As a pain management specialist, Dr. Harvey Finkelstein has seen patients undergo many different procedures to treat and manage pain. Among these treatment methods are both invasive and non-invasive procedures. While invasive procedures, like steroid injections and surgeries are proven effective in patients that require them, Dr. Harvey Finkelstein recommends that patients look to noninvasive treatments as a first resort.

Among the many benefits of non-invasive pain management methods, are that they:

· Require less healing time: Surgeries can often require months of recovery time. Sometimes, additional follow up surgeries can be required as well as post-surgical physical therapy and extensive office follow-ups.

· Do not require the use of drugs or steroids: Some invasive pain management techniques involve injections of steroids or solutions into the body, which help to stimulate blood circulation and ligament repair at the affected site. Non-invasive procedures are done without the use of needles and often drugs.

· Do not require a prolonged hospital stay: If you’ve had a surgical procedure done, you may be required to stay in the hospital overnight. Depending on the severity of your procedure, sometimes patients will spend weeks in a hospital bed recovering. This is not only an inconvenience for a recovering patient, but will also cost them more money for every day they are in a hospital bed.

· Can be performed in a local doctor’s office or physical therapy center: Unlike a surgery, a non-invasive procedure is performed in the comfort of a physical therapy center or individual doctor’s office. Dr. Harvey Finkelstein notes that some of these non-invasive pain treatment plans will be assigned to patients by doctors and can then be carried out in the comfort of a patient’s own home.

· Less risk of complications during the procedure: Anytime an invasive procedure is used, there is a greater risk of complications due to surgery or injections. “Many non-invasive pain management methods are done more gradually, which gives doctors the chance to carefully monitor progress along the way,” explains Dr. Harvey Finkelstein.

· Are often less costly than invasive procedures: Surgeries can cost thousands of dollars, while physical therapy and exercise programs may be way more affordable for patients. According to Surgery-guide.com, basic spine surgeries, such as Hernia removal and decompression can cost between $6,000 to $8,000, while more complicated surgical procedures can range $15,000 to $17,000. Physical therapy, on the other hand, costs an average of a $10-$75 co-pay for insured patients.

Non-invasive pain management procedures

Dr. Harvey Finkelstein examines a few of the most popular non-invasive pain management options below:

Exercise

According to Dr. Harvey Finkelstein, “Exercise works for many people who deal with chronic pain, as it increases strength and flexibility of an injured area.” Patients who undergo this form of treatment will meet with a doctor or physical therapist who will get them set up on various types of exercise programs, such as: water therapy, stretching, resistance training, cardiovascular sessions, and aerobic routines.

Manual Techniques

According to SpineHealth.com, another popular form of non-invasive pain management involves treatments like “manipulation of affected areas by applying force to the joints, muscles, and ligaments.” These types of treatments can be performed in a chiropractor or certified massage therapist’s office.

Heating or Cooling of the Skin

Sometimes, pain can be managed through the application of ice packs and heating pads. Other methods, such as a dip in a therapeutical Jacuzzi can be beneficial in easing sort muscles and increasing circulation to an affected area.

Electrotherapy

Various types of electrotherapy have been proven as non-invasive methods in pain management. Among the most popular is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or TENS. This procedure works to reduce back pain by a method of low-voltage stimulation that interacts with the sensory nervous system.

Stress and Relaxation Techniques

Since studies show that stress makes pain worse, various non-invasive pain treatment plans are designed around eliminating stress and promoting relaxation. These types of therapies involve training your mind to reduce anxiety, breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga techniques.

With the rise in popularity of treatment options, more and more patients are looking to non-invasive procedures as a means of lessening pain. While he advises patients to first consider these types of therapies, Dr. Harvey Finkelstein stresses that before undergoing any pain management treatment, you should speak to your doctor to determine the best method for you.