Opioid medications have a limited role in long-term pain management. Over time they can lose their effectiveness, and they carry real risks, including tolerance, dependence, constipation, drowsiness and, at high doses, dangerous breathing problems.

At River North Interventional Pain Management Consultants, narcotic medications are rarely used and are never a first choice. Instead, we focus on finding and treating the source of the pain:

• Targeted injections, such as epidural steroid injections, facet and medial branch blocks, and sacroiliac joint injections, deliver medication directly to the pain generator.
• Radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation can provide longer-lasting relief for joint-related spine pain.
• Neuromodulation, such as spinal cord stimulation, can help nerve-related pain that has not responded to other treatments.
• Physical therapy and non-opioid medications support recovery and restore function.

Combining these approaches allows many patients to reduce their pain and return to work and daily activities. If you are taking pain medication and would like to explore other options, talk with your physician.