Ketorolac Injections for Pain Relief
At Rehab Medicine of the Carolinas, we offer Ketorolac injections as a targeted, non-opioid option for short-term pain management. Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the body’s production of substances that cause inflammation and pain. It is especially effective for treating moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain, such as joint inflammation, back pain, post-operative discomfort, or injury-related swelling. When administered via injection, Ketorolac provides fast-acting, localized relief, often making it an ideal option for patients needing temporary pain control without relying on narcotics.
Indications for Use
Ketorolac injections are typically recommended for patients experiencing acute pain that has not responded well to oral medications or for those who cannot tolerate pills due to nausea or gastrointestinal issues. Common indications include:
- Acute joint or muscle pain
- Flare-ups of arthritis or bursitis
- Back or neck pain due to strain or inflammation
- Post-surgical or post-procedural pain
- Pain following orthopedic injuries (sprains, strains, contusions)
- This treatment is often used in conjunction with physical therapy or other interventions to enhance overall recovery.
Precautions and Considerations
While Ketorolac is a powerful tool in managing pain, it is not appropriate for everyone. It is intended for short-term use only, typically no more than 5 days, due to its potential to cause gastrointestinal, kidney, or cardiovascular side effects with prolonged use.
Precautions include:
- Not recommended for patients with a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, kidney disease, or aspirin-sensitive asthma
- Should not be used in combination with other NSAIDs
- Not advised for individuals currently taking blood thinners or anticoagulants
- Not suitable for long-term or chronic pain management
- Not approved for use during labor or immediately before major surgery
Before receiving a Ketorolac injection, our providers will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate. We are committed to individualized care and will work with you to determine the best pain management strategy based on your health history, current medications, and treatment goals.