Deciding between Injections & Surgery
Jul 22, 2015
For most painful conditions and injuries there are numerous treatment options available to a patient. From prescription painkillers, to pain injections, to surgery – it can be overwhelming trying to find the best treatment course for your condition. In this article, we will discuss options for deciding between injections and surgery for various conditions and injuries.
Generally, arthritic and osteoarthritic conditions are not treated with surgical approaches. Regenerative injections (such as PRP or BMAC injections) can be incredibly effective at reducing pain from arthritis and regenerating lost tissue.
Ligament tears and injuries (such as ACL & MCL tears, and rotator cuff tears) can be treated with surgery to repair the torn ligaments. You often hear of professional athletes undergoing ACL repair surgery so they can get back on the field as soon as possible. While these surgeries are often successful, regenerative injections can be just as effective in reducing pain and repairing the torn tissue. This procedure takes longer for the patient to completely recover, but unlike professional football players, most people do not need to return to high intensity exercise quickly after a ligament tear.
Certain spine conditions and injuries need to be treated surgically. This is especially true if an injury or condition puts the spinal nerves in immediate danger. In these cases, repair surgery may be necessary to prevent permanent nerve injury and paralysis. In many other cases, pain relief injections and regenerative injection therapy will provide significant relief to patients, without the hassle and cost of surgery.
If you suffer from any of the conditions or injuries listed above, make an appointment with a pain management physician to discuss your treatment options. Dr. Thorson has years of experience treating Minnesotans with painful conditions. Contact us today to set up your appointment with Dr. Thorson and get on the path to a pain-free life.