Radiofrequency Block: An outpatient procedure in which a radiofrequency current is used to heat a small volume of nerve tissue interrupting pain signals from that specific area. Spinal Endoscopy: An outpatient procedure that utilizes a flexible fiber optic endoscope and steerable catheter allowing the physician to inspect spinal structures, tissues, and nerves in the epidural space. Using the combined action of catheter movement and irrigation, the physician can separate many of the adhesions irritating the nerve roots, view and directly medicate the inflamed nerve. IDET (Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy): A minimally invasive outpatient procedure. The physician applies controlled levels of heat to a broad section of the affected disc wall. The heat therapy may result in contraction or closure of the disc wall fissures (tears), a reduction in the bulge of the nucleus (inner disc material) and desensitization of the pain sensors in the disc wall. This is performed to treat chronic back pain originating from the intervertebral discs. Nucleoplasty: A minimally invasive outpatient procedure in which a transmitter catheter is inserted into the nucleus of the disc and uses radio waves to dissolve tissue volume. This reduces or eliminates the pressure on the nerve root along with the pain. Visit www.nucleoplasty.com for more information. Provocative Discogram: An outpatient diagnostic X-ray test that attempts to replicate the patient’s pain symptoms in order to pinpoint the pain source in the discs. Dye and an antibiotic mixture is injected into the disc enabling the physician to determine whether the disc is painful when the pressure is increased in the disc or whether the pain is typical of the patient’s pain pattern. Neurostimulation: An outpatient procedure where a neurostimulation system is surgically placed under the skin to send mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord or to a peripheral nerve. These electrical impulses are delivered through a lead (a special medical wire) that is also surgically implanted to specifically cover the area where pain is felt. For more info visit www.medtronic.com. Intrathecal Drug Delivery System: Outpatient/inpatient surgical treatment. A catheter (thin flexible tube) is implanted in the intrathecal space and is connected to a pump releasing medicine at a set rate. With delivery of medicine to receptors in the spinal cord, smaller amounts of medicine are needed to obtain relief from pain and a reduction in side effects. Antispasmodics such as Baclofen, and pain medicines such as Dilaudid and morphine sulfate are delivered by the pump. Epidural Injection An outpatient/office procedure which involves placement of anti-inflammatory agents into the epidural space to reduce disc and nerve inflammation, producing relief. Therapeutic nerve blocks are outpatient/office procedures where local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication injections are given near a specific nerve or group of nerves to relieve pain: Intercostal nerve block : An injection of a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication in the area between two ribs. An intercostal nerve block is performed for pain due to herpes zoster (commonly known as shingles), an acute viral infection that causes inflammation of the nerves that spread outward from the spine. It may also be performed for pain caused from a surgical incision in the chest area or to help determine the cause of your pain. (Diagnostic nerve block) Lumbar Sympathetic Block: - An injection of local anesthetic around a group of nerves in your lower back. It may be done if you have complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a disease involving a disturbance of circulation to the skin or neuropathic pain (pain caused by a disorder of the nervous system). Facet Nerve Block: An injection of anti-inflammatory and anesthetic medication in and around the facet joint area to reduce the swelling around the nerve. This is performed if your doctor suspects that your neck or lower back pain may be caused in part by the small facet joints of the spine (Facet joints are located on the side of your spine, away from the spinal cord.). Celiac Plexus Block: An injection of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication around the group of nerves (celiac plexus) that affect the abdominal region. This is performed most commonly for the treatment of upper abdominal pain which can be due to cancer or chronic pancreatitis. Stellate Ganglion Block: An injection of anesthetic medication around the collection of nerves that affect the upper limb. This may be performed to decrease pain and increase the circulation and blood supply to the affected limb. A stellate ganglion may be performed for people who have circulation problems or the following nerve injuries: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Causalgia, Herpes Zoster and Phantom Limb Pain. Trigger point injections: An outpatient/office procedure where small amounts of local anesthetics and anti-inflammatory medications are injected in the area of the muscle where you have pain or tenderness. These areas are called trigger points because they produce pain when stimulated. Trigger Point Injections are performed if you have myofascial pain which is pain in a specific muscle or muscle group. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): An outpatient/office procedure where a small extractable device delivers electric impulses to nerve endings to stop pain. Manipulation - An outpatient/office procedure used to treat many painful musculoskeletal disorders. Acupuncture: An office procedure which involves inserting fine needles into the skin at specific points on the body to relieve chronic pain. EMG: A nerve test to determine if you have neurological problem. MRI & CT-sacn: A state-of-the-art X-ray procedure to help determine where your pain is coming from. |
CHICAGO PAIN CLINICS L.L.C |
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| FAX # 800-525-1686 |
| Phone# 708-344-1234 |