Advanced Pain Clinic Treats:
- Low back injury
- Neck injury
- Spinal disc herniation or derangement
- Spinal facet syndrome
- Work-related injury
- Sports-related injury
- Vehicular accident injury
- Myofascial (trigger point) syndrome
- Chronic pain syndrome
- Cancer pain
- Compression fracture
Listed below are forms and resources made available to you.
Pain Management Techniques to Help Conquer Back and Neck Pain
Pain Relief Without Pills
What is Pain Management?
How much does it cost?
We accept Medicaid, Medicare and all commercial carriers. You may only be required to pay your co-pay charges, which normally run around $25. Payment plans can also be negotiated.
Can I come for just a consultation?
Yes, you are always welcome to be evaluated, given treatment, and diagnostic recommendations.
Do I need a physician's referral?
In general no, a referral is not necessary. We will check your benefits prior to an appointment and let you know.
Should I tell my other doctors about coming for chronic pain treatments?
Yes, this will allow communication between all of your healthcare providers. However, this is your decision if you would like other doctors to know about your visits here. We will provide your other treating doctors with your medical information, if you would like.
What methods are used to evaluate my chronic pain? How do they work?
History, past medical history, physical exams by the doctor and physician's assistant (which are very individualized), and diagnostic studies, such as an MRI, CT, bone scan, x-rays, and blood tests may be recommended by your physician. Also, certain nerve blocks or injections can be diagnostic. This would include facet/ medial branch, sacroiliac, and discography.
What do I need to bring with me the day of my appointment?
Insurance cards, and picture I.D. are required. Diagnostic films/reports, and medical records, if available are also useful. This office can request additional information if you are unable to obtain it and you will be asked to fill out several forms when you arrive at the clinic.
Will I need someone to drive me home?
Yes, if you have an interventional pain management procedure performed with sedation, you will need a driver.
Do my medications have an effect on treatments? Should I stop taking them prior to treatment?
Some medications will affect treatment. You will be instructed by Advanced Pain Clinic staff per the doctor's or physician assistant's direction on how to take your medications. Do not stop taking your medications without speaking with your treating doctor or primary care physician first.
Will I require more than one treatment?
Usually, yes. Some procedures are performed in a series of three to six times (on different days), but occasionally just one procedure will provide lasting relief.
Will the procedure hurt? Is there more pain during treatment?
The vast majority of patient state the procedures are painless. This, of course, depends upon the patient's tolerance. The majority of patients elect intravenous sedation, which may be administered by an anesthesiologist or certified nurse anesthetist and usually eliminates any pain from the procedures. Your vital signs and oxygen levels are monitored to assure your safety.
How long will I benefit from the procedure?
Some permanently and some temporarily. Usually, after a series of nerve blocks, you can experience relief from months to years. Every patient is different. Our goal is to provide as much pain relief to our patients as possible with the least amount of side effects. Sometimes freezing or heating painful nerves or advanced pain therapies is utilized.
How long does the procedure take?
Although most procedures take five to fifteen minutes, your stay may be a few hours because of admission, evaluation, sedation, procedure time, recovery, and discharge.
How long will I be off from work?
This will be determined by the pain specialist, but most patients return to work the day after the procedure.
Will I be pain free?
Ideally everyone would be pain free, realistically not everyone can be cured of pain, even with surgery. Many people are permanently cured with treatments offered by our pain specialists. The goal is to offer efficient specialized pain relief procedures that are alternatives to other treatments, such as back and neck surgery. Treatment is very individualized and a positive outcome is achieved in the majority of cases.
Does insurance cover the procedures?
Most insurance plans will cover a portion of the charges. Advanced Pain Clinic staff will verify benefits prior to scheduling and appointment and can inform you of your benefits prior to your appointment. This will give you a better idea of what is covered by your specific insurance company.
When can I resume exercise or sports?
Mild exercise such as walking, stationary bikes, water aerobics are encouraged. Vigorous activity such as jogging, weight lifting, contact or exertional sports are discouraged during treatment but may be acceptable later.
Who do I contact if I have questions or problems arise after I have gone home?
Please call the Advanced Pain Clinic (515) 832-1200 Office or (515) 554-3103 Cell.
When should I resume taking my regular medications?
Advanced Pain Clinic staff per the doctor's will instruct you or a family member on when to resume medications is necessary. Generally, taking all of your medicines prescribed by other physicians, including pain medication is recommended. There are some exceptions, so please ask about your specific medicine.
What treatments are used at your clinic?
Epidural Steroid Injections with sedation, Nerve Blocks, Facet Joint Blocks, Remove-Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation, Percutaneous Disc Decompressions, Vertebroplasty, Discography, Bursa Joint Injections, Trial Spinal Cord Stimulators, Sacroiliac Joint Injections, Occipital/ Sphenopalatine, and treatment of headaches, Lysis of Adhesions, and Celiac Plexus.
Are there risks to interventional pain treatments?
Yes. As all medical treatments from medications to surgery involve risks, so does interventional pain management. Generally, these procedures are very safe and complications are rare. The pain specialist will explain the common side effects and risks involved with your particular treatment therapy. If you have questions about something specifically, please ask.
What types of pain do you treat?
All types of pain including headaches, back pain, neck pain, nerve/neuropathic pain, pain from shingles, cancer pain, work injuries, joint pain/ arthritis/ bursistis/tendonitis (knee, hip, shoulder), facial pain/trigeminal neuralgia, rib pain/fractures, sciatica/pinched nerves, leg/foot pain numbness, carpal tunnel syndrome, arm/hand pain and numbness, pain after spine surgery or other surgeries, sports injuries, plantar fasciitis/heel/ foot pain, nerve entrapment pain, abdominal pain, elbow/wrist pain, post amputation pain, RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy), and causalgia genital/ pelvic pain.
How long before I can get an appointment?
We try to get our patients in to see the pain specialist within 24 hours of their insurance being verified. If you are in severe pain, please let our staff know so we can expedite your care.
Can I have a procedure the first day I see the doctor?
It depends on your insurance policy and what your desires are.
Where are the procedures performed?
The majority of our procedures are performed at the Advanced Pain Clinic. There are occasions when a procedure may be scheduled at a local hospital, but we prefer to see our patients at the Advanced Pain Clinic because we specialize in pain relief. Our staff is very aware of our patients’ needs and we will do everything possible to make your experience pleasant.
Are these treatments alternatives to neck and back surgery or other surgeries?
These treatment options should be explored prior to considering any type of surgery. This should be your first treatment option not your last. If we feel you need surgery or are a candidate for surgery, we will certainly make those recommendations. The overwhelming majority of patients are candidates for more conservative, non-surgical treatments.
Is there a recovery?
Yes, if you have a procedure you are monitored by our team for approximately 30 to 60 minutes after your procedure and then discharged if you have met our criteria.
How much relief should I get?
Every patient is different. Some patients notice an immediate decrease in their pain after one procedure, but it sometimes takes up to six procedures to achieve long lasting pain relief. Then again, advanced pain therapies are needed on occasion each patient is very individualized.
How often do your patients get a positive response?
Very often. But again every patient is different and every patient's care is specific to that patient's needs. Please discuss your diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and other treatment options with our pain specialist and staff. The more educated you are the happier you will be.
What other treatments are utilized?
Our practice is generally multi-dimensional and very individualized, but may include interventional pain relief procedures, medications (pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatories) and prolotherapy. Also, referrals for physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, biofeedback, psychological treatment, TENS/neuromuscular stimulation, back and knee braces, massage therapy, acupuncture, surgery and holistic medicine are utilized occasionally.