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How Can Cryoanalgesia Help with Your Pain?

There are dozens of pain relief methods available through modern medical approaches. However, not all pain relief methods work in all situations, and not all patients respond the same to all forms of pain relief. Some patients experience pain relief from massages, and others must resort to having an operation to achieve pain relief from their condition. One pain relief method that is available is cryoanalgesia, which is typically recommended by a physician.

If you are interested in finding out whether you may obtain relief, you should consult a physician who is familiar with cryoanalgesia North Kansas City. Since this procedure is capable of relieving many different types of pain but there are general guidelines that determine whether the procedure is safe, so consult a physician to see if you are an eligible candidate.

How is Cryoanalgesia Performed?
Cryoanalgesia is a treatment that requires a patient to meet specific diagnostic criteria. It then requires a diagnostic procedure that allows the physician to locate the nerves that need to be frozen to achieve pain relief. The diagnostic procedure requires a general anesthetic, and an anti-inflammatory to avoid any localized swelling. This will allow the doctor to develop a better understanding and visualize where to focus the cryo-treatment.

Your physician will choose a position that is comfortable to treat your injury, based on his comfort and range of motion needed for him to provide proper treatment. Once your doctor has determined the method of treatment and the right position to complete the procedure, a small needle will be used to administer a local anesthesia.

Once the area is successfully numbed, a small incision is made so the physician is able to begin the procedure. A probe is then inserted into the incision and it is pushed to the location where the cryo-therapy will be administered. After the physician has reached the desired location, the probe is attached to a cryo-machine. A small amount of ice will develop on the tip of the probe.

The accumulation of ice will be used to freeze the desired nerves, effectively shutting down the associated pain receptors. This will prevent the receptors from sending pain signals to the brain.

What Risks Are Involved with Cryoanalgesia
All medical procedures pose a risk, especially a procedure where breaking the skin is necessary. Cryoanalgesia is a procedure that is no different than others, and it does have risks associated with it. The most common risks associated with it are:

  • Pain where general anesthesia was administered
  • Temporary numbness or weakness in the affected limb
  • Bleeding at the puncture site
  • Other risks that are involved with surgical procedures

Just like with any other surgical procedures, you should consult your physician to determine whether the cryoanalgesia is right for you, and your medical condition. A complete examination, your doctor may refer you to a practice that offers cryoanalgesia as a form of pain relief, since not all practices offer the procedure as a solution.