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Chronic Pain Syndrome

 graphics depicting ankle painChronic pain syndrome is an ongoing pain condition that is usually the result of a long-term illness or injury.

The condition is characterized by the following criteria:

  • Pain from an illness or injury that lasts longer than expected
  • Recurring pain for a minimum of three months
  • Pain that accompanies a long-term illness

The most common types of pain that are associated with the condition are neurogenic pain, nociceptive pain, and psychogenic pain. In order to ensure a proper diagnosis, a doctor will evaluate the patient’s symptoms, medical history, physical examination, tests, electromyography, thermography, and tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scans.

Causes

There are many risk factors for chronic pain syndrome. The pain that is associated with a muscle, joint, or bone is caused by damage or injury to tissue that activate nociceptors, which are nerve endings that send pain signals to the brain.

The condition is also typically caused by:

  • Injuries: sprains and muscle strains may develop chronic pain syndrome
  • Long-term illnesses: chronic illnesses such as cancer, inflammatory disease, multiple sclerosis, degenerative disease, ear infections, migraines, and carpal tunnel syndrome may result in ongoing pain

Symptoms

The most recognized symptoms of chronic pain syndrome include:

  • Sleeping problems
  • Impaired functioning
  • Constant pain

Treatment

man holding his neck in painWhile there is not an exact cure for chronic pain syndrome, proper pain management can reduce symptoms. Many providers may refer patients to pain clinics to receive a customized treatment plan for the condition. Chronic pain syndrome may be treated with any one of the following medical therapies.

  • Acupuncture: Throughout the centuries, acupuncture is believed to benefit those with conditions that cause severe pain. A licensed acupuncturist is trained to insert tiny needles into key points of the body to correct energy imbalances. Acupuncture has also been shown to benefit those who are suffering from severe headaches, back pain, and osteoarthritis.
  • Medication Management: Some common medication that can treat chronic pain syndrome include over-the-counter pain relievers, anticonvulsant drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, topical anesthetics, and opioids. These different types of medications are usually provided to the patient in a customized pain medication plan.
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation: Also known as a dorsal column stimulator, a spinal cord stimulator is designed to deliver brief electrical pulses to the nerve endings, which ultimately provides substantial pain relief. A provider will carefully implant this device into the spinal epidural space.

Along with these treatments, some patients have experienced pain relief by participating in relaxation therapy, regular exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy. Applying heat or ice to the affected area may also provide temporary pain relief. Although moderate to mild pain can decrease with time, most patients with chronic pain syndrome are prescribed one of these treatments.

If you suffer from chronic pain syndrome, contact Allied Pain & Spine Institute today to schedule an appointment.

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Our Patient Reviews

Allied Pain & Spine Institute

5.0
Michelle T.

I fly in to see Dr. Petros from Southern California.  I wouldn't do so if he wasn't the best there is.  He is compassionate and has always treated me kindly. I can tell he is sincere in the way he talks to me and is diligently looking for solutions that work best with me and my chronic pain needs.  Very out of the box approach, which I appreciate these days!  I would truly recommend Dr. Petros to anyone looking for a Dr. that not only cares about you as a patient but has the confidence and skill set to get results! His office staff is friendly and caring too.  Allied Pain and Spine Institute is the Gold Standard in pain care in my humble opinion!! When I find a doctor that understands the issue and always goes above and beyond to help me, I do what I can to continue seeing them. I am so glad I found this office!!

Louise W.

Dr Petros is amazing!  When he uses a needle his aim is "right on".  He is also very personable, an altogether great guy.  I always find my visits to him to be very informative. I have had both sides of my degenerated back injected (epidural shots) with complete success.  He allows me to have no sedative, which is cool because his jokes and stories in the operating room are really good.  He greatly enjoys his work, and enjoys the difficult challenges of getting a needle into the right place in my back.  My arthritic knee is perhaps more straight-forward, but other doctors have failed to give me pain relief.  Dr Petros studies the structure with ultrasound before injecting it.  The result - instant relief! On my recent visit for a broken back (ski accident) the doctor and staff were very accommodating to help me make a dinner engagement shortly after my appointment.  This is definitely a five-star operation!

Ellie O.

Wow, wonderful doctor!!! I avoid all the doctors like the plague...seriously it makes my blood pressure go up when I have to go but I chose Dr. Vaidya. My friend referred him to me, he's simply the best... TOP NOTCH!!! He turned out to be a breath of fresh air. Dr. Vaidya really stands out head and shoulders above everyone else. I usually don't write reviews but he's so outstanding that I really wanted to do it for him. He's the most honest and caring doctor I have met.  He listens and gives you full attention and committed to find the best individual solution for you. He always goes out of his way to get you the most appropriate treatment and he will make it happen. He's very knowledgeable in his field. He's very professional, friendly, personable and definitely easy to talk to. His integrity is very valuable. He's one of the sharpest and most driven individuals you will ever meet.

Keith M.

Simply the best doctors and staff in the area. I've fought back and neck pain for over 30 years, and Dr. Petros and his team have kept me from the operating table and able to enjoy my life. I've had injections, acupuncture, as well as back braces. He listens to my concerns, cares very deeply for my pain and discomfort, and has successfully treated everything from stenosis, pinched nerves, herniated disks, and even helped me with the symptoms from shingles and lung disease. I couldn't be happier with the care he has given me over the years.

Kaitlin Z.

Dr. Vaidya has changed my life. I am in my late 20s with chronic pain and nothing had worked until I came here. All services here are wonderful and the staff is absolutely amazing. I can't recommend enough!!

Tracy B.

I have been a patient of Dr. Vaidya for a few years after not getting what I needed from other spine and pain doctors. I was looking for a doctor who would think outside the box and come up with some other ways to treat my growing amount of pain. Between Dr. Petros and Dr. Vaidya, they have brought me to a place where my pain is better managed. And let's just talk about bedside manners! I have never met doctors in the past 23 years of this back journey of mine that has as amazing bedside manners as these guys. I have cried and laughed with the team at Allied Spine. The way that I am always greeted and promptly cared for is bar none! The front office staff, and especially Nas, has been a God sent. I would never go anywhere else.

Justin P.

I am a new patient of DR Petros and my experience was great for my first two visits so far. He really takes time to listen to your issues and provides thorough answers and treatment options. The front desk staff are all very nice and respond in a timely manner to requests. Highly recommended all around!

Lisa A.

I have seen Dr. Vaidya for about 2 years. He is an amazing doctor.the attention and care you receive is well over 5 stars. He knows who I am by my face, he knows my health history with out looking in my chart, he remembers conversations we have had at previous appointments. He truly cares for his patients. I will be moving our of state, and will travel back here each month to see doctor Vaidya. I lost my insurance over a year ago and pay out of pocket to see the doctor, it is worth every penny to be treated with respect, as a person and with care. I love all the staff and feel like I am visiting family when I come in for my appointments.

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