Chronic Pain Management Relief Specialists, Post Surgery Pain Expert, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles

The goal of the Department of Pain Management is to take patients from initial consultation through diagnosis and onto primary treatment and/or surgery if necessary. We will be a constant presence through the pain management process and into aftercare as well. Many patients will return to La Peer for pain relief through minor procedures such as a lumbar epidural steroid injection or a selective nerve root block. These treatments often work for a few weeks or months at a time and with conditions like repetitive migraines a simple injection is well worth a bi-monthly trip.

The department of pain management is also highly concerned with research and clinical trials. Research into pain management for something like repetitive migraines is as important as finding a permanent method of relief for these patients. Depending on your condition and willingness, you may be able to take part in research and possibly make a step towards improving medicine forever.

Arthritis: Arthritis is the painful inflammation of the joints. The causes of arthritis depends on the type of arthritis you have. The common causes are autoimmune disorders, wear associated with the aging process, bacterial infection, or a broken bone. The symptoms of arthritis include stiffness in the joint, decreased mobility, inability to bend down or stand straight, tightness in the joints, and redness and/or warmth in the affected area. The treatment for arthritis depends on the severity of the case, but it may include NSAIDs like Aleve, steroid injections, heat and ice packs, or joint replacement.

Back injury: Many patients experience chronic pain after experiencing some sort of back injury including herniated discs, sprains, strains, or a fractured vertebrae. The treatment for chronic pain resulting from a back injury may include a nerve block or a lumbar epidural steroid injection.

Chronic daily headache: Chronic headaches are a debilitating condition for many people. It is very common for a person to have a headache from time to time, but if you are experiencing headaches mos
t days of the week, you may have chronic headaches. The risk factors for chronic daily headaches are anxiety, depression, overuse of pain relievers, obesity, disrupted sleep, neck strain, and snoring. The treatment for chronic head is dependent on the severity of the headaches. The treatment may include nerve blocks, steroid injections, beta blockers, anti-seizure medication, Botox injections, or a local anesthetic.

Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects the musculoskeletal system. The exact causes of the condition are unknown, but the symptoms often start after a major trauma, surgery, serious psychological stress, or infection. Additionally, women are more likely to develop the condition than men. The symptoms of fibromyalgia is a constant, dull pain and tender spots throughout the body. The common tender spots include the back of the neck, the shoulders, the chest, and the hips. Sleep disturbance is also a common symptom and side effect of fibromyalgia.  The treatment for fibromaylgia is a combination of non-steroid pain relievers such as Aleve, relaxation techniques, and prescription pain relievers.

Peripheral nerve damage: There are many different types of nerve damage depending on the type of nerve that was damaged and its function. The risk factors for nerve damage include diabetes, trauma, compartment syndrome, pinched nerves, certain medication, nutritional deficiencies, HIV, and motor neuron disease. The treatment for peripheral nerve damage depends on the reason for the nerve damage. If the nerve damage is a result of an infection or diabetes, antibiotics or regulating your blood sugar will help with nerve pain and reduce the risk of further nerve damage. Other treatments for nerve damage may be nerve blocks and steroid injections.

Vulvodynia: Vulvodynia is a painful condition that affects the opening of the vagina. The causes of vulvadynia are unknown, but it is believed that the causes include damage to the surrounding nerves, hormonal changes, allergies, or a history of sexual abuse. The symptoms of vulvodynia are pain near the vulva, itching, soreness, throbbing, stinging, and painful intercourse. The treatment for vulvodynia are antihistamines to reduce itching, behavioral therapy, local anesthetics, nerve blocks, relaxation techniques, and surgery.