URGENT CARE

  APPOINTMENTS

717-299-4871

 

Pain

Pain is a common reason to seek medical care. It is a subjective symptom that has unique features and is experienced differently by each person. Pain is a signal from the nervous system that something may be wrong. The location of pain may give clues to where the problem is.

You may experience pain suddenly or it may increase over time. Pain may be felt as sharp, dull, burning, or throbbing sensations. Pain can be the result of everyday activities such as exercise or improper posture. It can also be your body’s indication that something more serious is wrong.

However, you experience pain, it is often a cause of disrupted sleep, missed work, and it may prevent you from enjoying your favorite activities.

Our pain management physicians at Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster understand that the cause and symptoms of your pain are unique. Because of this, we believe a personalized treatment plan is necessary to deliver fast and lasting pain relieve. Our pain management approach is designed to help you get back to the life you enjoy.

Symptoms

  • Pain described as sharp, dull, squeezing, or throbbing
  • Pain that begins suddenly or gradually
  • Pain that is constant or comes and goes
  • Pain may be located at one pinpoint area or span over a larger area 

Causes

  • Neuropathic, which may be associated with diabetes or multiple sclerosis
  • Musculoskeletal involving an injury to bones, muscles, ligaments, or tendons
  • Inflammatory including swelling or infection
  • Visceral, or pain from internal organs, which may be associated with conditions such as kidney stones or tumors

Risk Factors

  • Certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, stroke, shingles, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, infection, and fibromyalgia among others
  • Occupations that require physically demanding tasks
  • Psychosocial factors such as lack of support or socioeconomic class

Diagnosis

  • Evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon or interventional physiatrist (nonsurgical spine and pain specialist)
  • Description of your symptoms and medical history
  • X-ray to show potential arthritis or broken bones
  • MRI or CT scan to show potential soft tissue damage
  • Electromyography nerve studies to identify potential nerve and muscle damage

Treatment Options

  • Non-narcotic medications
  • Heating or cooling therapy
  • Topical sensory creams
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Massage therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Injections with anti-inflammatory or numbing medications
  • Devices that affect nerve signals
  • Biofeedback
  • Chiropractic manipulation
  • Surgery may be recommended in some cases