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What is St. Mary’s Pain Center?
St. Mary’s Pain Center uses a multi-disciplinary approach to evaluate and treat patients with acute and chronic pain. Anesthesiologists with specialty training in pain management are available for initial evaluation and the development of care plan that addresses the individual needs of each patient. A care plan may incorporate several methods of treatment for effective pain relief.
What is pain?
Pain is an unpleasant experience that is usually associated with tissue damage.
What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
Acute pain is short-term pain, which may be more severe, but more responsive to therapy than chronic pain. Acute pain often serves a protective or warning function, but chronic pain may become an end unto itself. Occasionally, chronic pain can also become a psychosocial problem involving chronic depression.
What types of chronic pain can be treated at the pain center?
Common examples of chronic pain that may be treatable include neck and back pain, shingles (herpes zoster infection), skeletal or muscle pain, headaches, causalgia and cancer pain.
How can chronic pain be treated?
Just as there are many kinds of pain, there are a variety of approaches to treatment. These range from simple control by drugs and/or physical therapy exercise programs to more sophisticated procedures, such as therapeutic nerve blocks, injections into points that trigger pain (trigger points) and electrical stimulation (Spinal Cord Stimulator).
How many visits and treatments are usually required?
The number of required visits and treatments varies with each care plan. If a therapeutic nerve block is prescribed, treatment may include a series of injections on a weekly, or more frequent basis, for two to three weeks. Physical therapy may require visits over an extended period of time.
What can I expect during my first visit?
When you arrive at St. Mary’s Medical Center, please check in at Patient Registration. You will then be directed to the pain center. An anesthesiologist who has had special training in pain management will do an initial examination and interview. Your medical records, laboratory tests or x-rays will also be reviewed. The anesthesiologist will make a working diagnosis and discuss therapeutic options. This discussion will include the potential benefits and risks of suggested treatment alternatives. Frequently, treatment will begin during the initial visit.
Additional information may be needed to establish a diagnosis. Tests may be ordered or referrals made to a consultant. These consultants will help establish a diagnosis and assist with a variety of treatment options as needed. The pain center will inform your physician of your diagnosis and care plan.
Is there any risk of adverse reaction or complications from treatment?
Complications from pain treatment are rare. However, the pain center is fully prepared for them, should they occur. If you should develop a complication or reaction to treatment received at the pain center, please call your physician or the center at 816-655-5270.
What are the costs of treatment at the pain center?
There is an initial consultation fee for evaluation and examination by the anesthesiologist. Additional fees are charged if treatment is performed. Other charges will depend on individual services required. Insurance coverage and deductible requirements should be determined by the patient with their plan representative.
How do I make an appointment?
Your physician can easily set up an appointment, or you may call 816-655-5270 to schedule an appointment at the pain center.
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