Living with pain can be challenging, especially for those recovering from surgery. Pain management is part of recovery. Your doctor may prescribe treatments and techniques to keep pain manageable. One pain relief method prescribed by doctors is iovera. It is an advanced technique for pain management. It has been available in the United States since 2014.
This article compares iovera, an innovative technology, to traditional pain relief methods.
Traditional Pain Relief Methods
Traditional pain relief methods may be effective but come with some risks:
1. Opioids
Opioids are potent pain-relieving medications. They function by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, thereby reducing the perception of pain.
Risks associated with opioids include:
- Addiction: Opioids can be highly addictive, especially with long-term use or at high doses.
- Overdose: High doses or mixing opioids with alcohol or other drugs can lead to respiratory depression and overdose.
- Dependence: Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence, requiring gradual tapering to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
2. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
NSAIDs reduce inflammation, pain, and fever by inhibiting enzymes involved in inflammation.
Risks include:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers, bleeding, and gastritis, especially with long-term use or in higher doses.
- Kidney Damage: Prolonged use can impair kidney function, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions.
- Cardiovascular Effects: NSAIDs may cause an increase in the risk of heart attack or stroke, with prolonged use.
3. Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can be used to treat chronic pain.
Risks include:
- Sedation and Dizziness: Antidepressants can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
- Serotonin Syndrome: A rare but serious condition characterized by high levels of serotonin that can lead to confusion, agitation, and even life-threatening complications.
Introduction to iovera
iovera is a groundbreaking pain relief system that offers cryoanalgesia or targeted nerve therapy. The patented system delivers a localized nerve block through cold temperatures. iovera can be used to target specific nerves.
How iovera Works
iovera uses nitrous oxide to create a small ice ball under the skin to freeze a nerve. This renders the nerve unable to send pain signals. This is called the Wallerian degeneration.
The provider uses an anesthetic and numbing spray for your comfort. Next, a small probe, also known as the “Smart Tip,” is inserted into the skin. You may feel little pressure or tugging, which is normal.
The procedure is performed in a clinic and lasts as little as 30 minutes. By precisely targeting nerves, iovera can provide significant pain relief without the use of drugs. Patients can experience pain relief for up to 90 days with the therapy.
Safety Profile
iovera is FDA-approved for use in osteoarthritis pain in the knee and recovery after knee replacement surgery. It can also be used to treat chronic pain. It is also administered in a clinic by a medical professional. There is no risk of nerve damage, as the device will not go beyond safe temperatures.
Pain Reduction
Studies have shown that iovera can provide quick pain relief comparable to or even better than traditional methods. One clinical study compared patients who received iovera and those who did not. The patients who received iovera requested 45 percent fewer opioid prescriptions 12 weeks after surgery.
Patients also reported significant reductions in pain levels after two weeks, compared to those who did not receive it.
Recovery Time
iovera can often speed up recovery time. According to clinical research, patients who received iovera were discharged within two days of surgery. iovera allows patients to begin their recovery sooner and engage in physical therapy without being hindered by pain.
Patient Satisfaction
Many patients who have used iovera report high levels of satisfaction due to its efficacy and the absence of serious side effects. Only temporary tingling, tenderness, swelling, or bruising may develop.
When administered to patients with chronic knee pain, it decreased pain and stiffness for up to 90 days. By contrast, some traditional methods may leave patients dissatisfied due to their risk of dependency, contraindications, and adverse effects.
Benefits of iovera for Pain Relief
To summarize, here are the benefits of iovera for pain management:
- Minimally invasive
- Drug-free
- Administered by a medical professional
- Quick relief
- No special pre-treatment preparation
- Virtually no downtime
- High patient satisfaction
- When used properly, negative side effects can be avoided
Traditional methods remain valuable, and iovera can be used as part of a comprehensive program. If you are interested in iovera for pain relief or combining it with your other pain treatments, consult a reputable provider. This innovative, drug-free treatment may change your life.
iovera Pain Treatment in Boynton, FL
For effective pain treatment, consult with one of our orthopedic doctors at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. We are proud to offer iovera treatment for the right patients.
We will guide you on how to prepare for the procedure and what to do after treatment. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (561) 733-5888. You can also use our convenient online appointment request form to schedule your visit.
