Interventional Procedures for Musculoskeletal Pain in ALS Patients: A Case Series.

Abstract

Many patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience musculoskeletal pain, yet data on the safety and efficacy of interventional procedures for pain relief in this population are limited. This study aims to describe the characteristics, outcomes, and procedural considerations of pain interventions performed for musculoskeletal pain in ALS patients. A retrospective chart review was conducted of ALS patients referred for interventional pain management by a neuromuscular physiatrist at a single academic institution's interdisciplinary ALS Center between February 2021 and February 2025. Eleven patients (mean age: 57 y, 64% male) underwent 14 procedures. Shoulder pain was the most common indication (43%), followed by spine (29%) and hip (14%) pain. Procedures mostly consisted of joint and bursal injections peripherally and of epidural injections in the axial spine. Overall, 13 of 14 (93%) procedures provided at least "good" pain relief, and 5 patients elected to repeat their procedures. One patient experienced transient postprocedure hypertension; no major complications occurred. Interventional procedures, particularly corticosteroid injections, appear to be safe and effective for managing focal musculoskeletal pain in patients with ALS. Tailored procedural techniques and multidisciplinary coordination can enhance comfort and optimize outcomes in this complex population.