Union Anesthesia And Pain Management

Everything You Need to Know About Phantom Limb Pain

Studies show that at least 90% of limb amputee patients will experience phantom limb pain. Fortunately, many pain management doctors offer treatment options for patient suffering from phantom limb pain. Before you contact your pain management facility, boost your knowledge with these facts about phantom limb pain.

• Understanding Phantom Limb Pain
  Phantom limb pain refers to the sensation that a body part that has been removed or amputated is still attached to the body. This is often the result of inflammation, nerve damage at the site of the missing limb, or neural remapping or cross wiring of the nervous system. Individuals with phantom limb pain often express the feeling that their limb is still moving appropriately with other parts of the body but feels shorted or is distorted into a painful position. The pain experienced may be achy, sharp, shooting, or cause a burning sensation. In addition to feeling pain or that the removed limb is still attached, individuals with phantom limb conditions may experience tingling, numbness, or hot and cold sensations.
   
• Risk Factors
  While phantom limb pain tends to lessen over time for many individuals, there are certain factors that may increase phantom limb pain. This includes being overly tired, changes in the weather, stress, or infection. Additional factors that may increase phantom limb pain include poor blood flow, swelling of the part of the limb that is still there, ill-fitting artificial limbs, and putting too much pressure on the remaining portion of the limb. 
   
• Treatment Options
  Patients whose phantom limb pain does not recede over time may benefit from a number of treatment options, including physical therapy or spinal cord stimulation. In addition, patients preparing for an amputation can help reduce the chances of phantom limb pain by undergoing preoperative pain management therapies.

For the most advanced care for spinal disorders, neck and back injuries, and bone deformities, contact Union Anesthesia and Pain Management at (908) 364-2539. Our pain management doctors are your number one resource for endoscopic spine surgery and laser spine surgery.

More Information on Pinched Nerves, Spinal Stenosis and Work-Related Injuries!

At Union Anesthesia and Pain Management, we see patients every week that have suffered with their back and neck pain for far too long. If you want more information about your pain management options for pinched nerves, spinal stenosis or any other back condition, check out the websites below and schedule an appointment with our New Jersey pain management doctors. Give us a call at (908) 364-2539!

• A nerve block is a procedure that provides relief via the injection of an anesthetic into a painful nerve. Read how nerve blocks turn off pain receptors at RadiologyInfo.org.
   
• Spinal stenosis occurs where the spinal canal has become narrow and starts to put painful pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. Take a look at the patient and professional education on stenosis on this page.
   
• The neck contains the uppermost part of the spine, and it is a frequent site of work-related pain. This page explains how diseases and injuries that can lead to neck pain.
   
• Pinched nerves can create the sensation of prickling and tingling, numbness, and even severe pain. Learn about how posture and other factors affect your risk of pinched nerves on this website.

5 Online Resources about Diagnosing and Treating Back Pain

Lower back pain affects countless Americans. It can be caused by disease, overuse, aging, and traumatic injury. For information about the treatments for chronic pain, contact Union Anesthesia and Pain Management by calling (908) 364-2539 or by visiting our website.

• The spine is a complex structure of bony vertebrae, interlocking joints, and rubbery spinal discs. Learn about the anatomy of the spine at the National Pain Foundation website.
   
• Minimally invasive treatments to repair nerve sciatica can provide lasting pain relief in the low back and leg. Spine Universe has this background information on the symptoms and causes of sciatica.
   
• When the cushion-like spinal discs rupture from between the vertebrae, it’s known as a herniated disc. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons details how a herniated disc is diagnosed.
   
• Massage may be effective at providing significant, long-lasting relief for chronic pain sufferers, according to this study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
   
• Degenerative changes in the joints of the spine reflect the onset of osteoarthritis. The Mayo Clinic answers these questions about the treatment of age-related arthritis.

Anatomy of the Spine

The human spine, also called the vertebral column, is a complex structure with several moving parts, bones, and connective tissues. This video explains how neck and back injuries can lead to chronic pain issues and cause reduced range of motion in some patients. For severe conditions, minimally invasive spine surgery may be able to alleviate pain and bring some measure of relief.

Do you suffer from chronic pain due to an injury in the neck or back? Contact Union Anesthesia and Pain Management to learn about the options available to treat back and neck pain in patients in the Newark area. Find out more by giving our office a call at (908)-364-2539 or by visiting our website.

See a Facet Joint Block

Facet joints are the joints between the vertebrae of the spine and are a common source of pain. When the symptoms of chronic neck and back pain are too much for patients to bear, doctors may recommend a simple procedure called a facet joint block, or nerve block.

Watch this video to learn about nerve block procedures. Nerve blocks work by temporarily numbing a single nerve or a group of nerves in order to control pain. A doctor will inject a small amount of local anesthetic into the affected area, which is then unable to send pain signals to the brain.

If you suffer from chronic pain and would like to know more about how nerve blocks can provide relief, contact Union Anesthesia and Pain Management. We offer a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments for chronic pain patients in the Newark area. To learn more, call us at (908) 364-2539 or visit our website.