Interventional Techniques and Surgical Management of Pain

Chapter 11 describes many of the most common interventional and surgical procedures performed in the field of chronic pain medicine. They are discussed in a cranial to caudal pattern, and this is done not only for logical arrangement but also to highlight the breadth of procedures that are utilized in practice. Interventional and surgical pain management techniques using image or landmark guidance may provide diagnostic and therapeutic relief for patients suffering from pain. Performed by formally trained and experienced proceduralists, interventions, in conjunction with other multimodal strategies such as medications, physical therapy, and behavioral therapies, can be useful techniques for helping patients achieve improved function and pain relief. Benefits may be short or longer term, depending on the interventional strategy utilized. Indications, evidence, and risks must be considered when choosing the most appropriate interventional options for a patient.