Chronic pain is a very common problem in today’s high stress society and affects millions of individuals, often originating from their muscles, joints, bones, and spine. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term problems, according to Larry Reed, M.D., pain management specialist at Saint Anthony’s Health Center.
“The first step toward resolving their pain is to diagnose the exact source of the pain and to exclude more serious causes such as tumors, fractures, or conditions that may require surgical intervention,” said Dr. Reed (shown at left). “Most patients are sent for imaging studies, such as x-ray exams or MRI studies before a treatment plan is prescribed. Once the source of the pain is known, then image-guided procedures can be used to attack the pain at its exact source or location.”
For example, if an MRI of the spine shows a herniated disc at a particular level, then an epidural steroid injection with fluoroscopic guidance allows the physician to place the steroid directly on the herniation, where it has the best chance of success. Such treatments in the hands of skilled practitioners, has an expected success rate of 70 to 80%.
If the MRI shows arthritis in the joints in the back of the spine, then image guided nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation of the nerves that supply sensation to these joints may offer to get rid of the pain. There are many options for treatment, and each requires proper diagnosis and image-guide treatment.
“Patients in chronic pain are prone to becoming depressed and a vicious cycle involving the pain and depression may evolve,” said Dr. Reed. “Patients who have chronic pain syndromes develop weakness in the muscles, which support the spine. This also results in a vicious cycle causing more muscle degradation. This is when physical therapy can play a major role.
“A holistic approach to the patients’ pain, which includes the psychological and physical aspects of treatment, is used,” Dr. Reed noted.
Saint Anthony’s Pain Management program specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. The program is led by Larry D. Reed, M.D., and staffed by Gino DiIorio, M.D., Ronald Levy, D.O., and John Zabrowski, M.D.
Appointments may be scheduled by calling 618/474-4866.