Infiltration for the treatment of pain
An infiltration is the injection of a solution into the body’s tissues. They are used to alleviate pain in localized inflammatory processes, recovering total or partial mobility and significantly reducing the sensation of pain.
Infiltrations are usually used to treat joint inflammation, soft tissue inflammation or in the event of insufficient therapeutic response to certain pharmacological treatments. But its use is also diagnostic, since, by means of infiltration, it is possible to determine the exact origin of the pain, thus complementing other diagnostic techniques.
As it is a localized treatment, the infiltration only affects the area where the pain is felt, relieving it and allowing the sufferer to resume his or her activities without discomfort.
The infiltration is a technique that is performed on an outpatient basis or in the operating room depending on the area to be treated. It is a relatively simple and quick treatment, which usually lasts no more than 30 minutes. After the intervention and a brief period of observation without complications, the person can return home and hospitalization is not usually necessary. In certain cases it will be necessary to repeat the process periodically to maintain the improvement in the pain sensation.
Most infiltrations used for pain treatment employ a mixture of anesthesia and corticosteroids for anti-inflammatory purposes. This provides rapid relief due to the action of the anesthesia and a long-lasting anti-inflammatory action thanks to the corticosteroid. Although depending on the lesion to be treated, different drugs such as hyaluronic acid and even platelet-rich plasma can be used.
Is the infiltration safe and effective?
Although it is a safe procedure, it must always be performed by a medical specialist, since it requires a great knowledge of the anatomy of the different structures and previous training. In some types of infiltration, such as lumbar infiltration, the procedure is guided by radiology equipment to improve the precision of the intervention. The infiltrations are performed in aseptic environments and with disposable instruments to minimize the risk of infection.
The effectiveness of infiltration in the medium and long term depends on the type of disorder being treated and the objective of the intervention. If the infiltration responds to the desire to obtain a diagnosis, the relief will only be momentary. If the objective is to treat a specific pain, the effectiveness will depend on the type of pathology and also on the aftercare.
If the results are satisfactory, the intervention can be repeated after a few months, if the pain returns gradually. If, on the other hand, the expected results are not achieved, the specialist will evaluate other alternatives.
When is infiltration necessary?
It is generally indicated in those cases in which the response to conservative treatment is not satisfactory, and as an alternative prior to possible surgery.
They are frequently used for the treatment of herniated discs, spinal stenosis, epidural fibrosis and pain resulting from osteoarthritis that is not controlled by conventional treatments.
Call us or contact us, we will evaluate your case and inform you of the different options for the treatment of your pain.
References:
- Atlas of interventional techniques for the treatment of chronic pain. Editors: L. Aliaga Font, O. de León Casasola, CL Nebreda Clavo, R. Vallejo Salamanca. Editorial Glosa, S.L. 2011. ISBN: 978-84-7429-468-2.
- Ojeda A, Nebreda C. Clinical Situations in Anesthesia and Critical Care. 2nd edition. Chapter 137: Interventional techniques in the management of chronic pain. Book scientifically endorsed by the S.E.D.A.R. Editor: A. Hernández. Editorial Médic Panamericana. 2022. ISBN:9788491104100 1