Pain is an unpleasant sensation that can range from mild discomfort to severe agony. It is the body’s way of signaling that something is wrong and needs attention. Pain management is the field of medicine that focuses on relieving pain and improving the quality of life for people who are experiencing chronic or acute pain. In this blog post, we will explore what pain management is, who may need pain management, common conditions treated, and how to schedule an appointment at the Neuroscience Group Interventional Pain Clinic.
What is Pain Management?
Pain management is a medical sub-specialty that uses a multidisciplinary approach to help patients manage their pain. It may involve medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interventional procedures, and complementary therapies like acupuncture or massage. The goal of pain management is to reduce or eliminate pain, improve function, and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Who May Need Pain Management?
Anyone can experience pain at some point in their life. However, some people may require pain management if they experience acute or chronic pain that interferes with their daily activities and that does not respond to conventional treatments. Acute pain comes on suddenly and is caused by a specific condition like surgery, broken bones, or injury. Chronic pain is ongoing and usually lasts longer than six months. Pain signals remain active in the nervous system for months or years. Some conditions that may require pain management include:
- Arthritis (shoulder, hip, knee)
- Neck and back pain
- Cancer-related pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Neuropathic pain
- Post-surgical pain
- Chronic pain syndromes like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Common Conditions Treated in Pain Management Clinics
Neuroscience Group uses a multidisciplinary, integrative approach to treat a wide range of pain-related issues. Some common conditions treated include:
- Acute and chronic spine pain (neck, mid and low back)
- Radicular syndromes of the neck or low back (sciatica)
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Migraines and other types of headaches
- Cancer-related pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Post-surgical pain
- Chronic pain due to injury or trauma
Types of Pain Treated: Knowing the type and intensity of your pain is important. This will help your provider design your personal treatment plan.
ACHY
A constant pain in a part of your body that is usually not very severe but seems to never go away.
Dull, Sory, Hurting, Heavy
BURNING
A warmth or heat sensation in a part of your body that can seem to come and go or be continuous.
Hot, Blazing, On Fire
COMPLETE NUMBNESS
A loss of sensation in a part of your body making you unable to feel anything when the area is touched.
No Feeling, No Sensation
CRAMPING
A painful and uncontrollable feeling like your muscle is being squeezed without your control that usually comes and goes.
Pressing, Spasm, Gnawing
PINS & NEEDLES
An uncomfortable sensation usually felt in the arms and legs that feels like when your arm/leg is waking up after falling asleep. Can come and go or be continuous.
Tingly, Flickering, Crawling
SHARP
A sudden, intense spike of pain in a part of your body that can appear and disappear randomly.
Piercing, Intense
SHOOTING
A sudden, severe pain that starts in a part of your body and then travels to another.
Darting, Flashing, Jumping
STABBING
A sudden intense spike of pain in a part of your body that can decrease and then increase in intensity.
Piercing, Varying Intensity
THROBBING
A pain in a part of your body that starts and stops quickly as well as repetitively.
Pounding, Pulsing, Beating
How is Pain Management Handled at Neuroscience Group?
Physical Therapy
Your therapist will look for the root cause of your pain and provide a personal treatment plan. Therapy can reduce your risk of further injury pain and may eliminate your need for further treatment.
MRI
You will have images of your neck, back and/or hips taken to try to pinpoint the physical cause of your pain.
Office Visit
You will meet with a provider who specializes in pain to help you understand your MRI results and create a treatment plan with expected outcomes.
Nurse Navigator Support
You will learn more about what to expect during your pain procedure and the logistical details you need.
Procedure
Neuroscience Group offers various types of pain procedures. If necessary, your provider will explain the right one that will offer you the most relief. Our team will be there for you every step of the way.
Follow Up
1. Call our care team with results from your procedure at the time specified in your paperwork.
2. A follow-up visit with your provider may be needed to discuss other treatment options.
Schedule an appointment at the Neuroscience Group Interventional Pain Clinic
If you are suffering from a pain-related issue and are seeking medical help contact Neuroscience Group today to get started with treatment. There are two easy ways to get seen by a medical professional at Neuroscience Group:
1. Request an appointment online using our request an appointment form.
OR
2. Ask your primary care physician to refer you one of our Interventional Pain Medicine providers.
For those who suffer from acute, chronic, or severe pain, Neuroscience Group is here to help you get back to enjoying your daily living activities without surgery or narcotic use. We use a multidisciplinary approach and utilize a nurse navigator who will educate you if a procedure is part of your plan of care. You’ll have peace of mind and a better outcome because you will know what to expect. Our interventional pain medicine team will provide you with an individualized treatment plan to reduce or eliminate your pain and improve your function. We can also help you maximize your healthcare dollars as we provide significant savings over hospital-based clinics. The interventional pain management team at Neuroscience Group are your local experts in treating a wide range of pain conditions.