Appointments

The pain management service is primarily intended for patients experiencing chronic localized pain. As the service mainly involves interventional pain management procedures, there should be a clearly identifiable target for the procedure (usually a nerve). Chronic pain is defined as pain that has persisted for more than three months.

What happens during the appointment?

During the appointment, we will discuss the nature of your pain and try to identify its underlying cause. Following the consultation and physical examination, a pain-relieving procedure may be performed during the same visit, if appropriate and feasible. The procedure fee is charged separately and is added to the consultation fee.

What procedures do we offer?

We offer procedures to relieve back pain, limb pain, and skin-related pain, including postherpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles) and pain associated with surgical scars. Whenever possible, ultrasound-guided procedures, such as joint injections, nerve blocks, and nerve stimulation, can be performed during the initial appointment. Procedures requiring X-ray guidance (mainly injections into the spinal canal and spinal joints) are scheduled for a separate day.

Please note: We currently do not offer nerve cryoneurolysis or radiofrequency ablation (a procedure using heat).

What should you consider before your appointment?

Complete pain relief cannot always be expected as a result of treatment. Even a 50% reduction in pain can be considered a good treatment outcome. Pain management procedures are primarily symptomatic, meaning that they relieve pain, but their effects may not be permanent. Regular physiotherapy and, in some cases, psychotherapy play an important role in achieving long-term treatment benefits. Procedures and pain medication often help create the conditions necessary for further recovery.
The causes of pain are often more complex than a single mechanical injury that can be relieved with an injection. Therefore, it is not possible to accurately predict the effectiveness of a procedure or how long its benefits will last.
Pain management procedures do not exclude the need for regular medication. In many cases, medication complements the effects of the procedures. In certain conditions, such as pain caused by nerve damage, medication may be the main component of treatment.
The final decision regarding whether a procedure is necessary and appropriate is made by the pain management specialist. The specialist also determines whether medication should be prescribed.

Who may not benefit from this service?

Interventional pain management may not be suitable for patients with widespread pain syndromes (such as fibromyalgia), chronic abdominal pain, or pain that changes location (migratory pain). However, we can still provide consultations for patients with these conditions, help adjust their medication regimens, and refer them for further rehabilitation if necessary. It is important to understand that interventional pain management procedures may have limited effectiveness for these conditions and may therefore not be appropriate.
Our pain management specialist does not treat headaches. Patients experiencing headaches are advised to book an appointment with a neurologist.