When Nerve Injections Are Helpful
The recovery process following a car accident doesn’t end when the repairs on the car are finished. The injuries that people sustain could lead to chronic pain. Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons that people visit the doctor. There are many different forms of chronic pain, and all of them are debilitating which can lead to serious quality of life issues. These problems impact not only the individuals but also their family and friends. A few of the many reasons why people may struggle with chronic pain include:
- Having a limb that was lost due to traumatic amputation in a motor vehicle collision.
- Damage to one or more nerves that supply sensation to a certain part of the body.
- The development of a traumatic brain injury in an auto accident or slip and fall injury.
- Developing Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), which can lead to severe, unrelenting pain.
Clearly, anyone who suffers from chronic pain deserves to receive appropriate medical care. Massive amounts of medical research have led to several options for individuals who have developed chronic pain. One of these is nerve injections. While the idea of stabbing an already painful part of the body might cause some pause, they can actually be very effective.
The Treatment Options for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can fluctuate in its severity. On some days, it might be a nagging annoyance. On other days, it may not even allow the individual to get out of bed. Because of this, there are many treatment options. These include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol
- Narcotic drugs such as Percocet, Lortab, or Dilaudid
- Massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Surgical procedures
- Nerve Injections
Nerve injections have been rising in popularity as technology has gotten better. It can be hard for individuals and their family members to wrap their minds around stabbing a body part that is already in pain. Therefore, there are a few important points to remember.
How Nerve Injections Work
In a nerve injection, an anesthetic medication similar to those used in surgical and dental procedures is injected directly into the nerve that is causing the painful sensation. If the doctor is able to pinpoint the original location of the pain signal, he or she could find the nerve carrying that signal to the brain. Then, using imaging guidance such as an ultrasound probe, the doctor will place a needle into the nerve. Then, an injection of an anesthetic, such as Lidocaine, will numb the nerve, relieving the pain.
The Success of Nerve Injections Defines Their Use
Whether or not the individual continues with the nerve injections is up to them. Their success rate will vary from person to person. In some cases, the numbness could last for a few days. In other cases, weeks or months. It all depends on the nerve causing the pain and the intensity of that pain.
Furthermore, the success rate is dependent on identifying the specific nerve causing the pain. This might not always be possible. Nerve injections should always be discussed with a trained medical professional, first.
Watch YouTube Video: Ease Chronic Back Pain with Epidural Steroid Injections. This video provides a look at the epidural steroid injection procedure and explains how the treatment can offer relief for up to a year.
Contacting an Injury Lawyer
Chronic pain is one of the most challenging issues that families could face. The discomfort caused by seeing a loved one in pain can be unbearable, and the helpless feeling only makes it worse. Fortunately, there is something that family members can do to help. Meeting with a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento can help the loved one access the resources that they deserve. Some of the ways that an injury attorney can help include:
- Acting as an objective presence during an emotionally charged time so that families can reason through and make the most appropriate decisions in their recovery.
- Working with financial institutions such as insurance companies to help get any and all benefits paid out.
- Guiding families through the process of seeking damages related to their pain and suffering.
- Shifting a case to trial when necessary.
There is always a trained professional available to help so no family should ever have to feel alone. Please, reach out to a Sacramento personal injury lawyer today. You could be owed a financial award.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento. Nerve injections could be an option for individuals who are struggling with chronic pain following a traumatic accident. If your loved one has had issues managing their pain following a serious motor vehicle collision, call me today at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am humbled to be a part of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and of the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
My guests are encouraged to look through our verdicts or settlements.
Please take a look at a selection of our client reviews on Yelp, Avvo, & Google.
Image by Ewa Urban from Pixabay
:dr 0p cha [cs 855]