Non-Opioid Pain Management
Joint Injections
Joint injections are a popular substitute for surgical procedures. These injections contain a solution of anesthetic and corticosteroid which can be inserted directly into the damaged joint tissue. This provides immediate relief, can improve your range of motion, and allow you to participate in physical exercises.
Often joint injections are used to treat swollen or painful joints after an injury or to help with arthritis pain. A hydrocortisone solution is injected directly into the painful area. Joint injections are most often given in the shoulder, elbow, knee, hand, neck, back, wrist or hip.
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a safe and inexpensive treatment that helps regulate the immune system and treat cancers, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain and mental health issues. The chemical structure of LDN is almost identical to our naturally made endorphins so there is no narcotic effect. It is often used to treat both opiate and alcohol addiction and can be used as an additive in painkillers to prevent them from being abused.
Ketamine Treatments for Pain
Pain researchers have found that the anesthetic Ketamine delivers welcome relief for chronic pain. It also has anti-inflammatory affects. Ketamine works by blocking specific pain receptors in the brain and can even reset some of the nerve cells in your spine and brain.
With Ketamine injections, pain relief can last for days, weeks, or even months, depending on what type of pain is being treated. Finding relief from pain can greatly improve the quality of life for those who suffer with chronic pain. In some instances, it can provide chronic pain relief for up to six months.
When used properly, Ketamine is a very safe medication. In small doses, Ketamine rapidly alleviates symptoms of chronic pain in about 70% to 85% of patients.
Botox Injections for The Treatment of Chronic Migraines
Unlike regular episodic migraines, chronic migraines are headaches that occur on 15 or more days each month and last for at least 4 hours.
The best way to treat chronic migraines is with preventative medications like BOTOX® which can prevent headaches before they even start.
During a migraine, the body releases neurotransmitters and other molecules that are associated with pain. When BOTOX® is injected into the muscles, the nerves pick it up and block the neurotransmitters.
BOTOX® injections are given in several locations around the head and neck. These sites are known to trigger chronic migraine pain. The injections are repeated every few months.
Migraine pain relief can be felt after a few days, but the full benefits may be felt after a few months. Most people repeat the procedure every 12 weeks to maintain the effects.
Symptoms of Chronic Migraine
If you experience these symptoms for at least half the days of the month, you may be eligible for preventative medications that can help to prevent severe headaches and migraines
- Moderate to severe headaches or head pain
- Pain in the head or neck that may feel like throbbing or pounding
- Nausea or vomiting
- Increased sensitivity to lights, noises, or smells
- Blurred vision
- Attacks that last from four hours to a few days
Other Pain Treatments
Relief is possible! There are many options to help ease your pain and improve your quality of life. In addition to Ketamine, LDN, Botox, and join injections, we use these treatments:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Anti-seizure medication
- Anti-depressants
- Electric muscle stimulation (a physical therapy treatment that uses mild electrical pulses to help repair injured muscles)
- A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit (that delivers electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin)
- Lidocaine trigger point injections (to help soothe muscle pain, treat fibromyalgia, and relieve tension headaches)