Conditions We Treat
No matter what type of pain you have, Allegheny Pain Management has the specialized training and experience to give you the relief you need. Among the many conditions we treat are:
Lower Back Pain
It is estimated that back pain and neck pain could affect 80 percent of the population at some point in their lives. The spine is a vital structure that supports the body while providing enough flexibility for movement. Back pain is often linked to an injury or spinal degeneration, a process of wear and tear of the joints, discs, ligaments, and bones of the spine. However, low back pain is not a “one size fits all” diagnosis, so you should be evaluated by a board-certified pain specialist for a complete neurologic examination along with imaging studies, and discussion of targeted interventions to treat the affected area.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
One of the reasons back surgery is only considered as a last resort treatment for back pain is because it puts a lot of strain on the spine. While it has proven useful for many people, there are instances where patients continue to feel back and leg pain after their operation. FBSS, more formally known as post-laminectomy syndrome, is a condition caused by a back surgery that failed to properly treat pain. Just because you have pain after surgery, it does not mean you ran out of options, just that you have not heard what else is out there. We frequently and successfully treat patients with FBSS, so you should not hesitate to call us and schedule an appointment.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is weakening and breakdown of one or more vertebral discs, a structure that sits between the bones in the spine to provide cushioning and allow movement between the spine levels. This condition can develop as a natural part of the aging process, but it may also result from injury. Even though “disease” is in the name, this process is local wear and tear of the spine and is not part of a systemic illness. DDD most often occurs in the low back or lumbar spine, but can affect the neck and mid-back as well. Often surgery is not required for DDD, especially as modern advances allow for us to treat disc and vertebral pain.
Herniated Disc
Herniated discs, also known as ruptured or “slipped” discs, are a common back condition that can sometimes result in back or leg pain. A herniated disc occurs when one of the rubbery pieces of cartilage between the vertebrae ruptures or bulges. This can cause pain in the back, leg, neck or arm. The majority of patients with herniated discs will not require surgery, often responding to simple, safe injections.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition that typically develops very slowly as we get older, usually occurring after the age of 50. There are cases, however, where curvature of the spine (scoliosis) or other factors may lead to spinal stenosis in younger individuals. The majority of cases of spinal stenosis occur in the lumbar spine. Slippage and misalignment of the vertebrae, known as spondylolisthesis, can also be a cause of spinal stenosis. The most common symptom of spinal stenosis is cramping or aching in the legs with walking or standing. As the condition advances, it becomes increasingly difficult to stand and walk and many people lean on a shopping cart for assistance.
Sciatica
“Sciatica”, or more accurately known as radiculopathy, is the irritation of a spinal nerve root often causing burning, tingling, numbness, and sharp pain that radiates down the leg. This condition is often caused by a disc bulge or arthritis in the low back. While some patients require surgery for this, most respond well to injections (epidural steroid injections) as well as minimally invasive decompression options.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain
Often confused with “Sciatica,” sacroiliac joint pain is located in the lower back and upper buttock, usually with one side being worse, and associated pain with prolonged sitting and walking as well as transitional movements such as running the vacuum cleaner or getting in/out of a chair. When therapy and chiropractic care are not enough to relieve pain, we have additional options such as injections (steroid, PRP), radiofrequency ablation, and minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion, which can be extremely effective for reducing pain in this area.
Neck Pain
While everyone has experienced neck pain, severe or persistent pain can interfere with everyday activities and quality of life. Most neck pain is due to postural or occupational reasons and responds to exercise, stretching, and PT. However, when pain is more severe, it could be due to disc disease and facet joint arthritis in the neck. Neck pain alone is rarely treated surgically, rather interventions such as trigger point injections, radiofrequency ablations, and Botox injections can alleviate pain and restore range of motion.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a broad term encompassing any damage to nerves often producing symptoms of numbness, tingling, burning, pins and needles, weakness, and balance issues. Neuropathy can be caused by many sources, most typically diabetes, however trauma, chemotherapy, and vitamin deficiency can also be to blame. Sometimes the cause is unknown. Many patients with neuropathy experience burning pain in the feet, worse with walking and standing. Others report the pain from neuropathy keeps them up at night. Regardless of the cause, there are medication and neuromodulation (stimulation) options we can discuss at our office that can successfully alleviate the painful symptoms.
Joint Pain
Arthritis can impact nearly any joint in the body. We routinely perform injections of the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, back, and neck with both ultrasound or X-ray guidance to treat painful conditions. Injections are often steroid based to relieve inflammation, but we also offer viscosupplement (lubrication) injections, radiofrequency ablations, and regenerative treatments including PRP and stem cell injections to help restore the affected area.
Whiplash Injuries
A syndrome of pain resulting from an acceleration/deceleration injury, often during car crashes, falls, and trauma affecting the joints and muscles of the neck and back. Initial treatment includes heat, ice, physical therapy, and muscle relaxers. However if pain does not improve we offer additional treatments including trigger point injections, Botox, and radiofrequency ablations.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
A form of chronic pain, usually in an arm or leg, often resulting from an injury or trauma where the pain is more severe and debilitating than would be expected. Symptoms often include unprovoked pain that is burning, sharp or “pins and needles,” hypersensitivity of the area, skin and temperature changes, swelling, and weakness. As pain specialists we are well adept at diagnosing and treating CRPS with medications, PT, injections, and neuromodulation such as spinal cord stimulation if necessary.
Cervical Dystonia
A painful condition with involuntary or excessive contraction of the neck muscles, limiting range of motion during everyday activities. Treatment with chemodenervation with botulinum toxins (Botox, Xeomin, or Dysport) can alleviate symptoms by relaxing the muscle at the source. These treatments work well when muscle relaxers have failed or caused side effects.
Chronic Migraine
Patients experiencing headaches more than 15 times per month and have failed conventional medications are candidates for Botox treatments for migraines. Headaches can also originate from then neck muscles, joints and nerves, so sometimes a discussion with pain management about this could be the key to reducing headache symptoms and frequency.
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