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Orthopedics focuses on your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. When pain stems from these areas, orthopedic specialists work to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. Pain management is a key component of orthopedic care, offering a pathway to relief and improved function. Here is more information about this field of medicine:
Musculoskeletal Focus
Orthopedic specialists diagnose conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Because these conditions typically involve discomfort, pain management is a central component of treatment. An accurate diagnosis is the first step, so specialists use various tools to pinpoint the source of pain.
Interventional Methods
Interventional methods are procedures designed to manage and treat pain directly at its source. For conditions that do not respond to more conservative treatments, specialists may recommend these targeted approaches. Spinal cord stimulation is one such method. It uses a small implanted device to send low levels of electricity directly to the spinal cord, which helps to mask pain signals before they reach the brain.
Radiofrequency ablation is another technique used in orthopedics, and it utilizes an electrical current to heat a small area of nerve tissue. This process may decrease pain signals from that specific area, and injections are also used to deliver medication directly to the source of the pain. Depending on your specific condition, these injections might contain corticosteroids or other agents to reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Nerve blocks may provide temporary pain relief by interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. Specialists perform these procedures by injecting an anesthetic near specific nerves, and they carefully target the nerves to provide effective anesthesia. The relief from a nerve block can last for a certain period and helps doctors identify the source of the pain with greater accuracy. This approach allows you to move forward with a clearer understanding of your condition.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Advancements in medical technology enable many orthopedic procedures to be performed with minimally invasive techniques. These methods use smaller incisions than traditional open surgery, and they may result in quicker recovery times. Because it may cause less impact on surrounding muscles and tissues, there is a reduced effect in those areas.
Procedures like arthroscopy use a small camera to see inside a joint, which allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat problems. Because surgeons can work through small incisions, patients may find this approach to be a supportive option. These techniques apply to various joints, including the knee, shoulder, and hip.
Nonsurgical Approach
A nonsurgical approach is typically the first line of defense, and it plays a key role in managing musculoskeletal pain. Your orthopedic specialist can create a plan based on your needs. This plan may involve multiple therapies working together simultaneously.
Physical therapy is a component of nonsurgical treatment, and it focuses on strengthening muscles and improving flexibility. Other options include:
- Bracing or casting to support an injured area
- Lifestyle modifications to reduce strain on your body
These methods aim to provide relief and support your body’s natural healing processes without causing additional strain or adverse effects, thereby facilitating a more effective recovery. A comprehensive plan is developed to help you manage your symptoms effectively.
Get Relief Through Orthopedics
Orthopedics and pain management are closely linked fields that work together to address musculoskeletal issues, and they work together to improve patient outcomes. By identifying the root cause of your discomfort, a specialist can create a personalized treatment plan for you. The goal is to help you navigate your condition with clear guidance and support. If you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain, schedule an appointment to explore your treatment options.
