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About Pain Management
It is estimated that 90% of all diseases may be associated
with pain and it is known that pain is the most common reason for
physician visits. At least 65 million Americans suffer painful disabilities
at any given time and over half of the population has a family member
suffering from chronic pain. Pain is also the major cause of lost
work days costing the economy billions
of dollars. Billions more are lost secondary to decreased productivity
caused by pain experienced during the work day.
Until recent years, the medical field has had little
to offer these
patients. If medications and physical therapy did not provide adequate
relief the only other option was invasive surgery. Frustrated with
the lack of effective medical options, suffering individuals have
explored chiropractic care, acupuncture, and alternative therapies
as well.
Unfortunately, many of these individuals continue to experience
unsatisfactory pain relief after multiple treatments. They also
may suffer from uncomfortable side effects or complications. If
they opt for surgery, their pain may be unchanged or even worse
and frequently becomes more difficult to manage.
The tragedy of the situation can be summarized by this sentence: The majority
of pain goes untreated, under treated, or improperly treated.
Fortunately, the situation has changed drastically in the last decades. Segments
of the medical field now realize the value and importance of treating
pain and its consequences. Research has become focused on the causes
of pain and minimally invasive treatment. Interventional pain physicians
working in multidisciplinary settings are now able to render painful
symptoms much more tolerable. They work to improve each individual's quality of life however it is measured
by that individual. Sleeping better, walking farther, improved interactions
with family members, taking less medication, increased activity
levels- the list
is endless.
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