Chronic pain is more than just a frustrating and lasting physical discomfort—it can affect your mood, mobility, relationships, and overall sense of well-being. When pain limits your ability to move, sleep, or engage in everyday activities, it’s time to consider options beyond temporary fixes. That’s where Interventional Pain Management (IPM) comes in.
Unlike approaches that rely heavily on long-term medication use, IPM focuses on directly targeting the source of pain through minimally invasive techniques. These cutting-edge pain management procedures can offer long-lasting relief, improve mobility, and dramatically enhance your quality of life.
Let’s explore what makes IPM so effective, how it works alongside physical therapy, and why it could be a beneficial next step in your journey toward healing.
What Is IPM?
IPM is a medical subspecialty that uses targeted treatments to manage pain. Instead of masking the symptoms, IPM zeroes in on the underlying cause—whether it’s a compressed nerve, joint inflammation, or a damaged disc—then delivers relief through precise, image-guided procedures.
The goal is to minimize pain, improve function, and reduce the need for long-term medication, especially opioids. Patients often experience a noticeable improvement in their ability to move, sleep, work, and enjoy life more fully.
Common IPM Procedures
There are a wide variety of pain management procedures offered under the IPM umbrella. The right procedure depends upon your diagnosis, symptoms, and lifestyle, but here are a few commonly used options:
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Used for conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis, this procedure delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the space around irritated nerves in the spine.
- Facet Joint Injections: These injections target inflamed joints in the spine that may be causing neck or back pain, often related to arthritis or injury.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A minimally invasive technique that uses heat to disrupt pain signals from specific nerves. Often used for chronic back, neck, or joint pain.
- Nerve Blocks: Temporary or long-term pain relief for conditions like sciatica or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), delivered by injecting anesthetic or steroids near the nerves.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) – For more advanced or treatment-resistant pain, SCS involves implanting a small device that sends low levels of electrical signals to the spinal cord to block pain signals from reaching the brain.
These new pain management procedures are typically performed in an outpatient setting and have short recovery times, few risks, and lasting benefits for many patients.
Related: 5 Best Pain Relief Treatments That Can Help After an Accident
Why IPM Is About More Than Just Pain Relief
Yes, relieving pain is the primary goal—but the benefits of interventional pain management extend well beyond comfort. Reduced pain affects many different aspects of life, often leading to:
- Improved Mobility: You’re able to move more freely and return to the activities you love.
- Better Sleep: Less discomfort at night can mean deeper, more restorative rest.
- Fewer Medications: Many patients are able to reduce or eliminate their need for daily pain medication.
- Mental Health Improvements: Chronic pain is linked to depression and anxiety. Reducing pain often leads to improved mood and overall mental well-being.
Over time, patients who participate in IPM programs often find they’re not just treating pain—they’re reclaiming their quality of life.
Pairing IPM With Physical Therapy
One of the best ways to maximize the benefits of IPM is by combining it with physical therapy and pain relief strategies. Once pain is reduced through a procedure, patients are often better able to participate in physical therapy, which strengthens muscles, improves range of motion, and prevents future flare-ups.
Think of it like this: IPM helps calm the fire, and physical therapy helps rebuild the structure. Together, they create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and the root causes of pain.
This integrative approach often leads to better long-term outcomes than relying on medications alone.
Related: Benefits of Massage Therapy for Pain Management and Injury Recovery
Is IPM Right for You?
If you’re living with ongoing pain that hasn’t responded well to rest, medications, or standard therapies, it may be time to consider interventional pain management. It’s especially beneficial for people with:
- Chronic back or neck pain.
- Arthritis-related joint pain.
- Sciatica or nerve-related pain.
- Post-surgical pain that won’t go away.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
IPM is not a one-size-fits-all solution—but it can be personalized to your needs. A pain management specialist will work with you to identify the most effective strategy based on your condition, health history, and goals.
Your Local Resource: The IPM Pain Suite in Glen Burnie
We understand how frustrating chronic or acute pain can be. That’s why we offer a full range of interventional pain management services right here at the IPM Pain Suite in the Glen Burnie Clinic.
Our team of healthcare providers takes a multi-disciplinary approach, providing comprehensive evaluations, customized treatment plans, and cutting-edge pain management procedures—all designed to help you regain control of your life. Whether you’re suffering from sudden acute pain or managing a long-term condition, we’re here to help.
Our Glen Burnie Pain Suite offers the following procedures:
- Epidural steroid injections (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and caudal).
- SNRI/TFESI.
- Sacroliac and facet joint injections.
- Nerve root blocks.
- Radiofrequency ablations (RFA).
- Genicular nerve blocks and ablations (knee focus).
- GTB and IA hip injections.
Not sure where to start? We’ll guide you through your options and help you determine if IPM is the right step forward.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Living with pain doesn’t have to be your normal. With today’s new pain management procedures and a personalized approach to care, you can find relief that truly lasts.
If you’re tired of letting pain dictate your days, interventional pain management may be the answer you’ve been looking for. Paired with physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and compassionate support, IPM can open the door to a better, more active life.
Contact our team today to learn more about our services or schedule an evaluation at our Glen Burnie clinic. Relief is possible—and we’re here to help you find it.