22 Jan When Chronic Pain Requires Advanced Pain Management Treatment
Finding lasting relief from chronic pain often means moving beyond general care and into specialized, interventional treatments that target the likely source of discomfort. For many patients in North Texas, advanced pain management can serve as a “middle ground” between conservative therapies like physical therapy and major surgery.
Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all care, interventional pain management focuses on careful diagnosis and modern technology. The goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and help patients return to daily life with a treatment plan that matches their specific condition.
When Standard Treatments Aren’t Enough
Many patients come to our Carrollton or Denton clinics after feeling frustrated by ongoing symptoms. You may have tried:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Physical therapy
- Activity modification
- Rest and home remedies
These options can be helpful for some people, especially early on. However, chronic pain is often more complex than a simple strain. It may involve irritated nerves, joint inflammation, disc-related pain, or other spine-related issues.
When pain continues for months, it can affect sleep, work, mood, and the ability to enjoy time with family. Advanced pain management is often considered when conservative treatments have plateaued, but surgery is not appropriate or not preferred.
Why Advanced Pain Management Starts With Accuracy
One of the most important parts of interventional care is identifying what is actually generating pain. Imaging like X-rays or MRI scans can be useful, but they do not always tell the full story.
At Principal Spine & Pain Consultants, our approach focuses on pinpointing the likely pain generator before recommending long-term treatment. In many cases, that means using targeted diagnostic procedures to help confirm whether pain is coming from a specific nerve, disc, or spinal joint.
Diagnostic Procedures That Help Identify the Source of Pain
Interventional pain specialists may use several types of diagnostic injections to gather more clarity.
Selective Nerve Root Blocks
A selective nerve root block may help identify which spinal nerve is contributing to pain, especially when symptoms travel into the arm or leg.
Provocative Discography
Discography is a specialized test that may help evaluate whether a specific spinal disc is contributing to pain, especially when imaging does not clearly match symptoms. This test is not used for everyone, and your provider can help determine whether it is appropriate for your situation.
Medial Branch Blocks
Medial branch blocks are commonly used to determine whether pain is coming from the facet joints (the small joints in the spine that guide movement). These are often used before considering radiofrequency ablation.
By taking an accuracy-focused approach, patients may avoid repeated treatment cycles that do not address the true source of pain.
Advanced Treatment Options That May Help Reduce Chronic Pain
Once the likely pain source is identified, interventional pain management offers a range of minimally invasive procedures. These treatments are designed to reduce inflammation, interrupt pain signaling, or support tissue healing, depending on the condition.
Below are several advanced options that may be recommended.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation may be an option for certain patients with chronic nerve pain, including those who continue to have symptoms after back surgery.
This technology uses mild electrical signals to modify pain signaling before it reaches the brain. Many patients describe it as reducing the intensity of burning, tingling, or radiating pain in the legs or arms.
Spinal cord stimulation is not the right fit for everyone, and results vary. A pain specialist can help determine whether a trial may be appropriate based on symptoms, imaging, and health history.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation is often used when pain is related to arthritic or inflamed facet joints in the neck or back.
During RFA, controlled thermal energy is used to interrupt pain signals from small spinal nerves. For many patients, this can provide longer-lasting relief than standard injections, although duration and results vary by individual.
RFA is typically considered after medial branch blocks confirm the facet joints as a likely pain source.
Regenerative Medicine Options Like PRP
Some patients are interested in regenerative therapies as part of their care plan. One option is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), which uses a concentrated portion of your own blood to support the body’s natural healing response.
PRP may be recommended for certain joint, tendon, or soft tissue issues. However, it is not appropriate for every condition, and outcomes vary. Your provider can explain whether PRP may be a reasonable option based on your diagnosis and goals.
Patient Comfort and Safety During Interventional Procedures
It is normal to feel nervous about spine injections or interventional treatments. Many people worry about discomfort, needles, or the procedure experience itself.
At Principal Spine & Pain Consultants, Dr. Paul Kurian offers sedation and anesthesia options for interventional procedures. This can be especially helpful for patients who feel anxious or have had difficult experiences with injections in the past.
Your care team will review all options with you, including safety considerations, medical history, and whether sedation is appropriate.
Getting Back to Life in North Texas
Advanced pain management is not about “pushing through” or masking symptoms. It is about helping patients return to the activities that matter, with a plan designed around function and quality of life.
For some people, that means:
- Walking through a grocery store with less discomfort
- Sitting through a work meeting without frequent flare-ups
- Sleeping more consistently
- Spending time with family without constant pain interruptions
If you have been told you need to “just live with the pain,” or that surgery is your only remaining option, it may be worth exploring whether interventional pain management could help.
Disclaimer
This information is general and for educational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific symptoms and health history.
Ready to Find the Source of Your Pain?
If you are managing ongoing back, neck, or nerve pain, a consultation with a spine and pain specialist can help you better understand your options.