“The best treatment option for an individual patient depends on where the pain originates in the spine. Once we diagnose the source, we can begin conservative treatments,” says Ken Joel, MD, pain management specialist at NFH. “Options can include epidurals or radiofrequency lesioning, which interrupts nerve conduction and reduces pain.”

Dorsal column stimulator trials are also available for people experiencing chronic pain. This treatment involves a stimulator that is implanted on the dorsal columns of the spine, which then sends a signal to the brain to ease pain.

In addition to offering pain treatment options, the Pain Control Center staff helps educate patients about positive lifestyle changes that can work in conjunction with medical modalities to relieve pain.

“Educating patients is just as important as the interventions we perform,” says Dr. Joel. “We teach patients about maintaining core strength to reduce back pain and can refer them to a physical therapist if they need more instruction.”

Although complete relief from pain may not be possible in each case, our treatment approach focuses on your ability to

• Manage your own pain
• Increase functionality
• Reduce dependence upon medications and the medical system
• And regain control of your life

Common Back and Spine Conditions We Treat:

• Back and Neck Pain
• Cancer Pain
• Cerviogenic Pain
• Chronic pain following back or neck surgery
• Chronic Pain Syndrome
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Compression Fractures
• Degenerative disease of intervertebral discs
• Musculoskeletal pain, including Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) & Causalgia
• Radiculopathy (Pain originating in the neck or back and extending to the arms or legs)
• Sacroiliac Joint Arthropathy
• Sciatica
• Shingles/Herpes Zoster
• Spinal Stenosis
• Vertebral Compression Fractures

To ensure that you receive the highest quality care, we also make referrals to Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychotherapists, Vocational Rehabilitation Therapists, Neurosurgeons and Orthopedists, should you need additional services.