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1. Knee Pain and Treatment
For patients with knee pain, particularly for patients over 50, knee pain is usually an indicator of knee arthritis. If you feel stiffness, swelling, pain or tenderness in your knee or joint, among other knee-related symptoms, Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center may be able to help you.
In addition to diagnosing the cause of your symptoms, we can prescribe a course of action to relieve or eliminate the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.
At the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center, we employ a wide range of therapies to treat knee arthritis. In addition to suggesting lifestyle changes, we may offer you Synvisc (Hylan), a non-surgical, FDA-approved treatment for knee arthritis. This injectable medication consists of a substance called Hyaluronan, which is a naturally produced “joint lubricant” found in cartilage cells.
The Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center has used Synvisc to successfully treat the symptoms of knee arthritis in hundreds of patients. Also know as viscosupplementation – literally, “to supplement the viscosity of movement” – Synvisc injections may be the appropriate course of action for your knee pain. All procedures are performed under fluoroscopy guidance with highest precision.
For more information about knee pain and knee arthritis, call us at 1-866-298-6666 or write to email@orthopaincenter.com.
2.Paresthesias (Numbness & Tingling; Loss of Sensation) and Treatment
Numbness and tingling are unusual sensations that may be felt anywhere in the body, but most commonly occur in your arms, hands, legs or feet. They are typically caused by sensory nerve function that has been altered or damaged. These sensations, which can be caused by a broad array of disorders, are also known as parasthesias. Less common symptoms include sensations of burning, warmth, cold and itching.
There are various other causes of paresthesias, ranging from nutritional disturbances to trauma that directly affects nerve function to infections like Lyme disease. In addition, diabetes, certain toxins, connective tissue disease, hereditary disorders, stroke, tumor or infections (including AIDS) can cause parasthesias.
At the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center, we begin to determine the cause with a careful analysis of a patient’s history with the symptoms. We also use certain techniques to determine the location and magnitude of symptoms to help identify which nerves may be affected.
Among these are a nerve conduction study, used to measure, among other things, nerve conduction velocity, also known as NCV. This is a common evaluation of the electrical conduction ability of the body’s motor and sensory nerves.
A nerve conduction study includes several important components, including an H-reflex study, F-wave study, Sensory Nerve Conduction Study and Motor Nerve Conduction Study. In general, these test the time it takes a nerve impulse to travel between various parts of your body. By comparing the measured time against normal times, we can determine the area and extent of nerve damage, if any.
The NCS can lead to a diagnosis of certain diseases which affect the nerves. By properly identifying the underlying cause of your parasthesias, we can begin an effective treatment.
To find out more about NCS or to schedule an appointment with a physician, call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
3. EMG
Unexplained muscle weaknesses can point to serious diseases and conditions, including muscular dystrophy, muscle inflammation, pinched nerves and other nerve damage, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; also known as Lou Gehrig disease), disc herniation and more. The sooner you have your condition diagnosed, the sooner your physician can prescribe a proper course of treatment.
At the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center, we employ the most up-to-date electromyogram (EMG) testing to record and measure your muscles’ electrical activity. Usually performed at the same time as a nerve conduction study, we use the EMG to detect abnormal electrical activity in your muscles.
Since needle electrodes are used to measure the electrical activity in your muscles, EMG may be somewhat painful, and your muscles may feel tender for several days afterwards. However, the EMG gives us the information we need for the best neurological diagnosis.
For more information about EMG, please call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
4. Hip Arthritis and Treatment
Hip arthritis can be a painful condition that is generally caused by a degeneration of the cartilage in the hip joints. Its symptoms include pain with any type of physical activity, inflammation, restricted range of motion, stiffness, and the need to walk with a limp. These symptoms tend to increase with time due to a worsening of the condition, though it may not be a steady process: some days may be very painful, while others are symptom-free.
The most common type of hip arthritis is Osteoarthritis. This is differentiated by a wearing down of joint cartilage. Without treatment, osteoarthritis results in bare bone being revealed inside the hip joint. Hip arthritis is usually developed in patients over 50. Overweight patients are more susceptible due to the increased stress put on the joints, though there are other factors that may lead to hip arthritis, including trauma to the hip or hereditary predisposition.
To evaluate your hip condition, your physician at Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center will perform a physical examination and X-Rays. Beginning here, we can determine the best course of action to treat your hip.
In some cases, your physician may recommend a hip injection to ease your symptoms, reduce inflammation and restore movement to your joint and bone. A steroid medication is carefully injected where the leg joins the pelvis. There may be discomfort for 2 to 3 days following the procedure, but hopefully your pain will be relieved when the medication is absorbed into the affected area. All procedures are performed under fluoroscopy guidance with highest precision.
For more information, please call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
5. Shoulder Pain and Treatment
Shoulder pain can be caused by a number of conditions. The most common are a torn rotator cuff, rotator cuff tendonitis, and “frozen shoulder”, or adhesive capsulitis.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help control movement in the shoulder. A rotator cuff injury usually results in pain at the top of the shoulder, especially when the arm is raised from the body. Many everyday tasks, like getting dressed, can become painfully difficult.
Rotator Cuff Tear: this refers to a problem with the muscles and tendons of the shoulder. Overuse of the tendons, usually through repeated arm movements such as found in sports or occupations involving heavy lifting, can lead to an inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons. Eventually, this may result in a tear in the tendon. Other factors may include simple aging, a collision or a fall.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: also known as “shoulder bursitis”, Rotator Cuff Tendonitis is an inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons between the top of the arm bone (humerus) and the end of the shoulder (acromion). The normal range of motion becomes restricted by the tendons’ thickening, until they are pinched by the bones. The condition usually begins with an injury that creates a cycle of inflammation. Symptoms include pain with overhead arm activities, pain while sleeping, and pain on the outside of the arm.
Frozen Shoulder/ Adhesive Capsulitis: this is a condition typified by a series of stages in which the shoulder becomes “frozen” and “unfrozen.” Symptoms are similar to other rotator cuff conditions, but if untreated, could last well over a year. The first stage is the “Freezing Stage”, which is the most painful. The “Frozen Stage” is characterized by an easing of the pain, but worsening stiffness. Finally, the “Thawing Stage” includes gradually improved motion over a period of time that may last as long as a year.
At Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center, we’re experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder pain. Treatments may include heat or cold application, anti-inflammatory medication, electrical muscle stimulation, cortisone injection, physical therapy or, in some cases, surgery. Upon diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe a course of action to treat your specific condition.
For more information, please call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
6. Pain Management and Treatment
Pain is an unfortunate symptom of a vast number of medical conditions. Acute pain, chronic illness, sports injuries, cancer and other conditions can all require advanced pain management. At Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center, we offer the expertise to diagnose and treat pain with the most up-to-the-moment medications and techniques.
With acute pain, such as accompanies trauma, treatment may be as simple as caring for the underlying problem. For chronic pain, however, the condition may be more difficult to diagnose. Oftentimes, there are pain pathways that continue to transmit pain sensations despite the underlying cause being remedied. In these cases, pain may be managed separately.
For ongoing interventional pain management, a multidisciplinary pain management approach is advocated. This begins with a thorough assessment and evaluation of a patient’s condition, followed by the most up-to-date pharmacological and interventional treatments. Botox injections are used for myofascial pain and headaches. Alternative medicine is also utilized to achieve the highest level of pain control with the least adverse effects. Chiropractic, acupuncture, Prolotherapy and biofeedback are utilized in this program.
Other non-surgical treatments for neck and back pain may include epidural injections, drug delivery implant systems, facet nerve blocks, selective blocks (transforaminal), radio frequency nerve ablation, discography, intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) and spinal cord stimulators. All procedures are performed under fluoroscopy guidance with highest precision.
For more information about pain management and interventional pain management, call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
7. Physical Therapy and Medical Massage
The Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center specializes in diagnosing, treating and managing musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. We provide orthopedic physical therapy, including treatment of post-op joints, arthritis, and sports injuries, to patients who have been injured or recently operated on.
Our office is equipped with physical therapy services including modalities, massage, rehabilitation protocols, joint rehabilitation, hand therapy, and strengthening equipment.
Rehabilitation programs are tailored to meet specific needs, such as back school, ergonomic education, flexibility program and aerobic program. We are proud to be one of the few centers to offer the revolutionary H-wave therapy, used by top athletes for rehabilitation of their injuries.
The staff specializes in therapeutic exercises, rehabilitation of orthopedic conditions, and medical massage therapies.
For more information about physical therapy and medical massage, call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
8. Osteoporosis, Osteopenia and Bone Density Testing
Osteoporosis is responsible for bone density loss in more than 10 million Americans, causing almost 2 million fractures annually. As bone tissue is thinned and new bone tissue is insufficiently produced to replace it, the bones become less dense and more susceptible to damage. Another condition, named Osteopenia, is a less-severe loss of bone mineral density (BMD), but can lead to injuries that are just as serious.
At the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center, we perform bone density scans for our patients on the entire body. Using a DEXA-scan, we can determine whether a broken bone or other injury is caused by osteoporosis and prescribe an appropriate course of treatment.
For more information about osteoporosis and bone density testing, call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
9. Specialized Bracing for Knee, Back, Neck
To augment treatment of certain conditions as well as support athletic activity, patients may require specialized bracing to support their knees, back or neck. The Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center provides and fits patients with standard and custom-created bracing.
Designed to speed recovery, specialized bracing may include splinting, taping, knee support, a knee immobilizer, neck brace, pressure garments, custom orthopedics for foot conditions, and other custom braces. Our therapists are trained to teach patients how to properly fit and maintain their braces.
For more information about specialized bracing, call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
10. Fibromyalgia
Known as FM, Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is distinguished by pain, lack of energy and difficulty sleeping. Because the pain is often felt in the muscles, FM was originally believed to be musculoskeletal in nature. With new research, it appears that FM is a disorder of the central nervous system that causes pain to be amplified.
In addition to pervasive pain, sleep disorders and exhaustion, symptoms may include headaches, over-sensitivity to the environment, vision troubles, numbness, dizziness and more.
While it can be a confusing and painful disorder, there are some treatments available that can lessen the severity of symptoms of Fibromyalgia. These may include pain management, physical therapy and certain lifestyle changes.
To find out more about Fibromyalgia or to make an appointment with a physician, call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
11. Myofascial Pain Syndrome
A musculoskeletal condition like Fibromyalgia, Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a painful chronic condition that can be difficult to diagnose. It is characterized by “trigger points” that cause tenderness in localized areas but can transmit – or “refer” – pain to other areas of the body, especially when touched.
Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds the organs, nerves, bones and muscles. If the fascial system is affected, it can result in pain throughout the entire body. Among the many factors believed to cause trigger points are trauma to muscles, ligaments, and tendons; muscle strain from too much exercise; nutritional deficiencies; stress; changes in hormones; and many more.
To treat MPS, the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center utilizes a number of potential procedures, including Trigger Point Therapy, medical massage, Botox injections, physical therapy, and others.
For more information about Myofascial Pain Syndrome, call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
12. Social Security Insurance (SSI) Disability Evaluation and Disability Forms
The Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center specializes in medical-legal evaluations and treatments. Patients who have suffered work-related injuries, auto accidents or other personal injuries receive the highest quality medical care.
Our goal for these patients is and accurate diagnosis with a proper treatment and rehabilitation program. This allows the injured patients to return to their daily activities while minimizing their pain and functional deficits. We work closely with the patient’s representatives to provide them with high-quality medical-legal reports in a timely manner.
To make an appointment for a SSI Disability Evaluation with a physician, call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
13. Botox Treatment for Dystonia, Muscle Spasms and Pain
Painful muscle spasms, such as those found in “writer’s cramp”, can cause discomfort in people of any age. Often diagnosed as Dystonia, the painful spasms can affect many parts of the body, including the face, legs, arms…even the vocal cords.
For many patients, the condition gradually develops and may come and go in very specific areas on the body. One of the most effective medications used to treat Dystonia is Botox, which was developed specifically for muscle spasms but has become better known for its cosmetic uses.
The Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center utilizes Botox injections to target specific muscles, thereby easing the spasm and alleviating Dystonia.
For more information about Dystonia and its treatment with Botox, call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
14. Trigger Point Injections and Muscle Spasms Injections
see the myofascial and dystonia sections
15. Diabetic Neuropathy and Treatment
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve injury) occurs when a patient with diabetes develops damage to nerve tissue. This is a common condition and can be temporary or permanent. It’s caused by hyperglycemia (high levels of blood sugar) combined with reduced blood flow. If blood-glucose levels are not properly controlled, there is an increased likelihood of nerve injuries.
Of all people living with diabetes, approximately half will develop nerve damage at some point in their lives. There are two main types of diabetic neuropathy: peripheral nerve injuries, in which tingling sensations and sporadic pain develop in the extremities, and autonomic neuropathies, which affect involuntary vital functions like glands, smooth muscle and heart muscle function. A variety of symptoms may accompany autonomic neuropathies, including bowel problems, sexual impotence, and others.
The Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center can help diagnose diabetic neuropathy and begin a proper course of treatment for pain associated with the condition. For more information about diabetic neuropathy or to schedule an appointment, call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
16. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Testing, Treatment and Pain Management
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that arises when the nerve that connects the hand with the forearm – the median nerve – becomes compressed or pinched at the wrist. It is often associated with repetitive activity such as typing on a computer.
Sensations and movement in the palm side of the fingers (except the pinkie finger) are controlled by the median nerve which, along with tendons, runs through a narrow canal of bone and ligament known as the carpal tunnel. When the inflamed, thickened tendons swell to fill the carpal tunnel, the patient may feel pain, loss of sensation, or weakness in the hand and throughout the arm.
At Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center, we are experienced at diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome and will often confirm the diagnosis through the use of a nerve conduction study. In a nerve conduction velocity test (NCV), our technician applies small electric shocks to the arm and hand to measure the speed with which impulses are transmitted by the nerves. The results can then be used to determine the extent of the carpal tunnel syndrome and an appropriate course of treatment can be prescribed.
To prevent the progressive worsening of carpal tunnel syndrome, treatment should begin as early as possible. Your physician at the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center may prescribe one or more of the following treatments: splint support, cool packs to decrease swelling, physical therapy and exercise, certain medications, or, in some cases, surgery.
For more information about carpal tunnel syndrome or to schedule an appointment, call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
17. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Treatment
There are several different kinds of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), but all refer to conditions affecting the nerves that pass from the neck into the arms, in an area known as the brachial plexus.
True Neurologic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a rare disorder attributed to congenital anomalies – features that are present at birth. It is found most often in middle-aged women. The symptoms occur on one side of the body, and include deterioration of hand muscles and lack of sensation in the hand.
Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome occurs most often in young people of either gender, and also afflicts one side of the body. Similar to true neurologic TOS, arterial TOS is very uncommon and is the result of a congenital anomaly. Symptoms often include heightened sensitivity to heat and cold in hands, finger pain, and sores on the fingers.
Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is also exceedingly rare, and is found in men and women equally. The cause is unknown. Onset of the condition is sudden, often after prolonged exertion of the limb.
Traumatic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is caused by trauma, such as an accident, or physically repetitive activities. The most common symptoms include pain and tenderness. Unusual sensations of burning, cold or tingling known as paresthesias may also occur.
Depending on the type of TOS, the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center may recommend a variety of treatments ranging from pain management to physical therapy to surgery (in rare cases).
For more information about the various types of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, or to schedule an appointment, call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
18. Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is a treatment that draws on the body’s natural ability to heal itself to diminish musculoskeletal pain, including neck and back pain, arthritis, sports injuries, fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, herniated discs, and many more.
As the “rubber bands” that connect bones, ligaments may become injured and are unable to heal back to their original condition on their own. Since ligaments are also accompanied by a large number of nerve endings, damaged ligaments can cause quite a bit of pain at the point of damage.
Prolotherapy treatment consists of an injection into targeted ligaments or tendons, spurring the body to create new connective tissue right where it’s needed. The injection strengthens ligaments and tendons, which is particularly useful when treating back pain, since there many ligaments associated with the spine’s 26 bones.
The average number of injections can range from four to six per affected area, though some patients may need as few as one or as many as 10. To find out if prolotherapy is the right treatment for you, please call the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center at 1-866-298-6666.
19. TENS
A method of pain treatment and pain management, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses electrical stimulation to excite sensory nerves and stimulate the body’s natural pain relief processes. Also known as electroanalgesia, TENS is employed for a diversity of conditions, including post-surgical pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, lower back pain, and more.
Patients control the degree of electrical stimulation to achieve the best results. Electrodes are generally placed over the problem area, but can also be positioned over trigger points and acupuncture sites. An experienced technician at the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center will assist you with this simple procedure to ensure optimal effectiveness.
For more information about TENS or to schedule an appointment with a physician at the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center, please call 1-866-298-6666.
20. Iontophoresis
Another form of pain management utilized by the Center is Iontophoresis, which painlessly delivers medication – usually dexamethasone and lidocaine – through the skin. In this method, an electric field is applied to the dermis to enhance its permeability to certain drugs, reducing the need for injections that may result in pain and risk of infection.
The benefits of iontophoresis include the ability to boost the amount of drug that is delivered to affected areas, generally joints, as well as to cut down on treatment time. Because the method is non-invasive, it is painless and eliminates the potential for side effects and negative reactions that may accompany oral or injected medication.
For more information about iontophoresis or to schedule an appointment with a physician at the Joint, Spine & Sport Orthopedic Pain Management Center, please call 1-866-298-6666.
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