An estimated 50 million people have chronic pain, and nearly 20% of adults suffer from work-limiting pain at some point in their lives. If you’re living with chronic pain, it isn’t just about missing work — it’s about missing out on time with your loved ones, your hobbies, and more.
Edward Carden, MD, in Sherman Oaks, California, is a pain management specialist who understands how chronic pain anywhere in your body shouldn’t come between you and living your life.
Dr. Carden offers several pain treatment options to help you live a more normal, pain-free life.
No two cases of chronic pain are the same. There are a number of reasons you may be experiencing chronic pain. Many people experience joint pain as a result of osteoarthritis and require treatment to protect their joints and manage their pain.
Chronic pain also can be caused by:
Back, neck, and knee pain are some of the most common types of chronic pain and can affect you wherever you work or spend your leisure time. If you notice that your pain happens at certain times of the day, or during certain activities, tell Dr. Carden during your consultation.
Pain has an underlying cause, and he recommends tests for a proper diagnosis.
Treating your chronic pain is possible with an experienced and trusted professional like Dr. Carden. He offers many types of pain management therapies and may combine therapies to optimize your pain relief. Treatment options include:
Headaches are the most common type of chronic pain, with chronic migraines affecting an estimated 1 in 6 Americans.
Botox was cleared by the FDA in 2010 for use as a treatment for chronic migraines, meaning 15 or more headache days each month. Side effects of this treatment are generally mild, ranging from injection site bruising to slight neck stiffness.
A morphine pump is an effective treatment for chronic pain. Dr. Carden carefully implants a tiny pump in your back that automatically delivers small doses of medicine to keep you pain-free.
Because this is an invasive procedure, it carries the risks of general anesthesia, but Dr. Carden only performs this procedure if it’s right for you.
Physical therapy to treat chronic pain may occur in a facility, but Dr. Carden may assign you a fitness program to help you strengthen your body and resolve your pain more quickly. Physical therapy may incorporate soothing therapies like yoga and massage to assist your recovery.
Laser technology has taken off in the medical field because of its healing power and mild (if any) side effects. Radiofrequency ablation is a noninvasive procedure that uses radio waves that penetrate your skin to target overactive nerves that are sending pain signals to your brain.
Prescription medicines available to treat your chronic pain include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, and anti-seizure drugs. If chronic pain is affecting your mental health, Dr. Carden might prescribe antidepressants.
It’s important for you to get treatment as soon as you realize that pain is putting limits on your life or affecting your mental or overall health. If you’re suffering from chronic pain, don’t hesitate to call our Los Angeles area office today at 310-842-8668 or book an appointment with us online.
