Pain caused by sickle cell disease can be mild or severe— symptoms vary, but at it’s most severe, sickle cell disease can lead to strokes, severe infections and permanent damage to vital organs (i.e. brain, heart, lungs, liver). The double-board certified pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center understand managing chronic pain from sickle cell disease can feel daunting, but they want to assure patients there are treatment options available.
Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that result in atypical hemoglobin molecules “sickling” healthy red blood cells, making them break down prematurely. The disease can be detected in children as early as 4 months old and usually induces extreme pain, shortness of breath and anemia.
If you have acute or moderate chronic pain from SCD, something as simple as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like ibuprofen or Aleve, could provide relief. NSAIDs are especially effective in relieving inflammation associated with infarcted bone pain, a common symptom of SCD. For more moderate cases, intermittent injections or oral opioids are typically recommended.
For those suffering from severe/chronic pain symptoms, multiple therapies may be required to address the problem. A combination of painkillers, nerve blocks (injections), and/or surgery can usually remedy chronic SCD pain. Nerve blocks, for example, can provide adequate relief for up to 12 months.
For this therapy, a physician injects a medication at or around the area of pain to numb the patient’s nerves. However, if your pain isn't in a single or small group of nerves, nerve blocks may not be right for you.
If you’re living with chronic pain associated with sickle cell disease, it’s important to meet with one of our physicians at Southwest Spine and Pain Center to understand the best treatment pain for you. Every patient’s situation is different, so set up an appointment today! We look forward to seeing you!
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2014
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