Pain Management Q & A

Pain is broadly classified as acute and chronic. Acute pain occurs suddenly and goes away within three to six months, while chronic pain lasts longer, whether it’s constant or recurs intermittently.

Some of the most common types of pain treated at SMART Spine Institute & Surgery Center include:

• Low back pain: herniated or degenerated disc, sciatica, muscle sprain
• Neuropathic pain: diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, compressed nerves
• Musculoskeletal pain: sports injuries, soft tissue sprains and strains, repetitive use injury
• Rheumatologic pain: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia
• Headache pain: migraine, tension, cluster

How is pain managed?

At SMART Spine Institute & Surgery Center, you have access to integrated care provided by a diverse team of specialists.

After a thorough examination and imaging studies, the underlying cause of your pain is determined. Then your doctor develops a treatment plan that may include one or more of the therapeutic options available, such as:

Chiropractic care

Spinal decompression and manipulation, as well as chiropractic techniques that target your feet, knees, shoulders, and other joints can improve movement, relax muscles, and alleviate pain. Spinal manipulation often relieves chronic lower back pain just as well as other treatments, including taking pain-relieving medications.

Orthopedic care

Epidural injections combine anesthetic agents and steroids for spinal pain relief. Nerve blocks can identify the source of pain; then medication is injected into the precise nerve causing the pain to provide extended relief. You may also receive non-opioid medication or surgical intervention to release a nerve or make other musculoskeletal repairs.

Therapeutic massage

Different types of massage such, as deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy, help improve circulation, relax muscles, and relieve pain.

Physical therapy

Staying active is a key part of pain management. Physical therapists create an individualized plan depending on your needs. Your plan may include different modalities such as structured exercise, therapeutic ultrasound, and interferential therapy, which uses electrical stimulation to reduce pain and swelling caused by muscle spasms, strains, and tissue damage.

How does regenerative medicine alleviate pain?

When platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells are injected at the site of injured tissues or into painful joints, they provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, and repair tissue damage. Both therapies promote healing by stimulating the growth of new tissues to replace damaged tissues.

If you struggle with ongoing pain, please don’t wait to contact SMART Spine Institute & Surgery Center, so they can help you with integrated pain management.