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Pain Management - An Overview

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Introduction

Pain management for orthopedic conditions consists of a variety of treatments aimed at reducing pain.  There are many types and causes of orthopedic pain.  Orthopedic pain is commonly caused by injury and aging.  Back pain may result from irritated or compressed nerves and herniated discs.  Arthritis pain may be caused by degeneration associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  Pain management techniques can consist of stress reduction, psychology, physical therapy and exercise, medications, and surgical treatments.

Orthopedic pain can be acute or chronic.  Acute pain occurs suddenly from injury or structural damage.  Acute pain is limited in duration.  It may last for a few moments or months.  Acute pain goes away as healing takes place and fewer pain signals are sent to the brain.

Chronic pain is an ongoing condition.  Chronic pain may come and go or be continuous.  It may be difficult to pinpoint the exact source of chronic pain.  Arthritis is a common cause of chronic pain. 

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Treatment

Pain management treatments are very individualized.  The type of treatments and techniques that are used will depend on the cause and extent of your pain.  Your doctor can diagnose the cause of your pain by obtaining your medical history, performing a physical examination, and reviewing your medical imaging studies.  You may use a variety of techniques to provide pain relief or make your pain tolerable.
 
Stress and tension can increase pain.  You can learn techniques to help you relax.  Improving your lifestyle can help, too.  It is beneficial to get plenty of sleep, maintain a healthy weight, and eat a well-balanced diet.  You should avoid cigarettes, illegal drugs, and alcohol.

Weak muscles lead to more pain than healthy strong muscles do.  It is helpful to perform regular stretching and strengthening exercises.  Physical therapists can set up an exercise program just for you.  They can also teach you how to use proper lifting techniques and postures to prevent injuries.

There are many types and strengths of medications to relieve pain.  Pain medication delivery methods vary.  They may be in pill form, liquid, patches that go on the skin, or injected directly into the source of pain, or into other pertinent areas.

Surgical treatments may be appropriate after considering other pain relief methods.  There are a variety of surgical methods for pain management.  Spinal cord stimulation involves the surgical placement of a small device in your back or abdomen.  The device transmits an electrical current to your spinal cord so you feel a tingling sensation instead of pain.  Small pain pumps can be placed under your skin to deliver a continuous flow of pain relieving medication.  Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) uses heat to treat injured tissues and nerves.  Percutaneous Stereotactic Rhizotomy (PSR) uses heat to destroy the nerves that cause pain.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

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Patient Education

Our patient education library features more than 200 award-winning orthopedic articles with images, videos, and tons of helpful information.

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Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. After the surgery, while the stitches were still in and the brace still in place, I had more flexibility in my fingers than I had before the surgery. I am six weeks out from the surgery and I continue to progress. I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

Nancy L.

via md.com

Seeing Dr. Reznick and being treated by her is like going to heaven with millions of angels. She can not only treat your hand, she treats the soul. She is the best!!!

Les D.

via healthgrades.com

Amazing visit. I can't remember the last time I spent quality time with a doctor. She explained everything to me on why I was having trigger finger issues. I have been dealing with this for some time. She nailed it on the first visit ‘cause she talks to you and listens! If you need a hand doctor you will be happy she is the one.

Anonymous

via healthgrades.com

Dr. Reznick is one of the most professional, sensitive and caring physicians I have visited. She is a teacher--patient and informative, and she made sure I understood just exactly what was necessary for my particular problems. She took care of both my left and right carpal tunnel surgeries, and I couldn't have asked for a better recovery. Everything went just as planned. She is my ‘go to’ hand doctor!

Anonymous

healthgrades.com

When I was having problems with my wrist, she guided me through every step, and always made sure I was comfortable with what she was doing. Very straightforward and trustworthy. I never doubted what she was doing and she always wants to try every technique before doing surgery to try to make you better.

Shannon C.

healthgrades.com

I recently rode 900 miles on a vibrating Harley-Davidson and did not have a single tingle in either of my hands. You do great work. Thanks for helping me.

Ed G.

Just wanted to let you know again how much I appreciated your care, expertise and skill in conducting the surgery on my hand. A job well done. Thank you.

Randall A.

My surgery went very well. My banjo and I thank you.

Kevin M.

Dr. Lisa Reznick has performed carpal tunnel surgery on both hands and has removed my basal joint from my right hand. All of my surgeries have been successful, and I now have complete use of both hands and my right thumb, which I credit to a great surgeon, good therapy, and a genuine concern for patients.

Robert

My hand is in perfect working order because of your expertise. I appreciate your genuine concern for my healing. Through the myriad of maladies my husband experienced, I became acquainted with many doctors. None even approached your level of patient care.

Trudy R.

Dr. Reznick performed surgery on my hand for ‘trigger finger’ and did a wonderful job. I’ll definitely user her again if the need ever presents itself again.

Don L.

Dr. Reznick is very to the point and no nonsense. She tells you what options there are in your treatment and advises you accordingly. I had hand surgery four years ago and it was a complete success. I actually went back to work one week early. I have recommended Dr. Reznick to many friends and associates. Frankly, I won’t go to anyone else when it comes to muscles or bones. I have complete faith in her.

J. Schully

via vitals.com

Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. [Now] I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

~ Nancy L. via md.com

Lisa R. Reznick MD, PA

Board Certified Orthopedic and Hand Surgeon

4100 Fairway Court, Suite 120
Carrollton, TX 75010
Phone: (972) 395-9000
Fax: (972) 395-9002

Copyright © Lisa R. Reznick.
All rights reserved.

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In Carrollton, TX, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lisa Reznick offers conservative treatment options for all types of general orthopedic issues, while specializing in surgeries of the hand, wrist, and elbow.