Pain Management
Find Relief at ACMH
For more information about Pain Management at ACMH, or to schedule an appointment, please call 724-543-8622. If you would like to ask your physician for a referral, print the faxed request for consult form.
Services
Some of the most common acute and chronic conditions we treat include:
- Back and leg pain
- Neck and arm pain
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Whiplash/ headaches
- Cancer pain
- Diabetic and vascular neuropathies
- Chronic wound pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Complex Regional Pain Syndromes
During their first visit, our patients receive a comprehensive evaluation by one of our highly trained Pain Management practitioners (physicians/physician assistants). They review the patient’s medical history and medication usage, perform an in-depth physical exam, review or order appropriate diagnostic tests, provide education about the condition
diagnosed and share a plan for individualized treatment options and goals.
Some of the treatment interventions offered include:
- Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI’s)
- Selective Nerve Root injections
- Facet joint injections
- Sacroiliac joint injections
- Occipital nerve blocks
- Sympathetic blocks
- Trigger Point injections
- Radiofrequency Denervation (Rhizotomy)
- Kyphoplasty
- Medical management (medication maintenance/weaning)
Two innovative techniques that can enhance patients’ pain management experience at ACMH are Rhizotomy and Spinal Cord Stimulation. Rhizotomy provides partial to complete interruption of the nerve fibers and produces significant, lasting pain relief. Spinal Cord Stimulation provides effective pain relief, but does not interfere with normal sensation, normal muscular ability, or any other bodily function.
Kyphoplasty is another unique procedure that we offer to individuals experiencing pain related to spinal fractures. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment that can repair spinal fractures. The procedure is designed to correct the spinal deformity, significantly reduce pain bringing rapid relief, and improve overall function and mobility.
Team
Our multidisciplinary treatment team consists of the following individuals and/or referral to the services:
- Board-certified Pain Management Physicians
- Midlevel Practitioners with extensive Pain Management experience
- Registered Nurses with specialized training in Pain Management
- Physical and Occupational Therapists
- Radiological Technologists
- Access to additional medical specialties (Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Physiatry)
- Full array of diagnostic testing (X-Ray, CT, MRI, EMG, NCV, laboratory testing, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pain Management?
Pain management is the process of evaluating and treating patients who may be suffering from pain not relieved by traditional pain management methods/medications. Extensive evidence reveals that the basis of effective pain management rests with a sound knowledge of pain assessment techniques and various pain management strategies.
How do I become a Pain Management patient?
New patients typically need to be referred by a primary care physician or other specialist. If you feel you would benefit from our services, ask your physician for a referral or contact our center and we may be able to assist you in obtaining a referral from your physician. On your first visit, you will need to bring a completed new patient questionnaire (LINK TO BE DETERMINED), a list of current medications and insurance information.
What is acute pain?
Acute is a word used to describe an injury or illness that comes and goes (as opposed to chronic, which is persistent). Acute injuries come on quickly, have very definite symptoms, which can be quite intense, and heal in a relatively brief period of time. Frequently, and unfortunately, acute injuries to the back or neck can lead to chronic pain.
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than 3 months. Some experts define it as lasting longer than 6 months. Chronic pain differs from acute pain because it is not always easy to determine its cause. Examination may reveal no bodily injury at all, yet the patient may be experiencing severe pain. Conversely, injury may be a cause of chronic pain, which can remain painful even after it has healed.
What is cancer pain?
Although not all people with cancer will experience it, pain, which can be caused by the disease process itself or by treatments, is common in people with cancer. The good news is cancer pain can be managed. With today’s knowledge of cancer pain and the availability of pain-relieving therapies, no one should have to suffer from unrelieved pain. Sadly, although cancer pain can be relieved, surveys have shown that pain is often under treated in many patients.
What are some common treatments for Pain Management?
Some of the common treatments are as follows:
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Injection of corticosteroids into the epidural space of the vertebral column as a means of treating pain caused by irritation of the spinal nerves.
- Facet Joint Injections: The facet joints are composed of the overlapping arches of the bones that comprise your spine. These injections may be used to assess the actual source of a person’s pain or they can be used to provide temporary pain relief and are often performed in conjunction with physical therapy to increase the effectiveness of physical therapy treatment for pain relief and improved mobility.
- Medication Management: A number of medications are used to treat chronic pain. At ACMH, we believe it is critical that our patients understand the nature, purpose, and limitations of the medication prescribed. We have four goals for pain medication use: 1. reduction in pain intensity 2. improved ability to function 3. minimal adverse side effects 4. prevention of addiction