall quality of life when integrated into a broader treatment plan.

How do pain management doctors evaluate patients?

When you consult a pain management provider, the first step is a thorough evaluation. This includes:

Reviewing your medical history and current symptoms.
Conducting diagnostic imaging or tests to identify the source of pain.
Utilizing diagnostic procedures, which might include precision nerve blocks or injections to pin down the origin of pain.

This evaluation helps specialists tailor an effective course of treatment specific to your condition and lifestyle needs.

Understanding the connection between mental health and pain

Pain, especially chronic pain, often influences mental well-being. It can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and deteriorated interpersonal relationships. Pain management providers emphasize a holistic approach, incorporating relaxation techniques, yoga, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help patients regain control of their mental and physical health.

Why does a healthy lifestyle help with pain management?

Preventative care is a recurring theme in pain management. Building good habits can reduce the frequency or severity of pain over time. Key lifestyle adjustments include:

Exercise: Regular movement, tailored to your ability, is essential for keeping muscles strong, improving circulation, and reducing stiffness.
Nutritional balance: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, vitamins, and minerals can help combat inflammation, a common contributor to pain.
Quality sleep: Proper rest allows the body to recharge and recover, while poor sleep only amplifies pain.
Avoiding smoking: Smoking restricts blood flow and increases sensitivity to pain, making quitting an essential step in pain management. Ochsner’s free Smoking Cessation Program can help.

The future of pain management

Pain management has significantly evolved in recent years, with new research and innovative technologies ushering in exciting possibilities. Whether you're dealing with arthritis, sciatic pain, or post-operative discomfort, exploring interventional techniques and comprehensive care plans can alter the trajectory of your health.

Take the first step

Pain management is about more than just relief; it’s about empowering people to live their lives to the fullest. If pain is holding you back, consider consulting a pain management specialist to explore personalized treatment options. Take charge of your health and well-being by making an appointment with Ochsner’s pain management experts today.