If you have been looking for a non-opioid pain-relieving treatment, you may have heard of iovera. Exactly what is this, and how does it work? Here are some answers to these common questions.
What is iovera?
Iovera is a nerve-blocking treatment that disrupts the transmission of pain signals from your body to your brain. It works with your body’s response to cold, so it is categorized as a cryoanalgesic method.
This treatment temporarily destroys the signal-carrying ability of the relevant nerves so that they cannot send pain signals through. No drugs are involved.
How Does it Work?
Unlike other forms of cryoanalgesia, iovera is delivered through a small, hand-held device. This allows the doctor to pinpoint the exact nerves that need to be blocked. It is a needle-based system, so damage to nearby tissues is reduced or eliminated.
Does iovera Cure Underlying Problems?
No, it does not. It provides temporary relief of pain that is sending signals through the peripheral nerves. This allows you to live pain-free as the underlying causes of your pain are addressed. If the underlying source cannot be healed within a certain amount of time, the iovera treatment will wear off and you’ll need another session.
How Long do Treatments Last?
Nerve axons regrow at a rate of 1mm-2mm per day. When the treated nerves are fully regrown, signaling returns to normal. How long a treatment lasts will depend on the length of nerve fibers treated and your body’s natural recovery speed.
Are There Any Narcotics Injected?
No substances are injected, so there is no need to fear addiction, drug allergies, or other such problems. The needles simply deliver cold to the nerves being treated.
To learn more about iovera, contact your medical practitioner today. A consultation will determine if this treatment is right for your condition.