Level 2

If your pain does not respond to conservative approaches, a second line of therapy may be needed. The therapies offered in the second level can be used in conjunction with level 1 treatment.

Tanscutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

A TENS unit is an external stimulation device that sends electrical impulses through your skin to the painful area. Instead of feeling pain at the site, patients feel a tingling sensation. Unlike a Spinal Cord Stimulator, the TENS device does not apply energy directly to the nerve, as it must be transmitted through the skin and muscle to reach the nerves. TENS can alleviate mild to moderate pain, but is often ineffective in treating more complex conditions.

Opioids

Opioids are prescription painkillers that block the ability of receptors in the brain to interpret pain signals. Physicians typically prescribe opioids for severe pain conditions that do not respond well to Level 1 treatment. Opioids can be very effective in relieving pain, but they can carry significant side effects, including drowsiness, constipation, dizziness and even potential addiction.

Nerve Blocks

A nerve block is performed by injecting a combination of local anesthetic, steroid, and/or anti-inflammatory agents into the affected area of pain. It is used to lessen the painful signals transmitted by nerves with relief ranging anywhere from a few hours to several months. Nerve blocks may need to be repeated for sustained relief, and may also be needed to give patients enough relief to successfully complete physical or rehabilitation therapy.

Thermal Procedures

Signals traveling along nerves from painful areas to the brain can be disrupted using extreme heat or cold delivered through needles or probes. Cryoanalgesia applies extreme cold to nerves, while radio-frequency lesioning uses high-frequency energy to heat or coagulate specific nerves. Both processes may temporarily relieve pain, but pain may return as the nerve tissue regenerates. Repeated applications may be necessary for continued relief.

Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical provider and follow their recommendations regardless of what you read on this website. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Links to other third-party websites are provided for your convenience only. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for those websites. Neither Ohio Pain Center, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representation, express or implied, regarding the information provided on this website or any information you may access on a third-party website using a link. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you would like to request an appointment with a health care provider, please call our office at (419)517-1351.

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