HCA Virginia's pain management techniques are designed to be minimally invasive with maximum effectiveness.
Treatment Options at HCA Virginia
Discography
Discography is a diagnostic procedure, not a treatment, in which X-ray dye is injected into the spinal disc(s) and an X-ray called a discogram is taken. The discogram provides information on whether tears occur in the spinal disc. The results of a discography can be used to plan spinal surgery or pain management therapy.
Intrathecal Pain Therapy (ITC)
ITC is a surgically implanted pump that works by delivering small, regular doses of analgesic directly to the pain receptors in the spinal cord, blocking the pain messages to the brain. The medication goes through a catheter to the intrathecal space around the spinal cord where it's most effective. This treatment requires test dosing or placement of a temporary catheter for trial screening.
Nerve Blocks and Epidural Injections
A local anesthetic is used for injecting a nerve block for specific areas of the body. The nerve block also can be used to diagnose which neural pathway is causing the chronic pain. Sciatic nerve block is one example of treatment for pain in the lower extremity.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency lesioning utilizes radiofrequency electricity to produce heat that melts away nerves, nerve endings or other tissues and blocks pain messages to the brain. This technique is used to treat several areas of the spine causing back pain, such as diseased or injured facet joints (small joints between vertebrae) or spinal discs.
Spinal Cord Stimulators (SCS)
This surgically implanted pain pump therapy uses electrical impulses to block pain from being perceived in the brain. Instead of pain, the patient feels a pleasant tingling sensation. Implanting the device requires a local anesthesia so the patient can provide feedback to the doctor for the most effective lead placement. Once the lead is in place, the system is activated and the patient helps determine how well it's working.
Treatment is most effective when pain is in one or both arms or legs, or for low back pain that persists after surgery and requires a trial of 24 hours to two weeks.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Electrode patches are applied to the skin in the area to be treated. A mild current runs from the stationary stimulator through these patches, sending a painless electrical current through the skin to specific nerves. The current may be delivered intermittently and generates heat that serves to relieve stiffness, improve mobility and relieve pain. The treatment is believed to stimulate the body's production of endorphins or natural pain killers.
This treatment relieves back, knee, shoulder, neck, and muscle-associated pain, myofascial and arthritic pain, bladder incontinence, neurogenic and visceral pain, post-op pain, work and sport-related injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries.
Steroid Joint/Spine Injections
A corticosteroid injection places corticosteroids into tissue around the spine or joint. Corticosteroids are drugs that reduce painful swelling and irritation, called inflammation. They are injected with a needle. Joint injections are used for knee, shoulder, hip, sacroiliac and facet joints.
Take the Next Step
Speak with your doctor about managing your pain with the help of HCA Virginia. Or, contact one of our pain management care locations to learn more about the services we provide. In most cases, a physician's referral is required for services.
To find a physician who specializes in pain management, use our online physician directory or call our physician referral line at 804.320.DOCS (804.320.3627).