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Pain Management Center
About the Pain
Management Center
Staff
Pain Management Center Faxed Request For Consult
When damage to our bodies occurs, signals are transmitted along nerve pathways to our brain where they are interpreted as pain. Pain is the reason given for seeking medical care in 9 out of 10 patients in the US.
Untreated pain can have a significant negative impact on a person and their family. We are going to discuss three types of pain:
- acute
- chronic
- cancer
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. Unfortunately, acute injuries to the back or neck can often 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 is different from acute pain in that it is not always easy to find the cause. Examination might reveal no injury to the body at all, and yet the patient may be experiencing severe pain. However, one cause of chronic pain is an injury, which even after it is healed, may remain painful.
What is cancer pain?
Although not all people with cancer will experience it, pain, which can be caused by the disease 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 is a Pain Management Center?
A pain management center evaluates and treats patients who may be suffering from pain not relieved by ordinary 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.
Pain Management Center Staff
At the ACMH Pain Management Center, patients are evaluated and treated by physicians Board Certified in Pain Management and Medicine, namely, Randall Barrett, D.O. and Levi Zimmerman, M.D. Other members of our staff include Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses with specialized training in the pain management field.
How Do I Become A Pain Management Center Patient?
New patients will need to have a referral from their Primary Care Physician or specialist. Once the referral is received, you will be scheduled for your first appointment. At that time you will be sent a questionnaire to complete and bring with you on your first visit. You should also bring with you a list of medications you are currently taking and your insurance cards.
Staff
Randall Barrett, D.O. - Board Certified in Anesthesiology; Board Certified in Pain Medicine by the ABPM
Sandy Hellgren, PA-C, MPAS - Sandy has been the physician assistant working with Dr. Barrett in the Pain Management Center since 2002.
Levi Zimmerman, M.D. - Subspecialty Board Certified in Pain Medicine by ABA.