Chronic pain is that which last longer than the normal healing process.  It can be the result of an injury, surgery, or painful diseases such as cancer, shingles, or severe arthritis.

What is the goal of chronic pain management?

Chronic pain management is the process of increasing activities of daily living as well as helping to reduce or eliminate pain, while simultaneously teaching ways to cope with symptoms that cannot be completely relieved.  It is a multi-disciplinary approach that may involve a pain management physician, a physical therapist, a massage therapist, and/or services of a psychologist. The ultimate goal is to reduce pain, increase physical activist, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

What types of pain can be treated?

We treat many kinds of pain, including, but not limited to back and neck pa in, cancer pain, neuralgia, muscular/myofascial pain, shingles/post herpetic neuralgia, complex regional pain syndrome [Type 1 (RSD) and Type 2 (causalgia)], nerve entrapment, fibromyalgia, ischemic/vascular pain and phantom limb pain.  In addition, we see patients who have been injured on the job or otherwise, and those who are looking for an alternative to surgery.

What are some of the treatment options?

Chronic pain has traditionally been treated with medication.  Many medications require increasing doses and/or result in dependency.  After a while, these medications are not always successful in alleviating pain and/or have side effects that interfere with daily life.  Our goal as pain management specialists is to understand and diagnose your medical history and the nature of the pain you're experiencing.  This makes us better able to determine the best course among the many treatment alternatives available to us.  These treatment options range from minimally invasive procedures such as trigger point injections, to more technical and precise procedures such as a series of epidural or caudal injections, nerve root blocks, facet blocks, or radiofrequency lesioning treatments.  Other patients may be treated with medication and/or lifestyle counseling options like physical therapy, psychological support services and/or nutritional support.  Most patients require a combination of some or all of these services.

How can I do physical therapy when it hurts to move?

Re-training injured muscles that have been passive for a pro-longed period is one of the best ways to relieve some types of chronic pain.  We work with trained physical therapists who help our patients develop a specific plan to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.  Achieving these physical therapy goals may ultimately serve to reduce a patient's pain and/or dependence on medication, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life.