Interventional Pain Management Procedures

Minimally Invasive Techniques Designed to Treat Chronic Pain with Long Lasting Results

Interventional pain management is a specialized area within the field of pain medicine that focuses on the use of minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat chronic and acute pain conditions. Unlike conventional pain management approaches that often rely on medications or physical therapy, interventional pain management seeks to directly address the source of pain (intervene it) through procedures that can include radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, and the implantation of drug delivery systems (pain pumps), among others.

We perform our procedures using fluoroscopic guidance, complemented by a range of anesthesia options to ensure maximum precision, comfort, and optimal efficacy. We leverage our expertise in top-tier surgery centers and hospitals within our community, guaranteeing exceptional care and a spectrum of treatment settings to meet our patients' needs.

The specific choice of intervention is tailored to your individual pain condition, the underlying cause of the pain, and your overall health status.  Visit our treatments web page to see other pain management treatments that we offer.  This page lists some of the common procedures we perform.  Pain management is a constantly evolving and improving field and our full arsenal of pain procedures is more than we can cover on the website.  Schedule a consultation to determine the best procedure for your individual case.

Minuteman®

The Minuteman procedure is a minimally invasive surgical approach designed for pain management in patients with spinal conditions like lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or degenerative disc disease that have not improved with conservative treatments. It involves the implantation of a Minuteman device, an interspinous-interlaminar fusion implant, to stabilize the spine and alleviate pressure on nerves, thereby reducing lower back pain. Performed through a small incision under local anesthesia, this outpatient procedure offers advantages such as lower risk of complications, minimal blood loss, and quicker recovery, allowing patients to experience immediate pain relief and a swift return to daily activities.

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Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)

The Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD) procedure is a targeted approach for treating lumbar spinal stenosis, a common cause of lower back and leg pain, especially in older adults. This outpatient technique involves the removal of small portions of bone and excess ligament tissue that are compressing the nerves within the spinal canal, using specialized tools through a tiny incision without the need for general anesthesia. The MILD procedure is designed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves, thereby reducing pain and improving mobility with minimal tissue disruption. It boasts a fast recovery time, allowing patients to return to their normal activities shortly after the surgery, making it an appealing option for those seeking effective pain management with minimal surgical intervention.

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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure widely used in pain management to treat chronic pain, especially in the lower back, neck, and joints. By using radiofrequency energy, the procedure targets specific nerves responsible for pain transmission. A thin needle is inserted through the skin to the problem area, and the radiofrequency waves are directed through the needle to heat the nerve tissue, effectively disrupting pain signals to the brain. This technique not only provides significant pain relief but also enhances function and quality of life with minimal recovery time. RFA is particularly beneficial for patients who have not found relief through conservative treatments, offering a safe alternative with long-lasting effects.

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Spinal Chord Stimulators (SCS)

The Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) procedure is a pain management technique that offers relief for chronic pain sufferers by using electrical impulses to interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. During this minimally invasive procedure, a small device is implanted near the spine, delivering low-level electrical signals through leads placed in the epidural space. It's primarily recommended for patients with neuropathic pain, such as chronic leg or arm pain, and for those who have not found relief through conventional treatments. The SCS procedure allows patients to control their pain relief through a handheld remote, adjusting the intensity of impulses. This innovative approach has been shown to significantly reduce pain levels, enhance mobility, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with intractable chronic pain, offering a promising alternative when other pain management strategies fail.

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Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

The Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion procedure is a surgical technique aimed at providing relief for chronic lower back pain associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. This minimally invasive procedure involves the fusion of the sacroiliac joint to stabilize it and eliminate motion that can cause pain. Surgeons use small incisions to insert titanium implants and bone graft material to encourage fusion between the sacrum and ilium bones. Performed under general anesthesia, SI joint fusion is typically considered when non-surgical pain management techniques fail to provide adequate relief. The procedure has been shown to significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from SI joint-related conditions, offering a targeted approach to pain management with a relatively quick recovery period and a high success rate in reducing or eliminating chronic pain.

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Vertiflex Procedure®

The Vertiflex procedure, also known as Superion Indirect Decompression System (IDS), is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment designed to alleviate pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). This procedure involves the implantation of a small, titanium device between the vertebrae in the lumbar spine to create space, thereby relieving pressure on the nerves. Unlike more invasive surgical options, the Vertiflex procedure preserves the natural anatomy of the spine and does not require the removal of bone or soft tissue. It is performed under local anesthesia through a small incision, offering a rapid recovery and significant reduction in symptoms. The Vertiflex procedure has become a popular choice for patients seeking an alternative to traditional surgery, providing long-lasting relief from the debilitating symptoms of LSS with minimal risk and downtime.

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Kyphoplasty / Vertebroplasty

Kyphoplasty / Vertebroplasty has helped many of our patients regain strength and mobility, performed by our experienced pain management specialists. Designed to alleviate pain and restore the integrity of fractured vertebrae, these minimally invasive treatments offer a pathway to significant relief and improved quality of life for those suffering from osteoporotic fractures or spinal compression. Our dedicated team combines precision and care, ensuring a personalized treatment plan that focuses on reducing your pain, stabilizing your spine, and enabling a quicker return to your daily activities. Trust in our expertise to guide you towards a more active and comfortable life.

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Intrathecal Pain Pump

The Intrathecal Pain Pump procedure is a sophisticated pain management technique for patients with chronic pain conditions that are resistant to conventional therapies. It involves the surgical implantation of a programmable pump that delivers pain medication directly into the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord. This targeted delivery system allows for significantly lower doses of medication, such as opioids or antispasmodic drugs, reducing systemic side effects and providing more effective pain relief. The pump, implanted under the skin of the abdomen, is refilled with medication periodically through an external port. Ideal for individuals with severe spasticity or chronic pain syndromes, the Intrathecal Pain Pump offers a customizable and controlled approach to pain management, improving the quality of life for patients by efficiently managing pain levels with a precision that oral or intravenous medications cannot achieve.

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These are just a subset of the procedures we perform in our clinics and leading surgery centers and hospitals in the Greater Houston and Victoria, TX area.  Please contact us to learn more about the most appropriate procedure for your specific condition!

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