Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/94702
Pain Management Special Advertising Section Finding Needed Relief for Back Pain By Dr. Jared S. Greenberg, MD Neck and back pain are very common conditions that can negatively impact a person's quality of life. If left untreated, it can result in a loss of productivity at work, inability to participate in the activities you enjoy and can lead to frustration, anxi- ety or depression. Many of these painful spine and musculoskeletal disorders can be managed successfully without surgery. Th e key is for patients to understand their diagnosis, the pertinent anatomy related to their condition, and the natural course of their condition including possible progression. Th e vast majority of patients experienc- ing neck and low back pain have a specifi c and diagnosable source of their pain. If more simple measures fail to provide re- lief, specialized care is often warranted for identifi cation and management of the pain source. Th e evaluation starts with a complete patient history and neuromus- cular examination. Th ere are a variety of diagnostic tools that may aid in establish- ing a diagnosis, including but not limited to X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, and electrodiagnostic (EMG) evaluation. Once the care provider has established a diag- nosis with respect to the suspected pain generator(s), specifi c treatment options can then be recommended. Treatments are likely to be more successful with this type of care approach; given the specifi city of the targeted intervention (i.e. a physical therapy program for discogenic low back pain related to a disc herniation will be more comprehensive than a program for generalized low back pain of unknown etiology). Non-procedural treatment options may include diagnosis-specifi c PT/OT exer- cise programs, modalities and medica- tions. In some cases, injection therapy is recommended for either/both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Injections range from trigger point injections in the treat- ment of myofascial pain syndrome to more advanced techniques for spinal and periph- eral joint injections that utilize ultrasound or fl uoroscopic X-ray guidance for added precision. Furthermore, the future of spine care appears promising as more research is conducted to evaluate for potential thera- pies targeting disc regeneration through growth factors, fi brin, genetic and tissue engineering. Dr. Jared S. Greenberg is an interventional spine specialist with Meriter. For more information visit meriter.com/orthoclinic. You're Invited to our 2012 Holiday Open House Did you know that 80% of Americans will experience back pain in their lives? If you suffer from back pain, make an appointment with one of expert physicians at Advanced Pain Management. We will work with you to develop a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan to help relieve your back pain and get back your quality of life. Request an appointment today online at APMhealth.com/Madison or call 888-901-PAIN (7246). Saturday, December 8th 4pm - 8pm GIF T CA R D 888-901-7246 | 34 Schroeder Court | Madison APMhealth.com/Madison 608.824.9099 Buy ONE GIFT CARD S P EC I A L Get ONE FREE Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 12/8/12. Pre-sale going on NOW! elementsmassage.com/middletonwi 1950 Cayuga Street, December 2012 bravamagazine.com Middleton, WI 53562 35