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Pain Medicine Specialist Dr. Manish Raj covers interventional pain management options for women in the UAE
12 March 2024
| Last updated on 12 March 2024
Pain affects individuals across genders and ages.
However, for women, the intricacies of their reproductive health and hormonal fluctuations introduce unique considerations in the realm of pain management.
Recognising these differences is crucial for delivering effective care that aligns with the distinctive needs of female patients.
Menstrual cycle pain
One of the primary challenges is addressing pain related to the menstrual cycle.
Many women experience menstrual cramps, which can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain.
At Mediclinic City Hospital, Pain Medicine Specialist Dr. Manish Raj offers interventional pain management techniques, such as nerve blocks or epidural steroid injections, can offer targeted relief.
These procedures aim to block or reduce pain signals, providing women with a more tolerable menstrual experience.
Pregnancy pains
Pregnancy introduces another dimension to women's pain management. Expectant mothers often contend with back pain, sciatica and pelvic discomfort.
Interventional procedures, like lumbar epidural injections, can offer relief during pregnancy, ensuring a more comfortable journey for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Careful consideration of the potential impact on the pregnancy guides the selection of appropriate interventions.
Chronic pain conditions
Chronic pain conditions, such as low back pain, neck pain, nerve pain, fibromyalgia or migraines, affect women disproportionately.
Interventional pain management can play a pivotal role in alleviating the symptoms of these conditions. Nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, or Botox injections may be considered based on the nature of the pain and the individual's response to other treatments.
Gynaecological conditions
Gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, present unique challenges in pain management.
Interventional approaches, such as nerve ablations or trigger point injections, can be valuable components of a comprehensive treatment plan. These techniques target specific pain sources, providing relief for women dealing with chronic pelvic pain.
How does interventional pain management work?
Pain, a pervasive and debilitating sensation, can significantly impact the quality of life for women dealing with chronic conditions.
In recent years, interventional pain management has emerged as a crucial component in the comprehensive treatment of persistent pain. This approach goes beyond traditional pain management methods by directly targeting the source of pain, offering relief for those who have found little success with other modalities.
At its core, interventional pain management involves procedures that aim to interrupt or modify the transmission of pain signals in the nervous system. Unlike systemic medications, these interventions precisely target specific nerves, joints or other structures contributing to the pain experience.
One common interventional procedure is nerve blocks, where a local anaesthetic is injected near a nerve to temporarily interrupt pain signals. This can be particularly effective for conditions such as chronic back pain or sciatica.
Similarly, epidural steroid injections, often associated with childbirth, are employed to reduce inflammation around spinal nerves, providing relief for various spinal conditions.
For women dealing with chronic joint pain, procedures like facet joint injections or radiofrequency ablation may be recommended. These techniques can alleviate pain arising from degenerative joint conditions, offering a more sustained solution than traditional pain medications.
Spinal cord stimulation is another notable intervention, involving the placement of electrodes along the spinal cord to modify pain signals. This approach is often considered for individuals with neuropathic pain, where traditional treatments may offer limited relief.
While interventional pain management provides valuable options, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Careful patient evaluation, including a thorough understanding of medical history and diagnostic imaging, guides the selection of the most appropriate procedure. Additionally, these interventions are often part of a broader treatment plan, complementing other modalities like physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
One notable advantage of interventional pain management is its potential to minimise reliance on systemic medications, reducing the risk of side effects and dependency.
However, like any medical procedure, it is not without risks. Patients considering interventional approaches should engage in thorough discussions with their healthcare providers, weighing the benefits against potential complications.
Collaboration between interventional pain specialists and obstetricians, gynaecologists, and other relevant healthcare providers is essential for holistic care. A multidisciplinary approach ensures that interventions are tailored to the unique circumstances of each woman.
In conclusion, interventional pain management offers a targeted and personalised approach to address the unique pain experiences of women.
By understanding the complexities of female reproductive health and collaborating across specialities, healthcare providers can empower women to manage pain effectively, improving their overall quality of life.
Authored by Dr. Manish Raj, Pain Medicine Specialist at Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai.
Dr. Manish Raj
Pain Medicine Specialist
Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai
