What Type of Treatments Do Pain Doctors Offer

If you suffer from chronic pain, you know how far-reaching the effects on your life and health can be. Many patients become very frustrated and even depressed as they deal with chronic pain. Pain doctors offer a wide range of treatments aimed at comprehensively addressing the patient's pain. In many cases, more than one type of treatment is used.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy often forms a cornerstone of treatment. Physical therapy exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles that support the spine and joints, improve flexibility, and increase body alignment. You can and should continue to use the exercise you learn in physical therapy at home even after your treatment is over.

Medication

Medication can be used to control inflammation and pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen and aspirin, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications. You shouldn't take over-the-counter medications over a prolonged period without consulting a doctor first.

Steroid Injections

Pain doctors may provide steroid injections to treat a number of conditions, because they have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Steroid injections can be made directly into joints such as the knee and elbow. Steroids can also be injected into the epidural space of the spine to treat herniated discs, bulging discs, and other spine problems.

Stem Cell Injections

Stem cells collected from one's own body have powerful, long-lasting anti-inflammatory effects. Stem cell injections can be used for the spine or joints. During this procedure, stem cells are collected and concentrated from the blood or fat, then injected into another part of the body.

Laser Spine Surgery

Laser spine surgery is an endoscopic type of spine surgery that allows doctors to operate on the spine without making large incisions. During this procedure, small incisions are made along the spine and a laser probe is used to treat the spine problem. The relief from symptoms is often immediate, and the recovery time is short. 

In general, doctors will recommend less invasive treatments as the first course of treatment. The majority of pain sufferers can find relief without resorting to surgery. However, if you do not respond to non-surgical techniques or if your condition is severe, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Only a doctor can determine which type of pain treatment is right for you. To schedule a consultation with one of the top pain doctors in the nation, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (212) 430-0312.