The most fundamental element in the creation of pain management and rehabilitation programs is correct diagnosis. The Medical Director at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation has a number of in-house diagnostic tools, including traditional x-ray, electro-diagnostic nerve testing, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound. For a small number of patients suffering from disc injury-related back pain, diagnosis and treatment may prove elusive. In these situations, our office is affiliated with several local surgery centers in order to perform Discograms, a more conclusive diagnostic procedure for back pain.
Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation now offers more methods of pain management and rehabilitation than ever before. Some patients find relief after working with our Doctors of Chiropractic and staff of Physical Therapists. We also offer acupuncture for pain relief and relaxation.
When conservative methods of rehabilitation aren’t enough, our medical staff may recommend and perform any number of interventional pain management procedures. For disc injuries, some sufferers benefit from injections of a corticosteroid or anesthetic. Anesthetic injections are also sometimes used as part of the diagnostic process. In most cases, this strategy enables patients to participate in physical therapy programs with less pain.
For an unlucky few, back pain persists despite all attempts at rehabilitation. Some medical offices might consider surgery the next logical step—in many cases, this surgery involves spinal fusion. There are a very small number of cases in which back surgery is necessary, and there are far more surgeries than there are patients who actually require such traumatic intervention.
At this point, our Medical Director may perform a Discogram, a diagnostic procedure designed to provide a more accurate picture of the disc problems that may be causing back pain.
