Interventional Procedures

PEMCO Procedures


Our services include interventional pain management with a multitude of cutting-edge procedures. We recently added a fluoroscopy suite to accommodate our patients better.



When a patient has chronic pain, the exact cause of the pain must be determined. Therefore, initial consultation, examination, and review of records are essential in determining which treatments can best help you. You must have an experienced pain physician who understands all of these potential modalities. It is certainly a benefit when they are offered under one roof. The Pain Evaluation & Management Center of Ohio is such a facility, and our physicians are extensively qualified. Once a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis are made, the physician will discuss with you which of the above potential options are best for you. If you have specific questions about any of those, you should write them down and bring them to the consultation.

Therapist Motivating Male Patient To Walk Between Cones — Dayton, OH — Pain Evaluation & Management Center

SPINAL CORD STIMULATORS

Spinal cord stimulator trials and placement of interspinal electrodes for the treatment of RSD, failed spinal surgery, peripheral neuropathy, and phantom pain are completed in our office. These procedures are outpatient and safe and effective. A small electrode is placed over the spinal cord in the epidural space and advanced under fluoroscopic guidance. A small electrical stimulus is then used to block your pain as it enters the spinal cord. This is a very effective treatment that involves a two-step process, starting with a trial when the leads are externally linked, and you can use it at home for four days. If this is significantly effective in reducing your pain and improving functioning, a permanent stimulator can be placed, which is buried under the skin, and there are no visible wires or instruments.

Spinal Pumps

Spinal pump trials and full spinal pump management are offered. Spinal pumps are indicated for a variety of chronic pain conditions relating to the back, neck, and extremities. A spinal pump applies medications directly to the spine at the source of the pain, which can potentially provide much better pain control for patients who have pain that is not responsive to conventional treatment.

MYOBLOC

MYOBLOC is the use of Botox. We use EMG guidance when indicated to treat a variety of chronic muscle spasms conditions that can be very painful, including severe muscle spasms, torticollis, and fibromyalgia with muscle spasm.

NERVE BLOCKS

Epidural steroid injections, trigger point injections, nerve blocks, and facet blocks are also performed for a variety of different medical conditions. These include lumbar radiculitis, lumbar facet neuritis, spondylosis, degenerative disc disease, disc herniations, chronic muscle spasms, and peripheral nerve pain including but not limited to carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, and ulnar and radial neuritis.

RADIOFREQUENCY NEUROLYSIS

Radiofrequency neurolysis is used when nerves have been identified as specific pain generators, primarily in patients who have paraspinal pain that is related to facet neuritis and spondylosis of the spine. There is a simple procedure to diagnose whether or not that is the cause of your pain, and if so, then radiofrequency can be applied to those nerves and potentially provide long-term pain improvement.

Physical Therapy

Our physical therapy department provides extensive modalities that include segmental traction, ultrasound, muscle stimulation, laser light treatment, infrared light treatment (particularly beneficial for peripheral neuropathy), TNS units, and rehabilitation as well as strengthening treatment. TNS units are transcutaneous nerve stimulation that can reduce inflammation and spasm and help block nerve pain. TNS units are portable, peripherally placed devices that can be used daily. Usually, this device is tried for several weeks, and if effective, most insurance will allow one to be purchased for you. Lumbar spinal bracing is when we use a special lumbar spinal brace that supports the spine and is effective in treating conditions of the spine, particularly degenerative disc disease and lumbar spondylolisthesis, or slippage of the spine. You can contact our physical therapy department directly at (937) 432-6330.

checking bone fracture on rm — Dayton, OH — Pain Evaluation & Management Center

MASSAGE THERAPY

We have a state-licensed massage therapist who provides medical massage therapy. Some of this is covered by insurance. You can ask our physical therapy department specifically about insurance issues.

ACUPUNCTURE

Our state-certified acupuncturist offers acupuncture. Acupuncture has been indicated and proven effective by significant studies that have been completed. Acupuncture is covered by some insurance and is an alternative and effective way of treating multiple chronic pain conditions. If you would like to see our acupuncturist, you can call our main office number at (937) 439-4949 to make an appointment.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CARE

Dr. Heitkemper, our psychologist, provides extensive psychological treatment in this office that includes counseling, self-regulation training, and other psychological modalities for the treatment of chronic pain and the depression/anxiety related to chronic pain.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

Patients who require medications to manage their pain are treated in this office. Appropriate patients who cannot find alternative treatments and wish to use medications can benefit significantly from the use of a variety of different medications including a host of new medications that help with nerve pain, a new medication that has been approved for fibromyalgia, and in some cases the use of opiates for the treatment of chronic pain. Careful observation and management are required, and all patients sign medication agreements and routinely submit to urine drug screens if a decision is made to use an opiate for the treatment of chronic pain.

TNS

Through our physical therapy department, we provide, and most insurance will cover the use of a TNS unit (transcutaneous nerve stimulator). This is used for the treatment of acute and chronic pain and is a drug-free way of improving circulation, metabolic clearing, and pain relief.

Call Today For An Appointment.
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