Chronic pain can be caused by cancer or other illnesses, or it can be the result of a chemical reaction of the body such as inflammation. It can also be a mechanical problem such as damage to or compression of nerves, damaged discs, or other injuries to the spine.

Common examples of chronic pain include pain from headaches, head and facial pain, back pain (radiculopathy, spondylolisthesis), sciatica, myofascial pain, neuropathic pain (reflex sympathetic dystrophy, shingles pain/ post-herpetic neuralgia), cancer, and pain from trauma or injuries.

Finding the Source

As part of Capital Health's Institute for Neurosciences, our pain center is able to offer a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating the source of chronic pain.

We believe that to treat pain, the cause and source of pain must first be defined so that the most appropriate, targeted treatment option can be identified. Of course, pain varies greatly from person to person. Our physicians work with patients individually to develop a pain history so that they can evaluate severity and impact. This information helps our physicians to determine the source.

Our physicians also use a variety of diagnostic tools including electrodiagnostic procedures, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT imaging, neurological exams, and X-ray guided injections to try to directly pinpoint the cause of your pain.

Finding Relief

Finding the right treatment means not only finding the source, but also finding the right doctor. Our pain physicians include board certified anesthesiologists and doctors who have advanced fellowship training in interventional and diagnostic pain medicine. Our doctors have experience treating the full range of chronic pain conditions.

Once the cause of the pain is found, a specialized method is developed to treat the problem. The Institute’s pain center uses the most advanced pain relief therapies. options can include medication, and more complex treatment options including implantable nerve stimulators, intrathecal (into the spinal fluid) drug delivery, and minimally invasive or traditional surgery.

Because the center is part of Capital Health's Institute for Neurosciences our patients have direct, easy access to other specialists including neurosurgeons, physiatrists, physical therapists, and neurologists. Our physicians may also utilize other specialists such as psychologists and other wellness approaches to provide a comprehensive treatment approach.