Hospitals inject a variety of medications to manage pain, depending on the type and severity of the pain. These injections can be administered intravenously (IV), directly into a joint, or into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord.
Types of Injections for Pain Relief
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Opioids: These strong pain relievers, such as hydromorphone and fentanyl, are often used for severe, acute pain. Hydromorphone injection, for instance, is a short-term treatment for severe pain requiring an opioid, and is used in patients unable to manage pain through alternative methods. Source: MedlinePlus Drug Information - Hydromorphone Injection Fentanyl is administered by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic setting to block pain signals in the brain. Source: Cleveland Clinic - Fentanyl: Uses, Warnings & Side Effects Opioids are commonly administered intravenously via an IV catheter at regular intervals. Source: Mayo Clinic - Pain medicines after surgery
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Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Ketorolac is a widely used injectable NSAID known for its analgesic properties. Source: NCBI - Pain Management in the Emergency Department
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Steroids: Epidural steroid injections are used to treat pain caused by conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and arthritis. These injections don't address the underlying medical problem, but they provide temporary pain relief. Source: Brigham and Women's Hospital - Epidural Steroid Injections for Pain Steroids can also be injected into joints to reduce inflammation and pain. Source: NHS - Steroid injections
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Nerve Blocks: These injections target specific nerves to block pain signals. An example is the suprascapular nerve block, used for shoulder pain. Source: Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - Nerve injections: Suprascapular Nerve block for pain relief The duration of pain relief varies, with longer benefits often experienced after each injection. Source: Brigham and Women's Hospital - Stellate Ganglion Block for Pain
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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP injections use a concentration of a patient's own platelets to promote healing and reduce pain in certain injuries. Source: Hospital for Special Surgery - Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection
The specific medication injected will depend on a variety of factors, including the cause and location of pain, the patient's medical history, and the preferences of the healthcare provider.
