Pain Treatments and Procedures
Articles
-
Intrathecal Drug Delivery (Pain Pumps): What You Need to Know
Intrathecal drug delivery systems, often called “pain pumps,” are implantable devices that deliver medication directly into the fluid-filled space surrounding the spinal cord. By targeting this intrathecal (subarachnoid) space and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), drugs reach spinal pain pathways at very low doses compared with oral or intravenous (IV) therapy. For some people with severe,…
-
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): An Evidence-Based Overview for People Living With Chronic Pain Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a treatment for certain types of long-lasting (chronic) pain. It involves placing thin wires near the spinal cord and connecting them to a small device, like a pacemaker, that sends gentle electrical signals. These signals change the…
-
Medial Branch Block
Medial Branch Block A medial branch block is an injection of local anaesthetic placed near small nerves called medial branch nerves in your spine. These nerves carry pain signals from the facet joints (the small joints at the back of the spine) to the brain. By temporarily switching these nerves off, a medial branch block…
-
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Chronic Pain Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to help reduce certain types of long-lasting (chronic) pain, especially pain coming from the small joints of the spine. If your pain team has suggested RFA, you may have questions about how it works, what to expect, and whether it…
-
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Pain
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Pain Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to reduce certain types of long-lasting pain. It uses carefully controlled heat, produced by radio waves, to interrupt pain signals travelling along specific nerves. For some people, this can provide meaningful pain relief, help them move more easily, and reduce the…
-
Epidural Steroid Injection
Epidural Steroid Injection If you have been offered an epidural steroid injection, it is normal to feel unsure or even worried about what it involves. This article explains the procedure in clear, honest language so you can understand your options and make informed decisions together with your healthcare team. 1. What Is an Epidural Steroid…
-
What Is Radiculopathy? (And Why Does Pain Travel Along a Nerve?)
What Is Radiculopathy? (And Why Does Pain Travel Along a Nerve?) Radiculopathy is a medical word that sounds complicated, but the basic idea is simple. It means that a nerve root is being compressed, irritated or inflamed where it leaves the spine. Because that nerve root supplies a particular pathway down your arm, chest or…
-
What Is Radiculopathy? Understanding Pinched Nerve Roots in the Spine
What Is Radiculopathy? Understanding Pinched Nerve Roots in the Spine If you have sharp, shooting, or burning pain running from your neck or back into your arm, chest, or leg, you may have heard the word “radiculopathy.” It can sound scary, but it simply means a problem with one of the nerve roots that leave…
-
What’s the Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis?
What’s the Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis? Being told you have "arthritis" can be confusing and worrying. The word simply means inflammation or problems in a joint, but it covers many different conditions. Two of the most common are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They both cause joint pain and stiffness, but they…
-
Can Arthritis Be Prevented?
Can Arthritis Be Prevented? Worrying about arthritis is very common. You might notice more aches and stiffness, have a parent with painful joints, or hear stories about joint replacements and wonder what your own future will look like. It is natural to ask whether there is anything you can do now to avoid arthritis later,…
The Pain Decoder 