Welcome to Pain Management Institute

To make an appointment for any of our locations, please call
  815.412.6166

All posts by admin

fractures-Kyphoplasty

No more agonizing of compression fractures with Kyphoplasty

If you are burdened with a painful vertebral compression fracture and you live in Chicago, Frankfort then you are in a good fortune, there is where the prestigious Pain Management Institute by Dr Zaki Anwer, MD, for in- patient Kyphoplasty is located.

Research indicates, more than 750,000 patients suffer compression fractures per year in the United States, these fractures are more frequent than hip fractures, and usually brings prolonged disability

Until the present times doctors were restricted in how they could treat osteoporosis- caused spine fractures. Pain medications, plenty of rest and invasive spinal surgery were the sole choices. Now there is a potential therapeutic and preventive treatment for compression fractures which is called Kyphoplasty

“About 5 years  ago I was diagnosed with two compression fractures with severe pain. While I was in college and was operated.”

“The other fractured vertebral columns were silent until I was playing golf and the moment I felt that back pain, I remembered what it was. The same pain I endured a few years ago. The very same day I visited Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD, at the Pain Management Institute, at first he recommended some pain medications and also we tried some conservative treatments such as Physical therapy. A week later Dr. Zaki Anwer,MD, took an MRI and suggested that he would operate.

“Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD planned a different surgery that the one I had before. It was Kypholplasty, a minimally invasive surgery performed under general anesthesia. Dr Zaki Anwer, MD, made two small incisions in my epidural space with the guidance of an X-Ray placed a probe into the epidural space where the bone was damaged”.

“He penetrated the vertebra and placed a balloon on each side. The balloons were inflated with contrasting pigmentation until they got the desired height and then removed. The space he created with the help of the balloon was then filled with PMMA, an orthopedic cement, that helps bind the fracture. The cement hardened rapidly and  provided strength and stability to the vertebra, restoring height, and relieving my chronic  pain”

Explaining the major difference between spinal surgery and Kyphoplasty, Dr. Zaki Anwer said:

“Instead of making a large incision and cutting through the large back muscle, I make a small incision and use tubes, There is no cutting of the back muscle.”

The Kyphoplasty treatment option is suitable for compression fracture, relieving pain, stabilizing fractures, minimizing spinal deformity and consequences of untreated osteoporosis

Additional benefits of the procedures include:

  • Short surgical time
  • Only general or local anesthesia required
  • The Average hospital stay is one day (or less)
  • Patients can quickly return to the normal activities of daily living
  • No brace required

Talking about the risks Dr Zaki Anwer, MD, advised

It is vital that you must discuss about the potential risks, complications and advantages of Kyphoplasty with your Physician before receiving treatment and rely upon your physician’s diagnosis. Only your physician can determine whether Kyphoplasty is suitable for you or not

Read More
chronic-back-pain

Are you enduring chronic back pain and lost hope?, here is what you need to know

After years of enduring tormenting chronic back pain and being told there was no probability of improvement CiaraCollins of New York finally got her happy days back, thanks to unique treatment she received at The Pain Management Institute. The excruciating pain was due to chronic nerve damage the 28 year old mother of two, encountered after several lower spine surgeries she has undergone five years earlier. Doctors informed her that there is no treatment that can help with the pain and she has to endure it for the rest of her life. The candle of hope lightened when Ciara met Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD, the Pain Management Institute, where she was implanted with Intrathecal Pain Pump to manage her debilitating chronic pain

Ciara had travelled to visit Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD, a pain management specialist, after loosing hopes by several other doctors. Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD, tried a few treatment options including injections and medications. However, after no results he suggested an Intrathecal pain pump trial, a procedure in which a small amount of Opoid pain medication is injected into the epidural space, the trial was exceptionally successful for reducing Ciara’s pain and Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD, referred her a permanent placement of Intrathecal Drug Pump at Pain Management Clinic

The Pain Management Institute is a collaborative, multidisciplinary effort to alleviate pain and restore function by application of technology and medicine,” says Dr. Zaki Anwer,MD, “For the suitable candidate the spinal cord stimulation or Intrathecal Pain Pump therapy can potentially reduce pain and improve the quality of life”

The Intrathecal pain pump therapy is a treatment option for patients enduring chronic pain that does not respond to other treatment options. The is a hockey puck sized that is surgically implanted into the abdomen and works by pumping medications straight the area where the spinal cord is found, also known as the Intrathecal Space. The medication then affects the pain receptors in the spinal cord and the brain to reduce the pain.

Since the medication is released continuously, it is much more effective than oral. Consequently, less medication is taken to manage the pain and the patients are likely to experience fewer side effects, such as nausea, drowsiness, constipation and mental fogginess

Following a successful surgery of having implants Intrathecal Pain Pump and weeks later refilled with medications, Ciara was finally able to manage her pain. She praises the dedicated yet sympathetic staff of the Pain Management Institute helping her get back her happiest days. “Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD, gave me something that I lost hope of, the light of hopes after a very dark period” said Ciara, “My words are limited to express how thankful I am to have an amazing Pain Management Specialist’s care for me”

Read More
Intercostal-nerve-block

Intercostal nerve block; what you need to know?

Ash Walsh concluded  at 3am this morning that pain from four fractured ribs was too much to race in this weekend’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000

The 29-year-old had idea he’d fend off from the sports car crash with only bruising, but a CT scan yesterday unveiled four fractured ribs. “After a few laps in my friend’s car I thought  I’d be alright and I just woke up this morning a lot terrible,” Walsh explained.

“I hardly slept and at 3 am, I concluded, I can’t do this. It’s more terrible than ever, I was on pain killers and it wasn’t easing. I have been taking plenty of rest from the last weeks, but getting up and doing routinely activities or driving and then rest making it extremely uncomfortable” thanks to Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD, at The Pain Management Institute who introduced intercostal nerve block and helped me get back to competition.

Some of the most recurring complaints from patients visiting emergency rooms all over the United States with chest and abdominal pain

An intercostal nerve block is an injection of medication that assists in relieving chest pain caused by rib fracture resulting from sudden injuries, tragic accidents and shingles. The intercostal nerves are found under each rib, when any of the nerves or tissues encircling get damaged or inflamed, it causes severe pain.

A steroid medication and local anesthetic injected under the rib can help you ease inflammation and eliminate pain explains Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD

Intercostal nerve blocks can also be practiced to help diagnose the source of pain”. Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD

How is an intercostal nerve block done?

Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD, explains the intercostal nerve block procedure At Pain Management Institute.

My patient’s comfort is my primary concern, I will give an Intravenous medication to relax, then you’ll lie on your side, the one not causing pain. I will use an antiseptic solution to clean an area of the skin where the injection will be given.

I will then insert a thin needle under your rib to inject anesthesia. An X-ray guidance will be used to insert a second needle and inject steroid pain medication. Typically the procedure takes less than half an hour and you can go home the same day

Talking about the post procedure outcomes and pain reduction after the injection Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD, elucidates, some patients experience pain relief immediately after the injections, but the pain may return a few hours later as the anesthesia fades.

Lasting relief typically begins in two to three days, once the steroid taking action. The pain relief may be different for every patient, for some patients it may last months, if the treatment works for you I recommend, you can have intercostal nerve block injections from certain intervals to stay pain free

Read More
Facet-joint-injections-back-pain

Facet joint injections spread hopes for back pain sufferers

Severe lumbar back pain is one of the most widespread ailments reported by adolescents in the U.S. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25% of the complainants reported experiencing back pain in the preceding span of three months

Several patients facing chronic back pain, opt surgery for relief. Unluckily, surgical options are not usually worthwhile at eliminating back pain. As a matter of most medical professionals use the term “failed back surgery syndrome” to distinguish the patients who still suffer from severe pain after back surgery

A survey done in Chicago by The Pain Management Institute yields 1,450 patients who had to quit work because of severe lower back pain. The survey also indicated a 41 percent increase in the consumptions  of painkillers among the surgery group. The dilemma arises, when the  intensity of pain after surgery, run over the patient’s expectations and interferes the patients lifestyle and ability to work

Due to the complicated structure of the spine and its encircling nerves, muscles and blood vessels, there are several reasons that surgery could fail to provide relief from chronic back pain. They involve issues such as scar tissue development, surgical hardware failure and incorrect surgical site.

Rather than striving to treat chronic back pain through surgery, a fruitful method can be to handle chronic back pain similar to illness, like diabetes or high blood pressure, where treatment is more focused on managing pain hallmarks so the patients can lead productive livesDr. Zaki Anwer, MD.

Facet block injections are one of the worthwhile alternatives to help patients suffering from chronic back pain either after or instead of surgery. A facet joint block is the spinal injection of medication that numbs the medial nerve, carried out

  • A short-acting numbing drug
  • A long-acting Corticosteroid, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug

If your facet joint block injection has worked, your pain is relieved, however, if a single injection doesn’t succeed another can be recommended

At the Pain Management Institute we will devise a series of carefully spaced out facet joint blocks as a part of your spinal care path. Dr Zaki Anwer, MD.

The Potential results of a facet joint block include:

  • No pain relief.
  • Pain goes away and returns after a few hours.

Pain goes away, returns later the same day, and gradually improves during the next few days.

Read More
stiff-neck

Why a stiff neck could leave you no good

Up till now in a wink, everyday life became almost futile to manage for the 59 year old Lawyer from Illinoise, in United States of America

Her neck became so stiff and agonizing that she could not turn her head, which afflicted her ability to even drive safely.

“ I had to park at distant from other cars as I had so much difficulty getting in and out of the car.”, said Janice, 59 years old

She strived getting in and out of her bed and says she came to dismay going to sleep at night because of the agonizing she had to suffer

The acceleration and severity of her neck pain eventually compelled Janice to take an early withdrawal from her job.

“The final straw was when I wasn’t even able to bend to put my shoe lace and my husband had to do it for me. I decided to go to see the doctor as something wasn’t in my favor”

When she sought help, Janice was diagnosed with severe neck muscle sprains, a neck stiffening condition that causes pain and tenderness in the tendons and ligaments around the neck and shoulder. Also, there are several other causes that lead to soaring neck conditions including,

  • Cervical spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated disc
  • Whiplash
  • Degenerative disc disease

Janice says: “ I was lucky that I had a physician Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD,  who understands how debilitating a neck pain could be, and Is well versed in treating neck pain,  but I have heard many stories of people who have been misdiagnosed or when they finally being diagnosed the condition worsens

“I had a bit of a catastrophe as I became hopeless to get better.” Janice then came to know the Pain Management Institute, with its potential support, advice and cooperation Janice was able to manage her everyday life better than ever

Many patients suffering from severe neck pain, initiate taking steroids too quickly without proper consultation and their body requirements and end up with the hallmarks reversed, Says Dr. Zaki Anwer, MD. In the present days newer and highly potential neck pain treatments have been introduced with lesser side effects which may include, Activity modification, Ice and/or heat therapy, Over-the-counter pain medication, Physical therapy, Manual manipulation, Massage therapy, Acupuncture, Prescription medications

Read More
Adults-suffer

Adults in the western society mostly suffer these hallmarks, checkout to know if you are also a part

Everyone among us at some point experience muscle pain and related sufferings. The pain is sometimes so debilitating and influence the support structure that helps you to carry out your routinely activities.. Musculoskeletal pain exhibits a severe kind of human energy deterioration, where the need for energy exceeds our body’s ability to keep up. Says Dr Zaki Anwer, MD,

It influences the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Sometimes the pain appears to be acute or in other cases it is chronic. Musculoskeletal pain can be restricted to one area or can be widespread.

Commonly musculoskeletal pain arises from the lower back, other common types of musculoskeletal pain involve tendonitis, Myalgia and stress fracture.

Common hallmarks of musculoskeletal pain

The hallmarks of musculoskeletal pain differ according the certain condition, whether the pain is caused by an injury or overuse. If it is chronic or acute, also the pain may vary from person to person.

The common hallmarks involve;

  • Localized or widespread pain that can worsen with movement
  • Aching or stiffness of the entire body
  • The feeling that your muscles have been pulled or overworked
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Twitching muscles
  • The sensation of “burning” in your muscles

Anyone among us can encounter musculoskeletal pain. The national institute of health explains, the musculoskeletal pain may be the result of an injury to the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves.

The injury is usually caused by jerking movements, sudden accidents, falls, fractures, sprains, dislocations and direct blow to the muscles.

As reported by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention about 33% of adults from the overall adult population in the U.S encounter musculoskeletal pain from overuse of the muscles. The most commonly occurring pain from overuse is the lower back pain and caused by work related stress and poor posture or prolonged immobilization in the western society.

Musculoskeletal pain treatment

Most of the medical professionals agree for the musculoskeletal pain treatment can be done by changing your lifestyle habits and taking a combined course of treatment. You can minimize your pain by following some common treatment programs such as;

  • RICE a well known acronym for musculoskeletal pain treatment, especially subsequent to an athletic injury, R stands for Rest, I for ice, C for compression and E for elevation
  • NSAIDs
  • Topical analgesics
  • Physical therapy
  • Strengthening exercise

Acupuncture and acupressure

Read More
Can I ease sciatica-pain-surgery

Can I ease sciatica pain without surgery

As much as 4 out of every 10 individuals experience sciatica pain or irritation in the sciatic nerve at some point. The nerve roots from the alternative side of the lower spine and passes to each of the legs. Anything that causes pressure on the nerves or irritates the nerve cause pain that spreads down the back of the buttock and thigh. The intensity of the pain may vary, sciatica pain may be felt as a mild ache, throbbing, inflammatory and  extreme tenderness. Sciatica pain is also debilitating and cause tingling

Symptoms of sciatica pain

Some common symptoms that lead to sciatica pain include;

  • Lower back pain
  • Pain in your butt or leg that worsens when you sit
  • Hip pain
  • Burning or tingling down your leg
  • Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving your leg or foot
  • A constant pain on one side of your butt
  • A shooting pain down your leg that makes it difficult to stand up

 Sciatica pain treatment

The sciatica pain can become worse sitting or standing in a same position, and other movements. Sciatica pain treatment can be done using hot and cold packs, use of anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers, regular physical therapy and steroidal injection

Physical therapy

Sciatica pain treatment from physical therapy involves, Light exercises that aim at your back enhancing your posture and capacity to respond to sudden stress. Avoid strenuous activities during this phase of recovery.

A Physical workout and yoga to reduce the tightened hip muscles and hamstring also serves as a potential sciatica pain treatment

Massage, and acupuncture treatments

  • Massage therapy also helps increasing mobility by reducing pain
  • Some physicians also recommend acupuncture as a sciatica pain treatment

Ice and heat as sciatica pain treatment

When sciatica pain is initiated, treating with cold pack can offer a potential  relief. By applying a bag of frozen peas or a cold pack wrapped in the towel on the affected area several times a day for 20 minutes provide relief. If still you feel sciatica pain treating with heat may give you a potential reduction

When to Call the Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Weakness in your lower extremities
  • Numbness in your leg
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

Severe pain in your lower back or leg

Read More

Know the causes of your spinal pain

What is a Herniated Disc?

The disc in your back is a tough, elastic structure like that of a rubber and performs as a cushion between the vertebrae , that makes up the spinal cord. The disc reacts as a natural shock absorber between the vertebrae. The disc can become injured due to daily wear and tear, a crack or rupture. The injured disc can cause stress on the spinal nerves. Spinal disc herniation in the neck causes nagging neck pain and often known as the cervical disc herniation. Spinal  disc herniation in the lower back is known as lumbar disc herniation. These two areas are highly sensitive for spinal disc herniation. Our board certified physicians at Pain Management Institute are highly trained in offering the best spinal disc herniation treatments

What causes a Herniated Disc?

Spinal disc herniation is common among individuals and can happen with sudden, hard accidents, direct exposure of the spine to injury, sports injury and older age. As we age our disc loose water and become easily breakable, resulting the bones vulnerable to tearing, cracks and injury

What are the symptoms of spinal disc herniation?

The symptoms of spinal disc herniation vary depending on the point of the spine where the disc is affected. Some common symptoms of cervical disc herniation include;

  • Neck pain
  • Pain, weakness or numbing of the shoulders or arms
  • Sensation in the arm

Common symptoms of lumbar disc herniation include;

  • Lower back pain
  • Debilitating pain and numbness of the buttocks or leg, including sciatica
  • Sensation of the leg
  • Difficulty and pain with walking and standing for longer periods of time

Herniated Disc Treatment at Pain Management Institute

Before treatment of spinal disc herniation at Pain Management Institute, your physician will inquire about your medical history, and may take a physical examination, along with an MRI. If you are found with having a spinal disc herniation, our expert physicians highly trained in non surgical treatment will help reduce your pain and improve mobility. Physicians at the Pain Management Institute will tailor a specialized treatment plan to fulfill your individual needs. Spinal disc herniation treatments at PMI includes, physical therapy, epidural steroid injection, nerve root blocks, Stem cell therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma therapy

What you need to do next?

The first step in figuring out what the best spinal disc herniation treatment plan for you is to make an appointment to see one of our spinal disc herniation doctors in PMI. Pain Specialists and Interventional Spine Specialist are a good option for herniated disc diagnosis and to learn your non-surgical herniated disc treatment options.

Read More

What causes me shoulder pain? How do I fix my shoulder pain?

As we get older, keeping ourselves active and regular workout becomes more important than before. We usually realize that joint pain or injury restricts our ability to work out. Shoulder pain is a common ailment that can influence the individuals in all their lifestyle and is very common in senior citizens due to the aging process. The shoulder is a complicated, and highly flexible joint that is exposed to sprains, strains, tendon tears and inflammation. Some common causes of shoulder pain involve;

Arthritis;

Though there are several types of arthritis, however, it traditionally involves wear and tear damage and inflammation of the joint resulting in swelling, pain and stiffness

Rotator cuff tears;

The rotator cuff is a strong cord of muscles and tendons responsible for providing strength and firmness to the shoulder joint. Repetitive motion and wear and tear or intense sports activities may cause the  rotator cuff to tear

Bursitis

The shoulder joint is provided with an easing small pocket around the rotator cuff which is often called the bursa, aggressive movements can cause the bursa to get inflamed

Fracture or dislocation

A sudden fall or an injury can break one of the bones surrounding the shoulder or may force to dislocate from its normal position. The broken or dislocated bone of the shoulder brings about severe pain and loss of mobility in the shoulder joint

Cervical disc herniation

Shoulder pain can also arise due to damaged disc or pinched nerve. Degenerative disc may also contribute to severe shoulder pain

Diagnosis

The physician will ask about your medical history and may conduct physical examination and other diagnostic test such as MRI and X-ray

Shoulder pain treatment

Traditional shoulder pain treatments involve changing your lifestyle and habitual activities, taking sufficient rest and treating with ice and heat, physical therapy to improve the range of motion and strength  90% of the shoulder pain is relieved with these simple remedies, however, in a few cases steroid injections or surgery may become necessary

Most of the patients neglect the initiating shoulder symptoms with minor effect, however, if your symptoms are chronic, consult your physician immediately to get a timely diagnosis and shoulder pain treatment. In case of an acute injury and sharp pain, immediately seek medical attention

Only 30 percent of the Americans over age 65 workout on routinely basis. Just a 30 minutes a day of physical activity will help improve your overall shoulder pain condition and the quality of life. Letting shoulder pain hold you back from enjoying life is your choice

Read More

Are you tired of chronic pelvic pain? Unaware of the causes? Here is what you need to know

Chronic pelvic pain is the an ailment that influences almost one in seven women in the united states. It is explained as pain located below the belly button and lasting longer than six months. Though your physician might make the diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain, however, more knowledge is required to diagnose the exact cause of your pelvic pain. Diagnosing the real cause may not be simple and requires multiple visits to your physician. Pelvic pain in women can be an indication that there might be some ailments in one of the reproductive organs in women in the pelvic area such as Uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, vagina. Though pelvic pain defines the pain in the area of women’s internal reproductive organs, pelvic pain may arise either during intimacy or may arise from other severe infections

How would I know if it is pelvic pain?

Chronic Pelvic pain in women may show a wide variety of symptoms, some of which include

  • Menstrual cramps
  • Menstrual pain
  • Painful or difficult urination
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Bloating or gas
  • Blood seen with a bowel movement
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Fever or chills
  • Pain in the hip area
  • Pain in the groin area

What causes pelvic pain in women?

  • Pregnancy
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Miscarriage
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Ovulation
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Ovarian cysts or other ovarian disorders
  • Fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Cancer

Do men also suffer pelvic pain?

Some common causes of pelvic pain that rests among both men and women

  • Appendix
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Sexually transferred disease
  • Intestine ailments
  • Pinched nerves
  • Hernia
  • Spasm of pelvic muscles
  • Broken pelvic bones
  • Stress

What are the treatments for pelvic pain?

The treatment for pelvic pain may vary with the cause and severity, and the frequency of the pain occurring. Sometimes medicines, including antibiotics are sufficient for treating chronic pelvic pain. However, if the pain is caused by the ailment of any pelvic organs the treatment might involve surgery or other procedures. In some cases, physical therapy is helpful in the case of stress. Leading a life with pelvic pain can be stressing and causes anxiety, we suggest there are benefits if you work with a trained counselor, psychologists and psychiatrists

 How is pelvic pain diagnosed?

When diagnosing the cause of pelvic pain, the doctor will review the symptoms and medical history of the patient. A physical exam and/or other tests might also help in diagnosing the cause of pelvic pain. The specific testing performed will depend on the discussions with your doctor as well as your examination. Some diagnostic tools might include:

  • Blood and urine tests
  • Pregnancy tests in females of reproductive age
  • Vaginal or penile cultures to check for sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia
  • Abdominal and pelvic X-rays
  • Diagnostic laparoscopy (procedure allowing a direct look at the structures in the pelvis and abdomen)
  • Hysteroscopy (procedure to examine the uterus)
  • Stool guaiac test (checking of a stool sample for presence of microscopic blood)
  • Lower endoscopy such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy (insertion of a lighted tube to examine the inside of the rectum and part or all of the colon)
  • Ultrasound (test that uses sound waves to provide images of internal organs)
  • CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis (scan that uses X-rays and computers to produce cross-sectional images of the body)
Read More