Pain Management Treatments by Mustafa Hammad MD

Ask Dr. Hammad provides patient education from Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD, a board-certified interventional pain physician who helps patients understand pain management treatments. This article explains common interventional pain procedures in patient-friendly language.

What is Interventional Pain Management?

Interventional pain management involves using minimally invasive procedures to treat pain at its source. Unlike taking pain medications that affect your whole body, interventional procedures target specific areas where pain is coming from. Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD specializes in these advanced techniques, which can provide effective pain relief with fewer side effects than oral medications.

These procedures are called "interventional" because they involve a doctor directly intervening at the site of pain, often using image guidance (like X-rays or ultrasound) to ensure precise placement of medications or treatments.

Common Pain Management Procedures Explained

Epidural Steroid Injections

An epidural injection is a procedure where medication (usually a steroid) is injected into the space around your spinal cord to reduce inflammation and pain. Think of it like applying anti-inflammatory medicine directly to the irritated area.

What it's used for: Epidural injections are commonly used for back pain, neck pain, and pain that radiates down your arms or legs (radiculopathy). Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD uses these injections to treat conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and nerve root irritation.

What to expect: The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes. Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD uses fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) to guide the needle to the exact location. You'll receive local anesthesia, so the procedure is generally well-tolerated. Most people can return to normal activities the same day, though you may need to avoid strenuous activity for a day or two.

How it works: The steroid medication reduces inflammation around irritated nerves, which can relieve pain and allow you to participate more effectively in physical therapy and other treatments.

Nerve Blocks

A nerve block involves injecting medication (usually a local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid) near a specific nerve to temporarily block pain signals. It's like putting a temporary "pause" button on pain transmission.

What it's used for: Nerve blocks can be used for various types of pain, including peripheral neuropathy, post-surgical pain, and certain types of headaches. Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD may use nerve blocks both diagnostically (to identify which nerve is causing pain) and therapeutically (to provide pain relief).

What to expect: The procedure is quick, usually taking 10-20 minutes. You'll receive local anesthesia, and Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD uses image guidance to ensure accurate placement. The pain relief from a nerve block can last from hours to weeks, depending on the type of block and medications used.

Facet Joint Injections

Facet joints are small joints in your spine that can become painful due to arthritis or injury. A facet joint injection involves injecting medication directly into these joints to reduce pain and inflammation.

What it's used for: Facet joint injections are used for back or neck pain caused by facet joint arthritis. Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD may use these injections both to diagnose facet joint pain and to provide therapeutic relief.

What to expect: Similar to other interventional procedures, facet joint injections are performed with image guidance and local anesthesia. If the injection provides significant pain relief, it confirms that the facet joints are the source of your pain.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure that uses heat to temporarily disable nerves that are transmitting pain signals. It's like turning off a switch that's sending pain messages to your brain.

What it's used for: RFA is often used for chronic back or neck pain, especially when facet joint injections have provided temporary relief. Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD may recommend RFA when diagnostic injections confirm that specific nerves are causing your pain.

What to expect: RFA is typically performed after a successful diagnostic injection. The procedure involves inserting a special needle near the nerve and applying radiofrequency energy to create a small lesion on the nerve. This can provide pain relief lasting 6-12 months or longer. The nerve can regenerate over time, so the procedure may need to be repeated.

Sacroiliac Joint Injections

The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect your lower spine to your pelvis. When these joints become inflamed or injured, they can cause lower back and pelvic pain. An SI joint injection involves injecting medication directly into the joint.

What it's used for: SI joint injections are used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the sacroiliac joints. Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD uses these injections for patients with lower back pain that may be coming from the SI joints.

What Conditions Can These Procedures Treat?

Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD uses interventional pain management procedures to treat various conditions:

• Lower back pain (lumbago)
• Neck pain (cervical pain)
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica (pain radiating down the leg)
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Post-surgical pain
• Arthritis-related pain
• Chronic headaches
• Complex regional pain syndrome

How Do These Procedures Work?

Interventional pain procedures work in different ways:

• Reducing inflammation: Steroid medications reduce inflammation around irritated nerves or joints
• Blocking pain signals: Local anesthetics temporarily block nerves from sending pain signals to the brain
• Disabling pain pathways: Procedures like RFA create small lesions on nerves, interrupting pain transmission
• Promoting healing: Some procedures can reduce pain enough to allow you to participate in physical therapy and other treatments that promote healing

What to Expect Before, During, and After a Procedure

Before the Procedure

Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD will:

• Review your medical history and current medications
• Explain the procedure in detail
• Discuss potential benefits and risks
• Provide instructions on how to prepare (such as when to stop eating or taking certain medications)

During the Procedure

Most interventional procedures:

• Are performed with you lying down
• Use local anesthesia to numb the area
• Use image guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound) for precision
• Take 15-30 minutes to complete
• Are generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort

After the Procedure

After your procedure with Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD:

• You'll be monitored briefly to ensure you're doing well
• You can usually go home the same day
• You may need to avoid strenuous activity for a day or two
• Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD will provide specific instructions based on your procedure
• You'll have a follow-up appointment to assess how well the procedure worked

Are These Procedures Safe?

When performed by an experienced physician like Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD, interventional pain procedures are generally safe. Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD:

• Uses sterile techniques to prevent infection
• Uses image guidance to ensure accurate placement
• Monitors patients during and after procedures
• Has extensive training and board certifications in interventional pain management
• Follows established safety protocols

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, which Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD will discuss with you before the procedure. However, serious complications are rare when procedures are performed by qualified specialists.

How Long Does Pain Relief Last?

The duration of pain relief varies depending on:

• The type of procedure
• Your specific condition
• Individual response to treatment
• Whether the procedure is combined with other treatments

Some procedures provide temporary relief (weeks to months), while others like radiofrequency ablation can provide longer-lasting relief (6-12 months or more). Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD will discuss expected outcomes based on your specific situation.

Combining Procedures with Other Treatments

Interventional procedures are often most effective when combined with other treatments:

• Physical therapy: Procedures can reduce pain enough to allow effective participation in physical therapy
• Medications: Some patients may still benefit from medications, but often at lower doses
• Lifestyle modifications: Exercise, weight management, and stress reduction can enhance treatment outcomes
• Regenerative medicine: Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD may combine interventional procedures with regenerative medicine techniques

Why Choose Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD for Pain Management?

Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD brings exceptional expertise to interventional pain management:

• Board certification from the American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians (ABIPP)
• Board certification from the American Board of Pain Medicine
• Fellow of the Interventional Pain Physicians (FIPP)
• Fellowship training in Clinical Neurophysiology from Emory University
• Over 21 years of clinical experience
• Integration of neurological and pain management expertise

Conclusion

Interventional pain management procedures can provide effective relief for many types of chronic pain. Understanding what these procedures involve helps you make informed decisions about your treatment.

If you're living with chronic pain and want to learn more about whether interventional pain management might help you, Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD can help. To learn more about Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD's pain management services or to schedule a consultation, contact his practice in Dubai, UAE. Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD also offers online consultations for patients worldwide.

For more information about Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD's background, visit the About page. You might also be interested in learning about regenerative medicine, neurological care, or pain management treatments explained for patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pain Management Procedures

Do interventional pain procedures hurt?

Most interventional pain procedures are performed with local anesthesia, so you'll feel minimal discomfort. You may feel some pressure or a brief sensation during the procedure, but Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD takes steps to ensure your comfort throughout the process.

How many injections will I need?

The number of injections needed varies depending on your condition and response to treatment. Some patients experience significant relief after one injection, while others may need a series of injections. Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD will develop a treatment plan based on your specific needs and response.

Can I drive after a pain management procedure?

Most patients can drive after interventional pain procedures, but Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD will provide specific instructions based on your procedure and medications used. It's often recommended to have someone drive you home, especially after your first procedure.

Will insurance cover these procedures?

Most interventional pain management procedures are covered by insurance when medically necessary. Coverage depends on your specific insurance plan and the procedure being performed. Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD's practice can help you understand your coverage options.

What if the procedure doesn't work?

If an interventional procedure doesn't provide the expected relief, Dr. Mustafa Hammad MD will discuss alternative treatment options. This may include trying a different procedure, adjusting medications, or exploring other treatment approaches. Pain management often involves trying different strategies to find what works best for you.