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WHAT-CAUSES-OR-INCREASES-RISK-FOR-CHRONIC-NECK-PAIN

WHAT CAUSES OR INCREASES RISK FOR CHRONIC NECK PAIN?

Chronic neck pain might start to construct slowly over time. Neck pain is persistent if it lasts longer than three months. The pain may come and go, or be worse with some specific movements. The pain might only affect your neck, or it can move for your arms, back, or shoulders. You might also have pain that begins in other body part and moves to your neck. You may additionally have neck pain for years. Some types of neck pain can become permanent.

Common causes of chronic neck pain

When neck pain lasts or maintains coming returned over duration of numerous months, its miles typically because of spinal degeneration from wear-and-tear over time (also referred to as cervical spondylosis).  Disc related chronic neck pain causes are;

Cervical degenerative disc disease

All discs step by step lose hydration and the ability to cushion the spine’s vertebrae over time. If a disc degenerates enough, for a few people it is able to result in pain in diverse ways, along with a herniated disc, pinched nerve, or changes in the facet joints that can reason osteoarthritis.

Cervical osteoarthritis

When the cartilage in a cervical facet joint wears down enough, it can lead to cervical osteoarthritis. Cervical osteoarthritis is one of the most commonplace chronic neck pain causes.

Cervical herniated disc

When an intervertebral disc’s which is protecting outer layer (annulus fibrosus) in part or absolutely tears, a number of the jelly-like inner layer (nucleus pulpous) can also leak and reason inflammation and pain.

As spinal degeneration progresses, there is an increased chance for a narrowing of the foramen (cervical foraminal stenosis) and/or the spinal canal (cervical central stenosis). If the nerve root and/or spinal cord turn into impinged, pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness can also radiate into the fingers or legs.

Other causes of chronic neck pain

Other chronic neck pain causes could include;

  • Emotional stress and anxiety
  • Bad sleeping position
  • Infection
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Spinal tumor
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • A fraction of a neck bone that results in nerve damage
  • A condition that affects neck to arm nerves, which may include thoracic outlet syndrome or brachial neuritis
  • Inflammation from a medical condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, or rotator cuff tendinitis

Risk factors for developing chronic neck pain

Many exclusive risk factors for chronic neck pain causes had been suggested within the medical literature, such as:

  • Reduced neck strength
  • Previous neck problems
  • Poor posture
  • Smoking
  • Labor-in depth occupation
  • Female sex
  • Feelings of low support from work, family, or friends

For further information call us on 815.412.6166

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TREATMENTS-GUIDE-FOR-DISC-HERNIATION

TREATMENTS GUIDE FOR DISC HERNIATION

Spinal disc herniation is an damage to the cushioning and connective tissue among vertebrae, normally brought about by excessive strain or trauma to the spine. It may result in back pain, pain or sensation in various parts of the body, and physical disability.

The primary intention of spinal disc herniation treatment for every affected person is to assist relieve pain and other signs and symptoms attributable to the herniated disc. To acquire this purpose, each affected person’s treatment plan thought to be individualized on the source of the pain, the severity of pain and the specific signs that the patient exhibits.

How is a spinal disc herniation treated?

Medicine

Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) assist to alleviate pain, inflammation, and stiffness, taking into consideration improved mobility and exercise.

Common over-the-counter NSAIDs for spinal disc herniation treatment encompass aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen .You may take drug treatments with meals to keep away from stomach irritation.

Muscle relaxants and various analgesics is probably prescribed to alleviate the discomfort associated with excessive pain or muscle spasms inside the initial treatment periods.

Physical therapy

The goal of physical therapy is to improve middle strength, flexibility and endurance to allow you to have interaction in your everyday activities.

The exercises prescribed via your physical therapist also can assist relieve stress for your nerves, lowering the signs of pain and weakness. The exercising program frequently consists of stretching exercises to improve flexibility of tight muscular tissues and aerobic workout such as on foot or the use of a stationary bike to build persistence and improve circulation.

Other exercises might assist to reinforce the muscle tissues of your back, abdomen, and legs.

Spinal injections

An injection of a cortisone-like medicine into the lower back is also used as spinal disc herniation treatment  and it would possibly help to reduce swelling and infection of the nerve roots, allowing for increased mobility. These injections are known as epidurals or nerve blocks.

Surgery

Surgery is probably needed as spinal disc herniation treatment for peoples who do not respond to conservative treatment, whose symptoms get regularly worse, or who experience innovative neurologic decline. Rarely, a large disc herniation would possibly injure nerves to the bladder or bowel, which calls for emergency surgery. The most commonplace surgical options include microdiscectomy, laminectomy, or foraminotomy.

Microdiscectomy is a method used to put off fragments of a herniated disc, often the use of an operating microscope.

Laminectomy The part of the bone that curves round and covers the spinal cord (lamina) and the tissue that is causing strain at the nerve or spinal twine are removed. This manner is performed under local anesthesia. The hospital stay is for one to two days. Complete recuperation takes approximately six weeks.

For further information call us on 815.412.6166

 

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EVERYTHING-YOU'VE-ALWAYS-WANTED-TO-KNOW-ABOUT-BOTOX-TREATMENT

EVERYTHING YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BOTOX® TREATMENT

Botox is a drug made from botulinum toxin type A. This toxin is produced by way of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

Although this is the equal toxin that reasons botulism — a life-threatening form of food poisoning — its consequences vary according to the amount and form of exposure. For example, Botox is handiest injected in small, focused doses.

Uses of Botox treatment

Botox ®treatments is predominantly used as a remedy to reduce the advent of facial wrinkles and fine lines.

Beyond aesthetic applications, Botox® treatments is used to treat lots of medical conditions, along with eye squints, migraines, excess sweating, and leaky bladders.

Botulinum treatments is presently used to deal with over 20 distinct medical conditions, with greater applications beneath investigations.

Botox® treatments is currently accredited for the following therapeutic applications:

  • Blepharospasm (spasm of the eyelids)
  • Idiopathic rotational cervical dystonia (excessiveneck and shoulder muscle spasms)
  • Chronic migraine
  • Severe primaryaxillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
  • Strabismus (crossed eyes)
  • Post-stroke upperlimb spasticity
  • Detrusor (bladder wall muscle) overactivity – inflictingurinary incontinence
  • Overactive bladder
  • Hemifacial spasm
  • Glabellar strains(frown lines between the eyebrows)
  • Canthal traces(crow’s feet)

Botox® treatments is also used for:

  • Achalasia (a problemwith the throat that makes swallowing difficult)
  • Anismus and anal fissure (dysfunctionof the anal sphincter)
  • Sialorrhea (producing too muchsaliva).
  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
  • Sphincter of oddi (hepatopancreatic) dysfunction(causes abdominal pain)
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Oromandibular dystonia (forceful contraction of the jaw, face, or tongue)
  • Laryngeal dystonia (forceful contraction of the vocal cords)

How does Botox works in cosmetics surgery?

Botox ®treatments when used in cosmetics surgery blocks the signal from the nerve to the muscles. The injected muscle can now not contract (tighten) as forcefully, which reasons the wrinkles to relax and soften.

Botox® treatments can be used at the brow strains, frown lines, crow’s feet, bunny strains (lines in the nose), chin (for dimpling), skin bands at the neck, and across the mouth (for smoker’s lines and down-grew to become corners of the mouth). Wrinkles due to sun damage and gravity regularly will now not respond to Botox® treatments. It is critical to re-emphasize that BOTOX® is not a facial filler (that is, it does not fill present wrinkles) – it simply relaxes the muscles which might be creating the ones wrinkles.

How long does treatment lasts?

Botox® freezes muscle movement by blockading neuro-transmitters and this effect lasts for 4-6 months; this indicates you will need top-ups some instances a year if you want to maintain your line-free look.

Once you’ve had Botox® treatments, the consequences on the muscle mass usually appear within  few hours, with the main consequences appearing after about a week.

For further information call us on 815.412.6166

 

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TREATMENT-STRATEGIES -FOR-CHRONIC-MUSCULOSKELETAL-PAIN

TREATMENT STRATEGIES FOR CHRONIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

Musculoskeletal pain could be a common reason for patients to hunt care from healthcare suppliers. These conditions are unit preponderantly nontraumatic injuries with a broad differential analysis and sometimes while not a particular diagnosis despite thorough history and examination. The management of these conditions is often challenging for patients with continued chronic symptoms. Chronic musculoskeletal pain is often associated with decreased activity, sleep disturbance, fatigue and mood alterations, and can result in intense disability.

How to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain?

The main motive of chronic musculoskeletal pain treatments is to lower ache and improve function. Multidisciplinary packages comprise several styles of therapy including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic alternatives. These options have presented the greatest benefit and highest efficacy in managing chronic musculoskeletal pain. An individualized application that identifies present day medical conditions, medications, domestic life, and goals is important for geriatric patients.

Pain relieving medicines

Acetaminophen is the encouraged first-line chronic musculoskeletal pain treatments choice for mild to slight musculoskeletal pain. Acetaminophen a para-aminophenol spinoff with analgesic and antipyretic properties specializes in inhibiting imperative prostaglandin synthesis to reduce pain but lacks peripheral anti-inflammatory activity.

NSAIDsare a cluster of compounds and medicinal drugs with analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activity. NSAIDs are the most broadly prescribed types of medications. NSAIDs can be extremely powerful for musculoskeletal pain related to inflammation.

Topical pain-relieving ointments may be effective chronic musculoskeletal pain treatments for localized pain conditions. These medications may be applied directly at the positioning of musculoskeletal drawback to assist reduce swelling, intensity, and sensations of pain. Topical NSAIDs can offer an opportunity to oral NSAIDs for localized pain conditions. There are multiple mixtures of topical treatments and formulations. It’s very vital to use these agents as directed and make sure that the creams, sprays, rubs, or patches don’t interfere with current medications.

Exercise Programs

Regular and established exercises manipulate musculoskeletal pain situations and play a key position in continual musculoskeletal pain treatments. Active or passive exercises permit for greater joint mobility, improved blood flow, and decreased edema, enhanced variety of motion, inhibition of muscle spasms, improved strength, flexibility, and allows in weight loss.

 

 

TENS Therapy

The use of TENS medical care for chronic pain is effective for chronic musculoskeletal pain treatments. This will be done alone or together with alternative ways to reinforce effectiveness of treatment. There are some studies that explore any treatments of TENS medical care, however it’s as though as minimal risk option in the elderly that can facilitate decrease pain.

 

Pain management institute works to help people to cure acute and chronic long term pain to resume a normal life style. PMI has provided many treatments like stem cell therapy and many others.

For more details call on 815.412.6166

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WHY-DOES-YOUR-BACK-HURT-POTENTIAL-CAUSES-OF-BACK-PAIN

WHY DOES YOUR BACK HURT? POTENTIAL CAUSES OF BACK PAIN

Back pain is the most frequent cause of job-related disability. At least 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain in their lifetime, According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Most of the time back pain is the result of an injury, such as muscle sprains or strains due to sudden movements or poor body mechanics while lifting heavy objects.

Medical conditions causing back pain

Some common medical causes of back pain include;

  • Sciatica; is caused by pressure on the nerve endings that come out of the spine and results in pain in the lower back that moves down the buttocks into one or both of the legs.
  • Slipped disc; soreness in the lower back, muscle weakness, tight muscles and loss of bladder control may be the result of slipped disc.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis; it causes back pain, buttock pain, swollen joints and tendons and extreme tiredness.
  • Spondylolisthesis; in this condition a bone in the spine slipping out of position and causes lower back pain, stiffness, numbness and tingling.
  • Arthritis; inflammatory joint condition. Pain in the joint while walking is the primary symptom.
  • Whiplash; neck pain and stiffness, headaches and lower back pain following a motor vehicle accident.
  • Muscle or ligament strain; if your back is out of condition or you have other tissue problems.
  • Osteoporosis; the bones in your back can become brittle by osteoporosis and break easily.

Less common back pain causes

While considerably less common, causes of back pain can include;

  • Infection
  • Tumor
  • Autoimmune disease

How back pain trigger?

Some everyday activities either at home or at work can brought on or triggered back pain and are considered as causes of back pain. Back pain can develop over time as a result of sitting, standing or lifting badly.

Common triggers that are causes of back pain include:

  • Bending awkwardly
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling incorrectly
  • Repetitive bending, or lifting
  • Sitting a lot at work
  • Slouching in chairs
  • Standing and bending down for long periods
  • Twisting
  • Overstretching
  • Driving in a hunched position
  • Driving for long time
  • Overuse of the muscles due to sport or repetitive movements (repetitive strain injury)
  • Being exposed to whole body vibration

Risk factors

Back pain gets more frequent as you get older. Some conditions increase the risk and included in causes of back pain. They are;

  • Being overweight
  • Not exercising enough
  • Smoking
  • Being pregnant
  • Long-term use of medicines that are known to weaken the bones, such as corticosteroids
  • Stress
  • Depression

Pain management institute is helping people to cure acute and chronic long term pain to resume a normal life style. PMI has provided many treatments like stem cell therapy and many others.

For more details call on 815.412.6166

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WHY-DOES-ONE-SUFFER-FROM-CERVICAL-DYSTONIA-AND-WHAT-ARE-THE-SIGNS-AND-SYMPTOMS

WHY DOES ONE SUFFER FROM CERVICAL DYSTONIA? AND WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?

Cervical dystonia is a rare movement disorder which causes a person’s muscles to contract uncontrollably. It is a painful condition in which your neck muscles contract involuntarily and your head twist or turn to one side. Cervical dystonia also cause your head to uncontrollably or disorderly, tilt forward or backward.

Cervical dystonia, also called spasmodic torticollis, can occur at any age, but most often occurs in middle-aged people, women more than men. Symptoms generally begin slightly and then reach a point where they don’t get significantly worse.

Cervical dystonia symptoms and causes vary. It may be inherited, and one gene that plays a role has been identified. However, other causes have also been identified, for example, taking certain medications. Some diseases, such as some kinds of lung cancer, can also produce cervical dystonia symptoms and causes.

Symptoms of Cervical dystonia

Cervical dystonia symptoms and causes are;

  • Chin toward shoulder
  • Ear toward shoulder
  • Chin straight up
  • Chin straight down
  • Head tremor, which affects around half of people with cervical dystonia
  • Enlargement of the neck muscle, affecting almost 75 percent of people with cervical dystonia
  • Unknowing of physical movements not affected by dystonia
  • Neck pain which is radiating towards the shoulders
  • A raised shoulder
  • Hand tremors
  • Headache
  • Involuntary pulling of the neck
  • Uncontrollable blinking
  • Speech difficulties
  • A dragging leg
  • Cramping of the foot

What causes cervical dystonia?

Most cases of cervical dystonia do not have a specific cause. However, it seems to be related to a problem in the basal ganglia area of the brain that is responsible for initiating muscle contractions. The problem depends on how the nerve cells communicate.

Some possible cervical dystonia causes which is identified in most of the cases are;

  • Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s
  • Medication that blocks dopamine, such as some antipsychotics
  • Brain trauma
  • Stroke
  • Tumor
  • Oxygen deprivation
  • Infection
  • Drug reactions
  • Poisoning caused by carbon monoxide or lead
  • Wilson’s disease
  • Traumatic brain or spine injury
  • Huntington’s disease
  • MS (multiple sclerosis)
  • Some infections, such as encephalitis, TB (tuberculosis), or HIV
  • A genetic mutation, as around 10 to 25 percent of people with cervical dystonia may have a family history of the disease
  • A psychological problem

Risk factors of cervical dystonia

Other than these cervical dystonia symptoms and causes, some risks are also present for cervical dystonia. It is estimated to affect about 60,000 people in the United States. Those at risk include:

  • Women, who are affected about twice as much as men
  • People between ages 40 and 60
  • Those with a family history of dystonia

Pain management institute is helping people to cure acute and chronic long term pain to resume a normal life style. PMI has provided many treatments like stem cell therapy and many others.

For more details call on 815.412.6166

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HOW-TO-TREAT-AND-COPE-WITH-ARM-PAIN

HOW TO TREAT AND COPE WITH ARM PAIN?

Arm pain is most often caused by an injury to the skin, bones, muscles, or joints in the arm. Arm injuries can happen from playing sports repetitive overuse, trauma, performing manual labor duties, and improper exercise technique. Arm pain could be a very mild experience or an extremely painful one. Arm pain can become life-threatening as it can be associated with symptoms of a heart attack.

Treatments for arm pain

The arm pain treatment options will depend heavily on the condition at the root cause your arm pain along with your symptoms and personal goals. After diagnosing the cause, your physician can help you determine the best arm pain treatment of your arm pain.

Treatments for arm pain may include;

  • Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of treatment methods for various conditions, injuries, and illnesses. Many conditions that lead to arm pain are often resulting of poor mechanics of the shoulder and upper extremity. Physical therapy can help to alleviate these problems and improves your posture.

  • Anti-inflammatory medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are effective arm pain treatment at reducing inflammation and decreasing pain. These medications can have some side effects and should be taken under the direction of your doctor.

  • Cortisone injections

Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. Cortisone injection is delivered directly to the site of a problem. The benefit of this arm pain treatment is delivering a significant anti-inflammatory medication directly to the site of problem, although there are possible side effects of a cortisone injection.

  • Surgery

Surgery is generally performed when the simpler treatments fail to provide pain relief. However, surgery is also required to repair rotator cuff tears, remove the inflammation from around the shoulder, repair fractures of the arm, as well as to treat other conditions that are a possible root cause of arm pain.

Self-care of arm pain

In addition to the medications or other arm pain treatment which doctor can prescribe for arm pain, you can use a variety of treatments at home.

  • Rest; Take a break from your normal activities because sometimes all the body needs is rest. Rest the area in pain, and avoid movement and strenuous exercise.
  • Ice; Icing can often help to reduce inflammation and swelling. Use an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time on the painful area.
  • Compression; Wrapping the area where you’re experiencing pain with a brace or an elastic bandage can help reduce swelling, prevent you from extending a joint too far, and encourage healing. Buy an elastic bandage and brace for your arm pain.
  • Elevation; Keep your arm elevated to reduce swelling and pain. If any of these home remedies make your pain worse, stop the home treatment immediately and consult your doctor.

Preventing arm pain

Many cases of arm pain occur due to a preventable injury or condition. You can do the following things to prevent injury and arm pain:

  • stretch regularly, particularly before exercising
  • make sure that the exercises you’re performing to prevent injury are in correct
  • wear protective equipment while playing sports
  • stay in shape
  • lift objects carefully
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SAVE-YOURSELF-FROM-NECK-PAIN

SAVE YOURSELF FROM NECK PAIN

The neck is part of a long flexible column (the spinal column) which extends through most of the body. Spinal cord and nerves are further supported by strong ligaments and muscles that are attached to the vertebrae. Neck pain is a day-to-day complaint. Neck muscles can be strained from poor or bad posture whether it’s leaning over your computer or hunching over your workbench.

How neck pain is treated?

Neck pain treatment depends upon your diagnosis. Doctor will perform a physical exam and take your complete medical history and then refer you to specialist if necessary. Neck pain treatment may include;

  • pain medications
  • corticosteroid injections
  • muscle relaxants
  • neck collar
  • traction
  • antibiotics if you have an infection that’s causing you neck pain
  • hospital treatment or staying if a condition such as meningitis or heart attack is the cause
  • ice and heat therapy
  • exercise, stretching, and physical therapy
  • surgery which is rarely needed
  • acupuncture
  • chiropractic treatment
  • massage
  • transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

The following tips can help you find neck pain relief and can work as neck pain treatment.

  • Apply ice for the first few days. Then apply heat with a heating pad, hot compress, or by taking a hot shower.
  • Take a few days off from sports and activities that aggravate your symptoms, and heavy lifting. When you resume normal activity, do as slowly as your symptoms ease.
  • Exercise your neck every day. Slowly stretch your head in up-and-down and side-to-side motions.
  • Avoid carrying heavy shoulder bags.
  • Avoid supporting the phone between your neck and shoulder.
  • Change your position often. Don’t sit or stand in one particular position for too long.
  • Get a gentle neck massage.
  • For sleeping; use a special neck pillow
  • Don’t use a neck collar without your doctor’s approval. Because if you don’t use them properly, they can make your symptoms worse.
  • Adjust your desk, chair and computer.
  • Sleep in a good position.
  • Don’t use too many pillows.

When surgery is needed

When conservative neck pain treatment does not provide relief, surgery may be needed. Surgery is generally required when;

  • Conservative therapy is not helping you
  • The patient experiences progressive neurological symptoms involving the legs and arms
  • The patient experiences difficulty with walking or balance
  • The patient is in otherwise good health condition

There are several different surgical options which can be utilized, the choice of which is influenced by the severity of each case. Other factors include patient’s age, how long someone has had the disorder, other medical conditions and if there has been previous cervical spine surgery.

Pain management institute cure acute and chronic long term pain to resume a normal life style. PMI has provided many treatments like stem cell therapy and many others.

For more details call on 815.412.6166

 

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WHAT-CAN-BE-DONE-FOR-CHRONIC-SHOULDER-PAIN

WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR CHRONIC SHOULDER PAIN?

Chronic shoulder pain treatment often involves soothing inflammation, swelling, redness and strengthening muscles. Here are several ways you can take care of and relieve your shoulder pain.

  • Anti-inflammatory medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications relieve pain and lower inflammation. Reducing inflammation is important in some of the shoulder injuries.

  • Compression

Wrap the shoulder with an elastic medical bandage to reduce swelling and pain. Wrap it snugly but not too tight. You don’t want to block blood flow. If your hand begins to feel numb, or turn blue, loosen the compression bandage.

  • Heat therapy

Heat helps to relax muscles tension and soothe a stiff shoulder. It can help with muscle pain in the shoulder. Use a heated gel pack, heating pad or a hot water bottle.

  • Activity modification

It reduces shoulder pain with specific recommendations and based upon the underlying diagnosis. Reduction or avoidance of overhead activity is the mainstay of chronic shoulder pain treatment because this avoids the painful arc. Avoiding heavy loading can also help with the pain. Certain overhead activities can precipitate instability symptoms. Cross-body shoulder adduction, such as the motion performed in the golf swing or while weight lifting, should be limited because it can recreate painful joint.

  • Muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants may help treat pain if you have tense muscle or spasms around the shoulder joint. You will need a prescription from your doctor for muscle relaxants.

Remember that they cause drowsiness and shouldn’t be taken if you’re driving or operating machinery.

  • Physical therapy

Physical therapy confines a large range of chronic shoulder pain treatment. There are therapeutic modalities designed to alleviate pain directly and stretching and strengthening exercises intended to relieve pain by improving overall shoulder function. The type and focus of physical therapy depends on the underlying condition. Little evidence exists for the use of therapeutic modalities alone. A recent review showed that stretching and strengthening provide improved short-term recovery and long-term function in patients with shoulder pain especially with rotator cuff disease. When the patient actively participates in the rehabilitation process on a daily basis and the underlying diagnosis is known, the success of physical therapy is optimal.

  • Injections

If patients have a poor response to initial chronic shoulder pain treatment then corticosteroid injections combined with a local anesthetic can be administered. The injection needs to be directed into the affected area where they start reducing joint’s inflammation.

  • Surgery

Although most chronic shoulder pain conditions get better with other treatments but there are some conditions which require surgery as chronic shoulder pain treatment. These include; rotator cuff injuries, glenohumeral osteoarthritis, glenohumeral joint instability, and adhesive capsulitis.

Pain management institute works to cure acute and chronic long-term pain to resume a normal lifestyle. PMI has provided many treatments like stem cell therapy and many others.

For more details call on 815.412.6166

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ROLE-OF-INTRATHECAL-THERAPY-IN-PAIN-MANAGEMENT

ROLE OF INTRATHECAL THERAPY IN PAIN MANAGEMENT

An intrathecal pump therapy is a method of giving medication directly to your spinal cord. The therapy uses a small pump that is surgically placed under the skin of your abdomen. The pump will deliver medication through a catheter to the area around your spinal cord. Because the drug is delivered directly to the area which delivers pain signals, your symptoms can be controlled with a much smaller dose than is needed with oral medication and also reduces the side effects of medications.

Who is a candidate for intrathecal pump therapy?

You may be a candidate for intrathecal pump therapy if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conservative therapies have failed
  • You do not have benefitted from additional surgery
  • You are dependent on pain medication
  • You do not have psychological problems
  • You have no such medical conditions that would keep you from undergoing implantation
  • You are not allergic to any of the drugs used in the pump
  • You show positive response with a trial dose of medication

An intrathecal pump therapy can help to lessen chronic pain caused by:

  • Failed back surgery syndrome; failure of one or more surgeries to control persistent leg pain (sciatica), but not technical failure of the original procedure.
  • Cancer pain; persistent pain caused by tumors compressing the spinal nerves, or scarring from previous radiation therapy.
  • Reflex sympathetic dystrophy; a progressive and degenerative disease of the nervous system in which patients feel constant chronic burning pain.
  • Causalgia; a burning pain which is caused by peripheral nerve injury.
  • Arachnoiditis; painful inflammation and scarring of the meninges of the spinal nerves.
  • Chronic pancreatitis; chronic abdominal pain caused by inflammation or blockage of the pancreatic duct.

An intrathecal pump therapy can help to lessen muscle rigidity and spasms that make movement of the arms, and legs difficult caused by:

  • Cerebral palsy; a nervous disorder which impairs control of body movement.
  • Multiple sclerosis; a disorder of the brain and spinal cord caused by damage to the outer layer (myelin) of nerve cells.
  • Stroke; brain damage from lack of oxygen; due to an interrupted blood supply.
  • Brain injury
  • Spinal cord injury

 

Which medicines are using in intrathecal pump therapy?

The intrathecal pump therapy uses following medicines for pain management;

  • Baclofen
  • Bupivacaine
  • Clonidine
  • Morphine
  • Ziconotide

These medicines are delivering in this manner that intrathecal pump therapy minimize the side effects which are often associated with the higher doses used in oral or intravenous delivery of these drugs.

Procedure of the surgery

There are two parts of the intrathecal pump therapy procedure first is the placement of the catheter in the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord, and second is the placement of the pump/reservoir in the abdomen. There are five main steps of the procedure. The operation usually takes 3 to 4 hours.

  • Preparing the patient for the procedure
  • Catheter placement in the intrathecal space
  • Tunneling of the extension
  • Placement of the pump
  • Close the incisions

What to do after intrathecal pump therapy?

  • Take pain killers as directed by your doctor.
  • Ice your incision 3 to 4 times a day to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Do not lift heavy things for 2 weeks.
  • Do not drink alcohol for 2 weeks.
  • No strenuous activities for 2 weeks.
  • Avoid sitting for too long.
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