Austin Pain Associates

  
Interventional Procedures
The goals of interventional procedures (or non-operative forms of pain management) are varied and include the following: to diagnose the site of pain, to decrease inflammation and provide pain relief, to reset the nervous system so that it stops abnormal painful stimuli in disease processes such as CRPS, and to help patients improve the quality of their life. Pain that comes from injured or inflamed nerves can often be improved through the use of certain medications delivered specifically to the area of injury. Patients who may benefit the most from an interventional pain procedure are those who have symptoms of radiculopathy (pain from nerves being compressed near the spine), or other types of nerve injury. For these patients an interventional procedure such as an epidural steroid injection, a nerve root block, or radiofrequency nerve ablation can target the nerve that is causing the pain. These procedures allow patients to work effectively with physical therapists or start personal exercise programs to regain strength and function with less pain. High tech implantable pain therapies such as spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pumps are utilized when more conservative therapies have failed. Spinal cord stimulators deliver an electric current directly to the spine, which masks the pain patients would normally feel. Intrathecal pumps relieve pain by delivering medication directly to the spine. This delivery method requires the use of less medication to achieve pain relief and therefore patients experience less side effects. Pain relief achieved by this method dramatically improves the quality of life, and patients are able to interact with their family members in a more meaningful way.

Medication Management
Due to rapid advances in medicine, a wide variety of medications and treatments are available for acute, chronic and cancer pain. At Austin Pain Assoicates we take the use of pain medication very seriously. We realize there are appropriate times to use medication, and your therapy plan will be tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. We will closely monitor the progress and compliance of your treatment plan and make necessary adjustments along the way.

Psychological Evaluation and Treatment
Today, people are living longer lives than ever before. In contrast to the diseases that were prevalent in the early 1900’s, the most common causes of death and illness today are strongly related to the behaviors in which a person chooses to engage. Unhealthy behaviors, from smoking and poor diet to a sedentary lifestyle and poor coping skills, are all major contributors to illness. The prolonged course of illness and disability from chronic diseases, such as diabetes and arthritis, result in extended pain and suffering and decreased quality of life for millions of Americans. Fortunately, we can learn techniques to control negative thoughts and change unhealthy behaviors. Health psychology uses psychological principles to promote healthier lifestyles and to treat and prevent illnesses. This approach considers how biological, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, psychosomatic and environmental factors relate to health, illness and health care at the level of individuals. This approach utilizes a model termed the biopsychosocial model. Providers work towards promoting health through behavioral change in an individual or group setting.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
The chief goals in a physical therapy program are to bring the patient pain relief, to minimize his or her impairment, to keep a standard of mobility, and most importantly to teach the patient self-management of his or her condition. Using heat (through hot lights or heated packs) or cold (through ice packs or ice massage) along with exercise will bring pain relief and decrease muscle spasms, as well as stopping inflammation. But exercise is key, for keeping muscles and other organs healthy and in proper care.

Alternative Therapies
In addition to the use of traditional therapies, your provider may recommend alternative therapies like yoga, massage therapy, or acupuncture. These therapies offer numerous benefits to chronic pain sufferers, including controlling muscle spasms, increasing flexibility, encouraging proper body mechanics, and reducing blood clotting. Our overarching philosophy is to restore function and we believe that a truly multidisciplinary approach can provide you with the necessary skills, medical intervention, and direction to effectively cope with chronic pain.