By Dr. Meghan Kemnec
Chronic and acute pain affecting your daily life can be devastating. For those dealing with conditions such as neuropathic pain, acute injury, or post-surgical discomfort, finding effective non-drug treatments can be an uphill battle. For many individuals dealing with pain, perineural injection therapy (PIT) offers a non-invasive solution that can improve their quality of life without the need for complex procedures or extended recovery times.
Let’s explore what perineural injection therapy is, its benefits, and the types of conditions it can help treat.
What is Perineural Injection Therapy?
Perineural Injection Therapy, sometimes referred to as Neural Prolotherapy or PIT, was developed by Dr John Lyftogt as a minimally invasive treatment aimed at reducing pain and promoting healing in the nerves and surrounding tissues. The therapy involves the injection of a buffered dextrose solution (often with a local anesthetic) near nerves where pain and inflammation are occurring.
The primary goal of PIT is to treat inflammation and pain caused by nerve irritation or injury. It helps reduce the sensitivity of the nerves and promotes tissue healing. By delivering the injection near the affected nerve, PIT targets the root cause of the pain, not just the symptoms.
Conditions Treated by Perineural Injection Therapy
PIT is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it may be effective in treating a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including:
- Neuropathic Pain: The majority of chronic pain is neuropathic pain, which is why PIT is so successful at addressing chronic pain including:
- Sciatica
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Post-Surgical Pain including fascial/scar tissue treatment
- Frozen Shoulder
- Herniated Discs
- Facet Joint Syndrome.
- Chronic Pain Syndromes: Including Fibromyalgia
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Tendonitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Acute ligament or tendon injury/strain
- Headaches and migraines fall into neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain categories. PIT and sphenopaletine ganglion baths, a non-injection therapy using PIT solution can be effective for migraines.
How Does Perineural Injection Therapy Work?
The solution used in PIT is injected around the nerve, which is why the treatment is called “perineural.” The injection works by feeding the nerve, reducing inflammation, and increasing blood flow to the area. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Diagnosis: A doctor will first assess the source of the pain through collecting history, performing physical examination, and in some cases through imaging studies.
- Injection: The physician will carefully administer small injections of the sterile PIT solution around the nerves causing the pain.
- Pain Relief: The injection reduces inflammation around the nerve, providing immediate and short (hours) to long-term relief (days to weeks) from pain.
- Healing Process: Over time, the nerves begin to heal, leading to reduced pain and improved mobility.
Benefits of Perineural Injection Therapy
- Non-Surgical/Non-medication Treatment: One of the biggest advantages of PIT is that it provides an alternative to surgery and can reduce the need for injected cortisone and oral NSAID or opioid pain medication.
- Minimal Downtime: Unlike traditional surgeries, PIT has little to no downtime.
- Long-Term Pain Relief: While results can vary, many patients experience significant, long-term pain relief after 6-8 successive sessions.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
During the Procedure: The injections are relatively quick and use a small gauge needle, similar to acupuncture needle size. There is usually minimal pain with added lidocaine/procaine, and the dextrose also acts as an anesthetic. The number of injections needed will depend on your specific condition.
After the Procedure: Post-treatment care is usually minimal. You may experience some mild soreness or a tingling sensation near the injection site, but most patients find the recovery process quick and easy. Results can vary; some people experience immediate relief, while for others, it may take a few days or weeks to see significant improvements.
Risks and Side Effects: Perineural Injection Therapy is considered a safe procedure with minimal risks. Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as temporary swelling or redness at the injection site.
Is Perineural Injection Therapy Right for You?
If you’re dealing with pain and are seeking an alternative to traditional treatments like medications or surgery, Perineural Injection Therapy may be worth exploring. It’s particularly effective for those with nerve-related pain and inflammation.
As with any medical treatment, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss whether PIT is a suitable option for your condition.
Sources:
https://www.lyftogtmed.com/about