Experimental Injection Reportedly Simulates Effects of Chronic Pain Medications

According to researchers at the hospital, injecting specially-designed fat-based particles called liposomes, which sit in the body and slowly release powerful drugs, could provide effective relief for patients with back pain and other chronic pain for up to one week at a time, consequently allowing them to rely less on daily medications.

Based on research findings in animal studies, the researchers note that liposomes effectively block nerves without damaging nearby cells or muscles.

Furthermore, in comparison to narcotics and other types of pain medications, these injections have yet to show any addictive side effects, once again according to the researchers.

Of course, more research about the efficacy of liposomes is needed, including on humans in clinical trials, before this formulation may be seriously considered as a treatment for chronic pain.

Currently, patients with back pain may consider a variety of injections for temporary relief, including epidural steroid injections, selective nerve root block (SNRB), facet joint block, facet rhizotomy and sacroiliac joint block.