Make Pain a Thing of the Past – management – Physician Partners of America

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Pain Free Minute: Regenerative Medicine

In this week’s edition of the Pain Free Minute, Tampa pain specialist Dr. Rodolfo Gari talks about the benefits of regenerative medicine for treating chronic pain in Tampa.

In the video, Dr. Gari talks about regenerative medicine treatment in Tampa. It is one of the most exciting new ways that doctors can treat chronic pain.

At Florida Pain Relief Group our goal is to treat people using the most minimally invasive procedures available. These procedures include injection of your own body’s stem cells to regenerate tissue.

Watch the Pain-Free Minute to learn more about regenerative medicine treatments available at our Tampa pain relief centers.

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Tampa Sciatica Pain Clinic

Got sciatica pain and nowhere to go?

Well, now you do. Physician Partners of America has pain clinics in Tampa to make sure sciatica pain relief is always just moments away.

Let’s talk a little bit about sciatica real quick.

The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back (lumbar region), down through your hips and buttocks and down each leg branching out into the feet. Half of your body can feel pain when this nerve suffers compression at any point.

This compression, or pressure on the nerves, is usually due to either: bone spurs, abnormal growths (cysts or tumors), herniated/slipped discs, or a disorder called spinal stenosis where the spinal canal is narrowed.

Symptoms of sciatica may be shooting pains down one leg, tingling sensations or numbness.

Tampa Sciatica Pain Relief Treatments

Treating your sciatica pain at our Tampa clinics can be done through minimally invasive surgeries or procedures using medication, or through non-pharmacological therapies where a more natural approach is taken. Our clinics offer a well-rounded, complete pain management environment where a variety of pain relief treatments can be utilized to get you better faster.

Depending upon the underlying cause for your sciatica pain, our doctors will discuss the best treatment options for you.

Selection of Sciatica Treatments

Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection – Epidural steroid injections deliver medication directly (or as close as possible to) the source of pain generation.

Lumbar Sympathetic Block – A lumbar sympathetic block is an injection in the lower back that targets the lumbar sympathetic nerves, a series of nerves that carry pain signals from the lower extremities.

Nerve Block – A nerve block is an anesthetic or anti-inflammatory injection into a particular nerve or group of nerves for pain relief. The aim is to block pain signal(s) coming from a specific location in the body and/or decrease inflammation in that area.

Non-Pharmacological – A more organic and natural approach to healing with non-drug treatments, we offer such therapies as acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy, physical therapy, massage, guided symbolism, pet therapy and more. Used in conjunction with our other methods, these procedures do very well to keep pain managed over time.

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Get Pain Management in Tampa

Self-medicating isn’t always the answer.

In fact, popping Advil and Tylenol every couple of hours to numb the pain is potentially really bad for you. Sure, once and a while a headache or sore shoulder can be helped by OTC meds, but for the chronic, lasting, recurring pain it’s much better to seek professional pain management from the specialists like ours right here in Tampa.

We offer minimally invasive procedures specifically designed to manage your pain that allow you to live a normal life instead of living in pain. We’ll list some below with links so you can explore several pain treatments that can make your life much more enjoyable.

Tampa Pain Management Treatments

Celiac Plexus Block – Celiac plexus blocks are injections of pain relief solution that soothes stomach pain caused by disease or incessant pancreatitis.

Facet Joint Injections – A facet joint injection is a fairly straightforward procedure performed by using an x-ray (fluoroscopy) to guide and place the needle while avoiding potential nearby nerve harm or injury.

Nerve Blocks – A nerve block is an anesthetic or anti-inflammatory injection into a particular nerve or group of nerves for pain relief. The aim is to block pain signal(s) coming from a specific location in the body and/or decrease inflammation in that area.

Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection – Epidural steroid injection (ESIs) are a typical treatment alternative for some types of low back pain and leg pain. The injections deliver medication directly (or as close as possible to) the source of pain generation.

Morphine Pump Implants – A spinal infusion pump implant, commonly known as a morphine pump, is a specialized device that delivers concentrated amounts of medication into the spinal fluid space through a small catheter.

Regenerative Medicine – A true advanced medicine of tomorrow available today, regenerative medicine promotes self-healing through using your body’s own stem cells which can be altered into healthy cells for any organ in the body, thus replacing the damaged ones. Additionally, the platelet-rich plasma in the blood can be used for inflammation and pain relief.

Pain Relief Through Proper Management

Our Tampa pain doctors at Florida Pain Relief Group are the among the best pain management doctors in Tampa area for good reason: Unmatched expertise and experience. Trust your pain relief to the team that specializes in it every day.

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Regenerative Medicine for Sports Injuries

With rising temperatures and more hours of sunlight, it is no wonder why we see a big increase in injuries every spring. Whether you’re a star athlete on a college baseball team, a freshman trying out for high school track and field, or simply enjoy the daily round of golf at your local course, sports injuries can result in serious damage if left untreated. That’s where regenerative medicine comes in, offering an alternative form of pain relief from some of the most common sports injuries.

Game Changing Pain Management for Sports Injuries

Common sports injuries, such as a torn ligament or joint pain, can leave the body unable to repair itself adequately, which can lead to ongoing pain and disability. Regenerative techniques involve boosting the body’s natural ability to heal itself or to deliver targeted cells and cell products to support tissue and organ function. Three forms of treatment for runner’s knee, tennis elbow, and other sports injuries that we offer at Physician Partners of America are:

  • Stem Cell Therapy – Stem Cell Therapy involved the harvesting, concentration, and purification of Stem Cells for injection into areas where you suffer chronic pain. They tend to have a powerful healing and rejuvenating effect!
  • Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy – Platelets are a natural reserve of growth factors that facilitate blood flow and strengthen cartilage. In this therapy, platelets are separated from a sample of the patient’s blood using a centrifuge and then injected into the site of injury, often yielding excellent results.
  • Allograft/Adhesive Barrier – We use highly advanced surgical techniques to graft donor tissue and minimize any scarring with the most advanced adhesive barriers.

No matter which treatment we recommend, our pain management physicians will walk you through each step, from the initial stages of consultation right through post-procedure recovery. Although much of our work depends on resolving injuries that are a direct result of playing sports, we never discourage our clients from taking part in healthy physical activity! We work with clients to help them modify their behavior so as to minimize the risk of any injury in the future.

Whether you’ve sustained an ankle sprain or a torn Achilles Heel, our pain management doctors are ready to assist! Give us a call to schedule an appointment at the pain management clinic nearest you.

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Risk Factors for Knee Pain

The knee connects the thigh bone (femur) with the shin bone (tibia) and consists of many parts including the knee joint, knee cap (patella), ligaments, tissues and more. It’s a very complex part of the body and, due to it’s location and job, is prone to injury.

Anything that increases the already-present possibility of injury is considered a risk factor. Some risk factors for knee pain are listed below.

Risk Factors for Knee Injury

 

  • Obesity. If it seems like everywhere you turn you’re told that being overweight increases your chance of injury it must mean something, right? Extra and undue stress on your knee joints adds pressure and causes the knee to work that much harder to do otherwise normal everyday tasks. It also increases the amount of wear and tear the knee undergoes, eliminating the vital cartilage that cushions the bones. This could lead to osteoarthritis.
  • Low muscle strength. If the muscles surrounding the knee are weak and lack flexibility, they aren’t able to support the knee or absorb enough of the stress exerted on the joint throughout the day.
  • Sports & physical activity. Sports and physical activities that call for the repeated twisting and/or pounding of the knees through constant running or jumping causes stress on the joint and can cause pain and injury.
  • Existing injury. A previous knee injury or a current one that is still healing can put you at risk for additional injuries if the knee is made to sustain pressure or stress.

Get knee pain relief in Tampa.

Our pain specialists deal with concerns like knee joint pain and manage it for countless others on a daily basis. Like them, we want you to become pain-free and be able to enjoy life again without the constant discomfort.

Contact us today to talk about your knee pain and discuss the treatment options available.

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Treating Chronic Back Pain in Tampa

Finding relief from chronic back pain in Tampa can be a long journey of trial and error. Some doctors who are not specialists may simply recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment plan.

Others will take a dramatically different approach and suggest an invasive surgical procedure to determine the cause of the chronic back pain condition.

For many people, however, neither solution is the right one to help achieve lasting relief from chronic back pain.

In a recent appearance at the WFLA “DayTime” program, Dr. Rodolo Gari, medical director of Florida Pain Relief group in Tampa, FL, explained how a procedure called a Kyphoplasty is a viable non-surgical option for achieve lower back pain relief in Tampa.

Watch the video below to learn more:

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Neuropathic Pain Relief in Dallas

People suffering from neuropathic pain know that their options for immediate and long-term relief are not many.

However, Dr. Robert Nocerini with Physician Partners of America in Dallas has experience treating patients suffering from neuropathic pain.

Among the more popular treatments is a procedure known as spinal cord stimulation.

In this article, Dr. Nocerini goes into detail about what spinal cord stimulation is, who would be a good candidate, what patients should expect and more.

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) devices are used to treat several different kinds of chronic pain. Spinal Cord Stimulation is FDA approved and has been in use for over 40 years. A spinal cord stimulator consists of one or more thin wire leads and a small battery generator that looks similar to a pacemaker. The leads are placed in the spinal epidural space and deliver a low-level electrical current to interfere with the sensation of pain. SCS is used to treat pain in the arms, legs or trunk. It is mainly used to treat neuropathic type pain, meaning pain that is generated and maintained by a problem with the nerves themselves, as opposed to pain from joints or muscles.

Who is a Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Candidates have had chronic neuropathic pain for greater than 6 months, and they have been treated unsuccessfully with physical therapy, medications (over the counter and prescription, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, neuropathic medications, opioids), steroid injections, and sometimes surgery.

What are the Conditions Treated by Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Radiculopathy

SCS is indicated for the treatment of intractable pain in the back and legs that is caused by nerve impingement or irritation, known as “radiculopathy.” This may result from arthritis or a herniated disc that affects the spinal nerve roots.

Post-laminectomy or Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Some people continue to have pain after spine surgery. The terms “Post-laminectomy Pain Syndrome” or “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome” are names that have been used to describe this type of chronic pain condition. Better outcomes are more likely if SCS is initiated less than three years after surgery.

Painful Peripheral Neuropathy

There are many different causes of Painful Peripheral Neuropathy (PPN), but commonly this condition is due to diabetes. SCS may be indicated if standard pain medications for PPN are ineffective or have intolerable side effects.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic pain condition that sometimes develops in the arms or legs after trauma. SCS is indicated if pain is refractory to physical therapy, medications, or injections. Like Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, better outcomes are associated with a shorter time period between diagnosis of CRPS and initiation of Spinal Cord Stimulation.

Post Surgical Scarring

Scarring that occurs after spine surgery may sometimes lead to Arachnoiditis or Epidural Fibrosis, two conditions that may lead to chronic pain. The scarring occurs around the spinal nerves causing irritation and pain.

Multiple Sclerosis

Studies are limited, but patients with pain due to multiple sclerosis may benefit from spinal cord stimulation.

Does spinal cord stimulation cure chronic pain?

Spinal Cord Stimulation interferes with the ability to perceive pain. It does not heal or cure the underlying cause of the pain.

What are the Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Successful outcomes are associated with:

  • Reduction in pain, generally greater than 50%
  • Reduced use of opioid pain medications
  • Increased function and quality of life

What are the Limitations of Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal Cord Stimulation cannot treat all types of pain. It is less successful at treating pain due to spinal cord injuries, phantom limb pain, intercostal neuralgia, and post herpetic neuralgia. In some patients, pain relief may diminish over time, possibly due to movement of the leads, new tissue growth around the leads, changes in the nature or location of the pain, or they may develop uncomfortable stimulation. Also, there are mechanical limitations of the equipment, which may need to be replaced over time. Newer technology can mitigate some of these limitations.

What are the Risks of Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is generally a safe procedure, but there is the possibility of complications. Like any injection, procedure, or surgery involving the spine, risks include bleeding, infection, nerve injury, or a spinal headache.

What is the evaluation process for spinal cord stimulation?

Patients should have had chronic pain for more than 6 months, have an objectively identifiable source of pain, conservative measures have failed, and surgery is not indicated. Patients should have an education period, have their questions and concerns addressed, and they should also be able to discuss their expectations. All patients should go through a psychological evaluation to determine if depression or other psychiatric illness is present, which may decrease the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Contraindications are pregnancy, severe spinal stenosis, presence of a pacemaker, or active substance abuse. Each patient is unique, and the decision whether to proceed with a stimulator trial ultimately is based on the specific medical history of each patient.

How is the procedure performed?

An advantage of spinal cord stimulation over other surgeries is that patients may go through a reversible trial period of stimulation to see if it works for them. The trial procedure is performed much like an epidural steroid injection, using fluoroscopy to visualize and guide one or more stimulator leads through a hollow needle and into the epidural space. Test stimulation is performed to find the location that best reduces pain. The leads are secured and then attached to an external generator that the patient wears on a belt. The trial period then takes place at home, and lasts from 3-5 days. If pain reduction or functional improvement is adequate during this period, the patient and physician can discuss implanting a permanent system.

The permanent procedure is similar to the trial, except a small battery generator is implanted under the skin after attaching it to the leads.

What does Spinal Cord Stimulation Feel Like?

Spinal Cord Stimulation typically creates what is called a paresthesia. Patients may describe a tingling or massaging sensation, or they may feel nothing at all. A newer type of SCS, called High-Frequency SCS, has no paresthesia associated with it.

Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Permanent?

The stimulator leads placed in the initial trial period can be easily removed in the doctor’s office without the need for sedation or anesthesia. Even though implantation of a spinal cord stimulator is referred to as “permanent,” the system is reversible, and in most cases it can be removed. This requires a short minor surgery.

What are New Advances in Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Advances in hardware and software programming are improving the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation. Another significant recent advance is the development of High-frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation, which works without the paresthesias of traditional systems.

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Migraine vs Headache | Migraine Specialists in Dallas

Migraine vs. Headache: What’s Causing Your Pain?

From pounding forehead pain and sinus inflammation to light sensitivity and nausea, a headache can put a halt to any day. Or…is it a migraine? Sometimes it’s not so easy to distinguish exactly what type of chronic headaches you are suffering from. Being able to identify a migraine headache from one of the other various types of headaches that exist can help you find the chronic pain relief that you need.

A Closer Look at the Different Types of Headaches

Painful Pressure of the Head: The Tension Headache

Causes: Stress, squinting, poor posture, clenching or grinding of the teeth, dehydration, and starvation

Symptoms: Forehead and upper neck pressure, feeling similar to having a band wrapped tightly around the head

Timeframe: Pain typically lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days, with its severity ranging throughout that span of time

Cyclical Pain in One Area: The Cluster Headache

Causes: The causes of cluster headaches are unknown, but medication may trigger attacks

Symptoms: Severe pain behind one eye or on one side of the head, occurring at specific times of the day or of the year

Timeframe: Pain is often experienced in “clusters,” felt in and out throughout the span of a few days

Stuffiness, Runny Nose, and Pounding Pain: Sinus Headaches

Causes: Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation or infection of the sinuses, often a result of a cold or virus

Symptoms: Pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or nose, usually accompanied by a runny nose, congestion, or fever

Timeframe: A sinus headache generally lasts for as long as the sinuses are inflamed

Pain After Medication: The Rebound Headaches

Causes: Sensitivity to or overdose of a medication or painkiller

Symptoms: Pain typically feels similar to a tension headache, occurring a few hours after taking medication

Timeframe: Generally, pain is felt for as long as you take the medication that is causing them, and may continue for a few days after the medication is stopped

Reoccurring Throbbing, Sensitivity, and Nausea: Migraine

Causes: What causes migraine headaches remains unknown, although they are often associated with heredity or a sensitivity to light or smell

Symptoms: Throbbing pain in the head, sensitivity to light, nausea, blurred vision, and light-headedness

Timeframe: Migraine headaches can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, many experiencing them at very specific times of day

There is no denying that any one of the above headaches can be undeniably painful, destroying your ability to enjoy any day. Fortunately, there are pain treatments available for each! Our skilled headache and migraine specialists in Dallas can help you identify what is causing your pain and offer alternative pain management solutions that will offer relief.

Discover what kind of a headache you may be suffering from and successfully manage its associated pain by scheduling an appointment with our headache and migraine specialists throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area! You may also contact us online or call us to find the pain management clinic nearest you.

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Dallas Pain Doctors

We’ve Got the Dallas Pain Experts for You.

Migraines. Neck pain. Shoulder pain. Elbow pain. Carpal tunnel. Low back pain. Knee pain. Have we listed your pain yet? If not, that’s just a small sample of the chronic pains people deal with all the time and what our Dallas pain doctors at Texas Pain Relief Group treat on a daily basis.

Causes of Chronic Pain

Ever wonder why your pain just won’t go away? Below is a list of chronic pain causes that may help explain why what you are dealing with isn’t ordinary, everyday pain. It’s something else entirely.

  • Age. Over time, the body ages and parts begin to wear down. Degenerative diseases, like degenerative disc disease, can develop and cause serious pain and lead to further medical concerns.
  • Poor posture. Over the years, slouching, stooping, slumping and hunching overtake a toll on your spine, weakening it and causing potentially permanent damage to the vertebrae. Additionally, the muscles, ligaments, and nerves up and down your spine are affected and can be strained and compressed causing damage and pain.
  • Improper lifting. Picking up heavy objects without bending your knees can injure your back. You’ve been told for years to “lift with your knees” and if you didn’t listen, you may have to pay the price.
  • Obesity. Extra, unhealthy weight puts undue strain on the spine, spinal muscles and on your knees. It also merits mentioning that obesity and being overweight is a trigger for many health concerns and diseases. A proper calorie-focused diet and regular exercise go a long way to keep your weight down and your body healthy.
  • Genetics. Inherited abnormalities like the curvature of the spine, in addition to predispositions to illness and disease, can lead to any number of medical conditions.
  • Injury. A traumatic event such as a car wreck or sports accident can produce lasting pain.
  • Fashion. Wearing clothes that are far more fashion than function, and that provide little support and even less comfort like high heels can be causes of chronic foot and ankle pain.

Contact the Premier Pain Doctors in Dallas

The items listed above are all possible triggers for your chronic pain, and depending upon where the pain is, perhaps we’ve answered a question or two for you. To have all your pain relief questions and concerns addressed, don’t hesitate to contact the pain relief doctors in Dallas at Texas Pain Relief Group today. We’re unparalleled in pain management and have the treatment and care you need.

Don’t live in pain if you don’t have to.

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R.I.C.E. For Pain Relief

Treating Your Injury with RICE

So you’ve just sprained your ankle, twisted your knee or slammed your elbow. You’re in pain and need immediate relief. We want you to always remember one thing above all else in situations like these: RICE. No, not the little white or brown grains you eat with grilled salmon, but the mnemonic device known as RICE. (R)est. (I)ce. (C)ompression. (E)levation.

We’re not taking away from the healing power of rice though. Heated up in a sock in the microwave, rice can be a great muscle relaxer and create some serious bloodflow. However, when injured you need to follow this simple technique to make sure your minor injury doesn’t turn into something major.

There’s no need to call the doctor and order advanced treatment just yet, especially if you can quickly get RICE going. So you know, here’s the rundown:

  • Rest. Stop what you’re doing and rest. Stop moving the injured area and keep it still. Slowing it all down to relax the injured area a bit is very important. Also, take deep breaths to calm yourself down if need be.
  • Ice. A cold rag or ice wrapped in a paper towel will help to reduce any pain and swelling. Keep the area cold for at least 20-30 minutes before moving forward. The next day you can switch it up and use a heating pad – or that rice sock – to loosen the muscles if the pain persists.
  • Compression. Keep pressure on the injury (compression) using some sort of bandage wrap to help reduce swelling and apply some stability to the area.
  • Elevation. Keep the injured appendage raised up to, or above, the level of your heart to help further reduce swelling. Stacking pillows usually works the best to help elevate arms and legs.

That’s pretty much the crash course of RICE. It’s not difficult to remember, and it’s certainly not that difficult to perform. We definitely recommend that you follow this procedure for any minor muscle or joint injury you get. That said, if the injury is serious you need to get to the ER as soon as possible. If the pain persists and lingers, then you need to come see us.

At Physician Partners of America, we know a thing or two about pain relief. It’s quite literally our middle name. Contact us today for more information.

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