Experienced physicians and
nurse
practitioners provide
friendly and
personalized care.
3070 Wellner Dr. NE
Rochester, MN 55906
(507) 218-3095
Pain Management
What is Pain?
Pain is defined as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience arising from actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage,” according to the International Association for the Study of Pain. It is the most common symptom and reason for medical care in the United States.
What Are The Common Types of Pain?
Acute pain resolves quickly. When pain is not resolved within an arbitrary period, commonly ranging from three to six months, it is considered chronic pain. Pain can exist with or without the presence of actual physical damage, and can be classified according to its sources - tissues, nerves, and emotions.
Nociceptive. Nociceptive pain arises from tissue damage, and is categorized as visceral, deep somatic, or superficial somatic. Since visceral structures are internal organs, they are sensitive to stretch, poor circulation, and inflammation, but less sensitive to external stimuli. Visceral pain is hard to locate and is commonly described as a deep, dull sensation. Sometimes it is associated with referred pain - that is, pain felt in an area of the body other than the location of the actual source of the problem.
Deep somatic pain occurs due to damage to deep tissues, including ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles. It is described as dull, aching pain. Superficial somatic pain occurs when superficial tissues, such as skin, are damaged. It is sharp, well defined, and clearly located.
Neuropathic. Neuropathic pain arises from damage to the nervous system. The pain is usually described as burning, tingling, pins and needles, or numb.
Phantom. Phantom pain is a type of neuropathic pain that comes from a body part that has been lost. It is described as shooting, burning, or crushing pain.
Nonspecific. Pain can be caused by emotions. It is difficult to diagnose. People with chronic pain sometimes present multiple factors.
What are the common treatments for pain?
Like its sources, treatments for pain include pharmacological, physical, and emotional approaches. Pharmacological treatment uses medication to subdue pain. Physical treatment includes osteopathic manipulation therapy (OMT), physical therapy, and modalities such as ultrasound. Acupuncture is now widely recognized as an effective treatment option. Emotional treatment of pain involves counseling and psychotherapy.
What is pain management?
Pain management involves pain assessment, the accurate identification of causes and origins, appropriate use of intervention, and regular evaluation.
Pain assessment includes identifying the nature, location, intensity, duration, and course of the pain. Assessment, along with thorough history review and physical examination, can lead to an accurate identification of the causes and origins of the pain., which will assist in formulating an appropriate treatment plan. The assessment can then be evaluated regularly, and the treatment plan can be maintained or adjusted accordingly.
How is pain managed at Rochester Clinic?
Rochester Clinic provides a comprehensive range of services in one convenient location. Every patient is evaluated by a qualified physician to assess the pain and obtain a thorough history and physical exam pertinent to the pain.
Consultation by a psychiatrist and/or neurologist will be provided as needed.
Rochester Clinic strives to be as fully informed as possible about the latest, safest and most effective pain management therapies and treatments available. As such, we recognize that our patients may wish to explore drug-free treatments. We offer osteopathic manipulation therapy and traditional Chinese medicine in addition to conventional pain management and treatment.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
Osteopathic medicine was developed in the 19th century as an alternative form of medical practice. It utilizes Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy (OMT) to treat illness via the musculoskeletal system. The most common OMT techniques include high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) technique, muscle energy technique, strain-counterstrain technique, myofascial release technique, and osteopathy in the cranial field. These techniques prove to be especially effective in treating fibromyaligia, shoulder pain, neck pain, low back pain, tendonitis, headaches, and other musculoskeletal pain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been in practice in China and Asia for thousands of years. TCM emphasizes the balance of yin and yang to ensure the smooth flow of qi in the body. It is believed that illness occurs when qi is stalled due to the disturbance of yin/yang balance. Acupuncture is widely known to be an effective way to treat pain, but TCM also utilizes other therapies, such as herbal medicine, cupping and massages. TCM is recognized as one of the most effective and safe treatment options for pain.