Treat Chronic Pain with a Balanced Approach

Chronic Pain & Neuropathy Program

Chronic pain, one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care, is linked to numerous physical and medical conditions that negatively impact individuals, families and society as a whole. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 20 percent of Americans suffer from chronic pain, with some estimates being as high as 40 percent. Neuropathic or nerve pain, often described as a shooting or burning pain felt in the arms, legs, feet, hands or other areas of the body, is a common form of chronic pain affecting more than 10 percent of the U.S. population. The prevalence of chronic and neuropathic pain is rising due to the aging population as well as an increase in diabetes.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is long standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or is related to a chronic health condition. It may affect people to the point that they can’t work, eat properly, take part in physical activity, or enjoy life, even impacting mental health. A multidisciplinary approach to pain management is often required to provide the needed interventions through the use of medication, procedures and attention to mood.
Some common types of chronic pain treated are:

• Neck and back pain
• Joint pain (shoulder, hip, elbow, knee)
• Headaches
• Myofascial pain
• Muscle spasms
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Cancer pain
• Arthritis
• Neuropathic pain (shingles, post herpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia)
• Postsurgical/postoperative pain

Peripheral Neuropathy

Damage to the peripheral nerves—those extending outside of the brain and spinal cord—is called peripheral neuropathy. It often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. People with peripheral neuropathy generally describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins.
Some treatments for peripheral neuropathy include:

• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Prescription pain medication
• Topical treatments such as capsaicin cream and lidocaine patches
• Intravenous immune globulin and plasma exchange
• Physical therapy
• Spinal Cord Stimulation for pain relief

A Multidisciplinary Team

At the Hoag Chronic Pain & Neuropathy Program, we help reduce or eliminate the pain and improve our patients’ quality of life. Our team of experts provides a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to the evaluation and treatment of chronic pain and neuropathy. We collaborate with various specialists including physical/occupational therapists, acupuncturists, psychologists and surgical colleagues to offer the best treatment plan for our patients. These treatments include:

• Pain medicine
• Neurology
• Psychology and psychiatry
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Medical devices