Pain Treatment Methods: Lidocaine

We have all experienced pain. It may have been a bruised leg, a headache, or stomach pain caused by consuming improper food. Most cases of pain are short-term and can be alleviated with simple medications. However, chronic pain, which differs from other types of pain by its duration, also exists. Chronic pain is characterized by continuous, periodic recurrence, lasting months or even years. Various methods or medications can be used to treat chronic pain, one of which is lidocaine.

What is Lidocaine?

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic, typically used to "numb" a specific area of the body to relieve the pain experienced there. It has been shown that lidocaine, when administered slowly intravenously, can also be an effective chronic pain reliever. Lidocaine belongs to the IB class of antiarrhythmic drugs – sodium channel blockers – and unlike, for example, ketamine, it can slow the heart rate. Due to this, individuals with severe heart conduction disorders, a lidocaine allergy, or those suffering from Adams-Stokes or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndromes cannot use this medication.

What is Lidocaine Used For?

This medication can be administered intravenously to treat chronic neuropathic pain and to alleviate unpleasant/painful sensations caused by certain procedures such as surgeries, needle punctures, or catheter insertions. A doctor may also prescribe lidocaine for an epidural spinal injection or to treat heart arrhythmias (ventricular rhythm disorders that alter the heart's beat frequency and nature).

How is a Lidocaine Injection Performed?

If your physician has prescribed lidocaine infusions, you will receive them in a healthcare facility under the supervision of qualified clinic or hospital staff. Lidocaine infusions for chronic pain treatment last approximately 30-40 minutes. During the infusion, you are not required to do anything additional, so you can simply relax while the medical staff carefully monitors your vital signs.

Naturally, medical personnel will continuously supervise you during the infusion to ensure your body is responding positively to the medication and that vital signs remain stable.

Possible Side Effects of Lidocaine:

• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Tongue numbness
• Sensation of heat or cold
• Slower breathing
• Reduced heart rate, weaker pulse
• Anxiety
• Nausea

If you suffer from chronic pain, we recommend consulting pain specialists who can advise and help you choose the most appropriate pain management methods. You can fill out the registration form here.