Topic: Pain Management Clinic No Longer a Pain in the Neck
Millions of Americans suffer from pain each year. The result is often physical and emotional suffering, and a decrease in strength, coordination and independence. Pain can even cause severe stress and/or lead to depression. But there's good news. According to Harold Goll, M.D., Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology, and Director, Pain Services Division at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, people with such problems can manage the effects of pain and can lead active and productive lives.
"Eliminating pain is not always an option, but pain can always be managed in a way to improve quality of life," says Dr. Goll. "With newer medications and techniques, pain can become more 'livable.'"
Dr. Goll oversees GBMC's Pain Management Clinic, located in the Physicians Pavilion East, Suite 210. The staff of five physicians and a full-time nurse treats approximately 2,000 patients yearly. All physicians in the referral-only practice are board-certified in both anesthesia and pain management.
The most common ailment that the clinic physicians treat is chronic back pain, which can include degenerative arthritis of spine, disc disease and nerve entrapments. Nerve pain and complex regional pain syndrome are other common pain problems.
Dr. Goll says some patients are referred for one-time visits for a very specific procedure, such as a steroid injection in the spine. Others suffer from chronic pain and require regular visits.
When a patient is referred to GBMC's Pain Management Clinic, he or she first provides a medical history and receives a physical exam. Next an evaluation and treatment plan are developed, and any necessary diagnostic tests are performed.
The staff works with a multi-disciplinary team at GBMC that may include rehabilitation medicine doctors, neurologists, psychiatrists, orthopedic surgeons and alternative medicine physicians, among other specialists. "Research and experience have shown that pain management is best accomplished by a team of health professionals working with the individual dealing with pain," explains Dr. Goll.
A patient's treatment plan often consists of medicines and non-invasive treatment, such as physical therapy. But treatment can also include invasive procedures, such as nerve blocks or surgery.
Dr. Goll advises seeking treatment for pain when it does not respond to the usual and customary treatments within a reasonable period of time. Difficulty functioning or sleeping, loss of appetite or attitude change are other indicators that a person needs medical care for pain problems.
"If you have pain that causes numbness, weakness or bowel/bladder changes, you should seek medical care immediately" says Dr. Goll. "The pain could be an indication of pressures or problems with nerves, that when left untreated, could become permanent."
In addition to its multidisciplinary team approach and strong patient-physician relationships, GBMC's Pain Management Clinic offers patients the same type of treatment as that available at a university or research hospital, says Dr. Goll, but with the added benefit of personal care.
The clinic participates in clinical trials, providing patients with access to the latest types of medicines, if necessary. It is also part of a national databank that collects anonymous data and allows physicians to compare information and find benchmarks.
Whether acute or chronic pain, treatment at GBMC is aimed at increasing a person's ease of movement and ability to be as independent and pain-free as possible.
Call 443-849-2202 for more information.
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