Advanced Expertise in Managing Chronic Pain Conditions

Abdominal pain can be mild or severe. It can have many causes and may be acute (short-lived), constant (chronic) or intermittent. Sudden, severe abdominal pain should always be evaluated in the emergency room.

Arthritis is a degenerative disease that can cause significant pain and disability. Our pain management experts collaborate with rheumatologists to develop treatment plans to manage pain, increase mobility and improve quality of life.

Back pain is a common problem. Sometimes it’s a result of overuse or a pulled muscle, while more serious cases are caused by pinched nerves or herniated discs in the spine. Our pain experts diagnose and develop treatment plans for all types of back pain.

Cancer and cancer treatments can have painful side effects. Our pain management experts work closely with the cancer specialists at UH Seidman Cancer Center to relieve the pain of cancer and cancer treatments.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition that causes pain and inflammation in the limbs after an injury or medical event. Our experts have the experience and advanced training to help patients manage the pain of CRPS.

Chronic pain of the face and head is often related to dysfunction of one or more cranial nerves. For all types of face and head pain caused by nerve dysfunction, our pain management experts work with neurologists and facial plastic surgeons to determine the most effective treatment plan.

Fibromyalgia is a soft tissue disorder that can cause musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. The cause is often unknown and treatment usually focuses on symptom management.

Headache pain can range from mild to debilitating and may be classified as migraine, cluster or tension headaches. Our experts work with other specialists to manage chronic headache pain.

Joint pain can occur in any joint of the body, including the hips, knees, elbows, shoulder and wrist. Often due to arthritis or other degenerative diseases, the pain management experts at University Hospitals work with rheumatologists and orthopedic specialists to determine the cause of joint pain and develop an effective treatment plan.

Certain movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and spasticity can cause a variety of symptoms, including chronic pain. The pain management team at University Hospitals collaborates with specialists at the UH Neurological Institute to manage the pain associated with these disorders.

Myofascial pain originates in the connective tissue around the muscles, called the fascia. The pain typically feels like a dull ache with trigger points that are painful to the touch.

Neuromuscular diseases that can cause chronic pain include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (Lou Gehrig’s disease), myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy and neuropathy. Our pain management team works with neurology experts to help manage the chronic pain often experienced by people with these diseases.

Radicular pain (radiculopathy) is caused by a pinched nerve in the neck, midback or lower back. It can cause numbness, weakness or pain that radiates. The most common causes of radicular pain are herniated or ruptured discs in the spine and spinal stenosis.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and the main nerve in the leg. Sciatica occurs when the nerve is compressed, causing pain that radiates down the back of one leg. The pain management specialists at University Hospitals work closely with spine experts to treat the pain associated with this condition.

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, herpes zoster. Shingles causes a painful rash on the face or torso. The rash typically clears up within 3-4 weeks but for some people, the pain can become chronic and persist for months or years.

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spine, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Some people with spinal stenosis have no symptoms. Others may experience pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness in the lower back and neck. Symptoms can get worse over time.

The providers at UH Connor Whole Health treat chronic pain using specialized services with a holistic approach to healing. Services include:

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic Care
• Integrative Medicine Consultation
• Massage Therapy
• Meditation
• Mindfulness

Medication is an integral part of a pain management treatment plan. Our specialists make every effort to find alternatives to opioid medications, which aren’t effective for long-term management of chronic pain and can lead to opioid use disorder or addiction.

Interventional pain management uses pain-blocking techniques such as electrostimulation, radiofrequency procedures, injections or nerve blocks, or other procedures to help manage pain symptoms.

Patients coping with chronic pain may struggle with depression, anxiety, and other behavioral health issues. By working with a health psychologist or behavioral health specialist, patients learn relaxation, mood management, activity pacing and good sleep habits to improve their quality of life.

Certified physical therapists and occupational therapists use personalized therapies to promote and restore physical function, and help manage pain. Their goal is to provide strategies and lifestyle changes for the long term.

Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) providers specialize in treating and rehabilitating chronic pain, including cognitive impairments and disabilities that result from musculoskeletal, neurological and other conditions.