Approaches to Managing Chronic Pain
Chronic pain affects your body, your mood, and every part of your daily life. There are many different ways to manage it effectively. At LA Pain Doctor, we help patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA understand their options and build a plan that fits their pain, health, and goals.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Pain Management?
Pain management is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating pain, especially pain that lasts longer than three to six months. Rather than relying on a single treatment, it combines several approaches to reduce pain, improve function, and help patients return to the activities that matter most.
Interventional Treatments
Interventional procedures target the source of pain directly, often using image guidance. Examples include:
- Epidural steroid injections, such as lumbar epidural steroid injections and cervical epidural steroid injections
- Joint injections, including facet joint injections and sacroiliac joint injections
- Nerve blocks, such as medial branch blocks and stellate ganglion blocks
- Radiofrequency ablation, like cervical facet radiofrequency neurotomy and genicular nerve ablation
- Advanced therapies, including spinal cord stimulator implants and intrathecal pump implants
Medications
Medications can play a role in managing pain, from anti-inflammatories to nerve-calming drugs. When opioids are part of a plan, they must be used carefully. Learn more about opioids and chronic pain management, using opioids safely, and our pain medication management program.
Physical Activity and Therapy
Staying active is one of the most effective long-term pain treatments. Physical therapy, stretching, and low-impact exercise strengthen muscles that support your joints and spine. Read our guide to exercising with chronic pain.
Lifestyle and Emotional Wellness
Sleep, stress, nutrition, and emotional health all affect how you feel pain. Managing these areas can make a real difference. Our guide to living with chronic pain offers practical tips, and we also provide resources for living with osteoarthritis, living with rheumatoid arthritis, and living with CRPS.
Pain Management FAQs
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than three to six months, or beyond the normal healing time for an injury.
What does a pain management doctor do?
A pain management doctor diagnoses the source of pain and treats it with injections, nerve procedures, medications, and coordinated therapy.
Are interventional treatments safe?
Interventional procedures are generally safe, minimally invasive, and performed with image guidance. Your provider will review the risks and benefits.
Do I have to take opioids to manage pain?
No. Many patients manage pain effectively with non-opioid treatments and interventional procedures.
Can exercise really help chronic pain?
Yes. Regular, appropriate exercise can reduce pain, improve mood, and build strength over time.
How long does it take to feel better?
It depends on your condition and treatment. Some procedures provide relief within days, while others build over weeks.
How do I get started?
Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule a visit at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Build Your Pain Management Plan
Our team will help you find the right combination of treatments. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.