Pain management is a vital aspect of healthcare that addresses a multitude of symptoms and conditions, each requiring a specialized approach for effective relief. Here's an overview of common symptoms related to pain management:

1. Spinal Pain: Spinal pain encompasses a wide range of conditions, including lower back pain, upper back pain, and neck pain. It can result from issues such as herniated discs, muscle strain, or spinal misalignments. Pain management strategies often involve a combination of therapies, including spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and pain medication.
2. Hip Pain: Hip pain may be due to various causes, such as arthritis, bursitis, or overuse injuries. Pain management for hip pain can involve physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle modifications to alleviate discomfort and improve hip function.
3. Shoulder Pain: Shoulder pain can result from rotator cuff problems, tendonitis, or frozen shoulder. Pain management may include physical therapy, targeted exercises, and, in some cases, corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and improve shoulder mobility.
4. Knee Pain: Knee pain is often associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, or meniscus tears. Pain management strategies may encompass physical therapy, knee braces, pain-relief medications, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions.
5. Muscle Knots: Muscle knots, or trigger points, can lead to localized pain and muscle tension. Pain management techniques may include massage therapy, myofascial release, and stretching exercises to relax and release these knots.
6. Pain That Travels: Pain that radiates or travels from its origin to other areas of the body often requires a comprehensive assessment. Pain management plans aim to address the underlying cause and may involve a combination of therapies to alleviate referred pain.
7. Muscle Spasm: Painful muscle spasms can result from muscle overuse, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalances. Pain management involves addressing the underlying cause, hydration, stretching, and sometimes muscle relaxants to relieve spasms.
8. Tension Headache: Tension headaches are often related to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Pain management strategies may include relaxation techniques, massage, heat therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
9. Rotator Cuff Problems: Rotator cuff injuries can lead to chronic shoulder pain and reduced range of motion. Pain management may involve physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and occasionally surgical repair for severe cases.
10. Sacroiliac Joint Pain (SI Joint): SI joint pain can cause discomfort in the lower back and buttocks. Pain management typically includes physical therapy, SI joint injections, and specific exercises to stabilize the joint and alleviate pain.
11. Acute (Sudden) Lower Back Pain: Acute lower back pain can result from muscle strains, herniated discs, or traumatic injuries. Pain management strategies may involve rest, heat or cold therapy, medication, and, if necessary, chiropractic care or physical therapy.
12. Acute (Sudden) Neck Pain: Sudden neck pain can occur due to muscle spasms, poor posture, or even sleeping in an awkward position. Pain management may include gentle stretches, heat therapy, and over-the-counter pain relief medications.

Effective pain management requires a tailored approach that takes into account the specific symptoms and underlying causes of discomfort. Our specialized staff are here to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of each of our patients and promote lasting pain relief and improved quality of life.

Trigger points can cause painful muscle spasms and knots resistant to massage, stretching, and exercise.  Sometimes, a trigger point in one area of the body can cause pain in a separate area.  For example, trigger points in the neck can cause headaches or even ear pain.  These can be injected with lidocaine or other medication in order to relax them and return to normal function.  Depending on the cause of the trigger point, they can recur.  Multiple treatments may be recommended.

Steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication helps to decrease inflammation that may cause pain.  By decreasing inflammation in a painful joint, patients can usually move with more ease to allow other conservative treatments to take place, such as stretching, soft tissue, or adjustment.  With regular exercise as the long-term goal, decreasing pain and increasing movement is essential.

Previously known as “stem cell therapy”, regenerative medicine is now understood to use signaling cells in order to promote natural healing processes.  These undifferentiated cells produce chemicals that tell our body to regenerate damaged tissues at the area of injection.  Signaling cells can also reduce inflammatory chemicals that cause pain.  This therapy is especially studied in the treatment of rotator cuff injuries, however, it is used for other muscle, tendon, and ligamentous conditions, as well.

Hyaluronic acid is a component of connective tissue, such as cartilage.  Cartilage is a tissue that helps to cushion the bones around our joint surfaces.  As we age, this cartilage can degenerate, or wear out, leading to painful arthritis.  By injecting this component of cartilage, we are able to lubricate the joint and help to diminish the damage of arthritis.

Platelets are a component of our blood.  By using the patient’s own blood and spinning out the platelets (centrifuge), we reduce the likelihood of poor reaction to the injection.  Platelet-rich plasma helps promote healing by concentrating platelets at the site of injury.  These platelets have signaling potential to help guide the body’s healing process.  It is especially helpful for healing tendon or ligament injuries.

While we try to avoid long-term medication use to address pain, on occasion, a short-term prescription may be helpful.  During acute injury, tight muscles and spasm may cause severe pain and difficulty sleeping.  If our nurse practitioner believes this pain may be diminished through muscle relaxation, she may write a prescription for medication.