Blogs | IDCC Health Services in Brooklyn

Does Interventional Pain Management Prescribe Medication?

Interventional Pain Management promises relief without heavy reliance on medication—but does it really steer clear of prescriptions? Many patients seeking alternatives to pills are drawn to this approach, yet there’s more to the story than meets the eye. What actually happens behind the scenes of these procedures? The answer might reshape how you view pain treatment entirely.

Contact pain management doctors in Brooklyn NY today

IDCC Health Services

What types of medications do interventional pain management use?

Interventional pain treatment uses a variety of medications designed to relieve pain effectively and precisely, without depending solely on long-term systemic drug use.

Main types of medications used

  • Non-opioid analgesics: These include medications like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly used for mild to moderate pain, especially when inflammation is involved.
  • Opioids: Used cautiously, opioids may be part of treatment for intense pain that doesn’t respond to other therapies. Their use is regulated and typically integrated into a broader treatment plan.
  • Neuropathic pain medications: This includes anticonvulsants and specific antidepressants that help modulate nerve signals responsible for chronic neurologically-based pain.
  • Local anesthetics: Essential in interventional procedures, these are used to block pain in targeted areas through precise injections.
  • Corticosteroids: These reduce inflammation in tissues and joints, especially when pain stems from chronic inflammatory conditions.

As a medical subspecialty, interventional pain care focuses on minimally invasive techniques that deliver medications directly to the pain source. This reduces side effects and improves treatment effectiveness. Advances in pain research have helped this field grow significantly in recent years.

Medications for Acute Pain Relief

Acute pain management in interventional care may involve a range of medications, depending on the cause and intensity. These include both over-the-counter and stronger prescription medications.

Medication TypeExamplesMain Use
AcetaminophenAcetaminophenMild to moderate pain, fever
NSAIDsIbuprofen, naproxenPain with inflammation
OpioidsCodeine, morphineSevere pain
Combination drugsOpioid + acetaminophenModerate to severe pain
NeurolepticsChlorpromazineSevere headaches
CorticosteroidsPrednisone (case-based)Targeted pain and inflammation

These medications are part of a structured approach that aims to provide immediate relief while maintaining patient safety within an interventional care setting.

Corticosteroids for Inflammation and Pain Relief

Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used in interventional treatment to ease pain and manage various conditions. Their effectiveness and range of applications make them a valuable component of this therapeutic approach.

Corticosteroids suppress immune system activity and reduce inflammation, which helps relieve symptoms like swelling and redness. When injected, they can work directly at the site—such as joints, tendons, or bursae—for more focused and sustained relief.

Routes of administration

OralTablets or capsules (e.g., prednisone) for systemic conditions.
TopicalCreams, ointments, or sprays for skin-related issues.
InjectableDirect injections into joints, tendons, or muscles.
InhaledUsed in managing asthma and other respiratory conditions.

When used appropriately, corticosteroids in interventional pain care can offer substantial relief without the need for more invasive procedures.

Muscle Relaxants for Spasms and Tension

Interventional pain treatment may also include muscle relaxants to ease spasms and reduce tension tied to chronic pain. These medications can enhance mobility, especially when paired with minimally invasive therapies.

Muscle relaxants work by acting on the central nervous system or directly on muscle tissue to reduce involuntary contractions, spasms, or stiffness. Their goal is to relieve discomfort caused by ongoing muscular tension.

Before starting any muscle relaxant, it’s necessary to consult a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate option for each case. In the context of interventional pain care, these drugs can play a supportive role in a broader treatment plan.

Topical Medications for Localized Pain

Topical medications are an effective, non-invasive option in interventional pain care, especially for muscle and joint discomfort. These products are applied directly to the skin over the affected area, offering targeted relief without systemic medication.

Common types of topical medications for localized pain

  • Topical analgesics
  • Transdermal patches
  • Specialized creams and ointments

Topical treatments offer accessible, targeted support for localized pain and can complement more advanced strategies in interventional pain care.

Adjuvant Medications for Nerve Pain

Neuropathic pain in interventional care often requires a more specialized approach. Adjuvant medications—those not classified as primary pain relievers—can help reduce the intensity of this complex type of chronic pain.

These medications were originally designed for other conditions but have proven effective in managing nerve-related pain. Their role is to support or enhance primary treatments and adapt to individual patient needs.

The choice of adjuvant drug depends on factors like the pain’s origin, location, and the patient’s response to treatment. These drugs are part of a tailored plan overseen by medical professionals, aimed at controlling symptoms safely and effectively.

Conclusion

In interventional pain care, medication isn’t the primary focus, but it plays a meaningful role when combined with procedural approaches. Depending on the type and intensity of pain, non-opioid and opioid analgesics may be used as needed.

This method blends the precision of minimally invasive procedures with the strategic use of medication. It aims to interrupt pain signals or address the root cause while offering pharmaceutical relief that improves function and well-being.

Although image-guided, minimally invasive techniques are central to interventional pain management, carefully selected medication enhances the effectiveness of these procedures—making pain relief more comprehensive, effective, and sustainable.

Sources:

  • Jonan, A. B., Kaye, A. D., & Urman, R. D. (2018). Buprenorphine formulations: clinical best practice strategies recommendations for perioperative management of patients undergoing surgical or interventional pain procedures. Pain physician, 21(1), E1.
  • Alorfi, N. M. (2023). Pharmacological methods of pain management: narrative review of medication used. International journal of general medicine, 3247-3256.
Written by the IDCC Health Services Editorial Team

Medically reviewed by Yevgeniy Sorokin, DODoctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Physical Medicine, & Rehabilitation – Board-Certified