fbpx
(732) 345-1377 info@monmouthpain.com

A New Type of Pain Management in Monmouth County

There’s been a lot of talk in the media lately about the overuse or abuse of pain medications. In some cases, the spotlight has focused on doctors accused of prescribing pain and anxiety medications in excessive quantities to patients.

Of course, painkillers are sometimes necessary as a temporary, palliative measure for certain patients. But what’s going on here? Why are so many people having problems with prescription pain meds?

Perhaps the bigger question is, what thought process leads a doctor to prescribe oxycodone, hydrocodone, and alprozolam in wildly increasing doses to a single patient? Such was the case with a St. Petersburg, FL doc who is currently facing criminal charges.

What makes this story even sadder is that this doctor’s own son died of an overdose of painkillers—some of which had been prescribed to him by his father. This makes me wonder if the doctor was even aware that what he was doing was dangerous—or if skewed thinking about pain management led him to believe that he was helping people.

To some degree, pain management has long played a secondary role in medicine, despite the unhealthy burden that pain places on the body and on society as a whole. If you think about it, many of the opiate pain medications—some of the most common meds prescribed—have origins that date back 2,000 years. Isn’t it time for us to start seeing pain management in a new light?

So, how should we be looking at pain management?

First, it’s important to understand that the body has natural resources for fighting pain-  both physical and emotional. A lot of the emotional part centers on committing yourself to the process and desiring to live the best possible life. It’s very important to remember that pain has very real psychological effects, including depression and anxiety; these sometimes impede the pain management process.

The physical part of pain management involves using the most conservative methods first. For example, if much of the pain from a herniated disc can be alleviated with Spinal Decompression Traction (a drug-free and gentle method of removing pressure on the spinal nerves), doesn’t it make sense to start there?

There are a number of physical therapy techniques that can help both to lessen and prevent pain. Heat and ice therapies, ultrasound, electrotherapy, and low level laser therapy are some good examples. Therapeutic exercise is often helpful in increasing mobility (which can be restricted by pain) and building strength to prevent future injury.

Acupuncture is also used for pain management in our Monmouth County office. While the practice of acupuncture actually dates back to before the use of opium for pain relief, modern studies have shown that the technique is a legitimate method of reducing pain. Through the stimulation of certain points on the body, acupuncture prompts the release of  naturally occurring, opiate-like chemicals known as endorphins. Acupuncture also inhibits the stimulation of nerve signals that can cause pain by increasing levels of serotonin. Serotonin has the effect of interrupting pain signals before they are able to reach the brain. It also improves mood and relaxation.

Chiropractic care for pain management is another possibility. By ensuring the health of the spine, pressure on the nerves can be reduced. Patients often experience neck pain or headaches because of poor posture. By correcting or improving the structure of the spine, pain can be reduced or even eliminated.

The pain management doctor at our Red Bank, NJ facility is dedicated to helping patients treat painful conditions without surgery or excessive drug use. We have incorporated a number of minimally invasive procedures—corticosteroid injections, anesthetic injections, and viscosupplementation (for osteoarthritis of the knee)—to help patients reduce pain so that they can take advantage of our physical therapy programs and other pain management techniques.

To learn more about conservative, healthy pain management in Monmouth County, please contact our Red Bank, NJ rehabilitation office.

Have Questions? Get In Touch Today!

Give us a call at (732) 345-1377 today to have all of your questions answered and to get you booked for an appointment!

Monmouth Pain - White Logo

About Monmouth Pain

Monmouth Pain is a multi-specialty, all-under-one-roof orthopedic facility serving Monmouth & Ocean County NJ.

Services include orthopedics, neurosurgery, pain management, sports medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and acupuncture.

Monmouth Pain combines expert collaborative care with 5-star service to provide you with the best results for your condition.

Simple, effective, efficient.

Follow Us

Related Posts

Understanding Sciatica

Understanding Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain and discomfort along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. The team at Monmouth Pain understands the impact that sciatica can have on daily life, and in this blog post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options for this common condition.

read more
Comprehensive Specialties at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation: Achieving Success through Interventional Pain Management and Orthopedic Care

Comprehensive Specialties at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation: Achieving Success through Interventional Pain Management and Orthopedic Care

Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation is dedicated to providing comprehensive, specialized care for individuals seeking effective pain management and improved overall well-being. With a team of highly skilled professionals, cutting-edge techniques, and a patient-centric approach, Monmouth Pain offers tailored solutions for a wide array of conditions.

read more
Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Options for Orthopedic Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide with a Focus on Spinal Care

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Options for Orthopedic Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide with a Focus on Spinal Care

When it comes to orthopedic conditions, such as those affecting the spine, patients often face the decision of choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options. At Monmouth Pain, we understand the importance of providing patients with comprehensive information to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare. In this blog post, we will explore the factors to consider when deciding between surgical and non-surgical options for orthopedic conditions, with a particular focus on spinal care.

read more
When to Consider an Orthopedic Surgeon or Neurosurgeon Consultation for Back Pain: Making Informed Decisions for Your Health

When to Consider an Orthopedic Surgeon or Neurosurgeon Consultation for Back Pain: Making Informed Decisions for Your Health

The human spine is a remarkable structure that provides support, flexibility, and protection to our bodies. Central to its function are the spinal discs, which act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Unfortunately, spinal disc injuries can occur due to various factors, leading to pain and discomfort. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for spinal disc injuries.

read more
Understanding Spinal Disc Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Understanding Spinal Disc Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

The human spine is a remarkable structure that provides support, flexibility, and protection to our bodies. Central to its function are the spinal discs, which act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Unfortunately, spinal disc injuries can occur due to various factors, leading to pain and discomfort. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for spinal disc injuries.

read more