Let’s Talk About Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a common condition, indicated by significant, consistent pain lasting 3 months or longer. There are many possible reasons for chronic pain coming from various underlying conditions. Some reasons include nerve damage, arthritis, and musculoskeletal disorders. Chronic pain is difficult to manage, with many individuals losing precious social time and work hours while feeling the financial burden of treatment. Finding a long-term pain relief solution is often at the top of most patients’ lists. There are surgical options that can help, so finding the ideal procedure for maximum pain relief is ideal.

Why choose surgery?

The average patient would opt to avoid surgical procedures where possible. Doctors, too, will use surgery as a last resort. Surgery for chronic pain is typically considered after exhausting non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and injections. Even advanced treatments like regenerative medicine must fail before choosing surgery. If there is a clear source of the pain, such as a herniated disc in the spine or significant joint damage, surgery can provide a more direct, long-term option. There have also been significant advancements in surgical procedures. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), robotics, and innovative techniques minimize damage while maximizing effectiveness. Speak with a pain specialist or orthopedic surgeon to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.

What is nerve stimulation?

While surgery is an effective procedure, the options do not have to be significantly invasive. There are surgical procedures that bring relief with minimal disruption to tissue. Perhaps the most popular for chronic pain in this space are neuromodulation techniques. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) uses a small device with long wires called leads that help with pain management. These leads lie next to the spinal cord or impacted nerves. The wires send electrical impulses to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Patients can test SCS first, then have the device surgically implanted in the lower back or buttock area. Neuromodulation can give patients control over chronic pain management while reducing the risks and damage of traditional surgery.

Blocks and ablations

Other minor surgical options involve strategies to disrupt nerves that send pain signals to the brain. Nerve blocks, for instance, are minor surgeries that use fluoroscopy to access the damaged nerves. A combination of steroids, pain medication, and other medications is injected nearby to stop pain. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is another procedure that uses heat to damage the nerves transmitting pain signals, providing longer-lasting relief. These are minor surgical options but only provide temporary relief. Drugs can wear off, and the nerve endings can grow back over time. Options like RFA or nerve blocks are useful for patients not quite ready to explore more invasive surgeries.

Advanced joint replacement

When all else fails, advanced surgical procedures can help. For chronic pain caused by severe osteoarthritis, for instance, joint replacements are a recommended option. The surgery involves removing the damaged joint and installing a prosthesis made of metal, plastic, or a combination of materials. Joint replacements are typical in older patients and often involve large joints like the hip, knee, and shoulder. Today, surgeons use MIS or robotics for faster, more accurate procedures. Replacing the damaged joint altogether can bring long-term relief and high satisfaction rates, as indicated by studies.

Surgeries for back and neck pain

Chronic pain radiating from the spine, such as back or neck pain, can benefit from spinal surgery. These procedures seek to remove bone spurs, herniated discs, or other components damaging nearby nerves. Conditions that can benefit include severe spondylolisthesis, degenerative discs, and spinal stenosis. Spinal surgery involves removing part or all of the damaged disc or bone, causing chronic pain. In many cases, the surgeon may perform a spinal fusion, where 2 or more vertebrae fuse into a solid piece. These surgeries are complex but can benefit from minimally invasive means.

Recovery and long-term relief

The journey to finally get chronic pain under control is a long and difficult one. The condition significantly impacts quality of life, causing patients to spend significant time and resources on pain management. Surgery can give patients a fresh start by blocking or removing the potential source. Surgery, while effective, brings the new challenge of recovery. Long periods of physical therapy may be required, in some cases lasting up to 6 months. Surgery far exceeds non-surgical counterparts but may not remove pain entirely. Healthy lifestyle changes and ergonomics may be required for long-term management. Have an open discussion with a surgeon or pain management specialist. These advanced surgical techniques may be the missing link to finally controlling chronic pain.