Midwest Neurology & Associates welcomes Chronic Pain MD

Pain management has always been a part of neurosurgery, and we are trained to diagnose and manage many different types of pain. However, some complex and chronic types of pain require the help of a physician with special pain management training.  We are pleased to welcome Dr. Maher Fattouh, 20+ years experience and an impressive education.  Click on the bio below for more information.

Dr. Fattouh's Bio

Why chronic pain and what is it?

Chronic pain, defined as pain that lasts longer than six months, is the most common cause of long-term disability and a major contributor to health care costs. As a healthcare professional, we are committed to helping patients with chronic pain through proper education and collaboration to ensure they are given the appropriate treatment while preventing the abuse of pain medication.  Chronic pain is a universal experience and varies in degree.  It is less about structural changes in the body and more about the nervous system.

According to the Centers for Disease Control:

• 30% of Americans are affected by Chronic Pain
• 6 out of 10 patients experience pain the SEVERELY impacts their life
• Lower back pain is the area's most reported location for pain at 27%

According to the National Drug Abuse Institute:

• Opioid addiction varies from 3% to 40% among chronic pain patients

According to the American Pain Association survey of chronic pain patients:

• 86% reported the inability to sleep
• 77% reported feeling depressed
• 70% reported the inability to focus
• 59% reported the effect on their quality of life

An educated patient is their best advocate.  We believe that patients should understand:

• The side effects of their condition
• Ways to prevent their condition from deteriorating
• Realistic expectations framed around safety, proven interventions and best practices guidelines
• Patient accountability and goals for relief
• Treatment options for their mind, body and soul
• Pain lifestyle changes and how to incorporate then

Alternative treatment options include using natural products (17.7%), deep breathing (10.9%), yoga/Tai Chi/Qi Gong (10.1%), chiropractic techniques (8.4%), meditation (8%), massage (6.9%), special diets (3%), homeopathy (2.2%), progressive relaxation (2.1%), and guided imagery (1.7%).

Taking medication for chronic pain can help but only to a limited extent. The facts are that many people can reduce their opioid consumption with the help of interventional procedures performed by a chronic pain specialist.

People should also consider how their thoughts and emotions are affecting their nervous system.  Living in chronic pain can entail major psychological adjustment to overcome fear, anger, shame, loss of self-esteem, loss of respect, and codependency.

What conditions will we treat?

Arthritis Joint Pain
Back Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrom (CRPS)
Cervical Radiculopathy
Diabetic Neuropathy
Facet Joint Syndrome
Failed Knee replacement
Fibromyalgia
Gout
Herniated Disc Pain
Hip Pain
Joint Pain
Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)
Low Back Pain
Neck Pain
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Postherpetic Neurolgia (Shingles)
Pelvic Pain
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Spinal Stenosis
Sports Injury
Spondolysis
Thigh Pain
Work Injury/Workers Compensation

Treatment Options?

Celiac Plexus/Splanchnic Nerve Block
Cortisone Injections
Epidural Steroid Injection – Cervical
Epidural Steroid Injection – Lumbar
Epidural Steroid Injection – Thoracic
Facet Joint Injections
Ganglion Impar/Coccygeal Nerve Block
Joint and Bursa Injections (Knees, Hips, Shoulders, Etc.)
Kyphoplasty
Medial Branch Blocks
Medication Management Tapering
Occipital Nerve Block
Peripheral Nerve Block
Radiofrequency Ablation
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
SI Joint Injections
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Stellate Ganglion Block
Stem Cell Therapy
Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block
Superion Vertiflexripheral Neuralogia
Trigger Point Injections
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Ultrasound Guided Procedures
Vertebroplasty

The serious consequences of chronic pain make finding effective treatment a critical goal. Unfortunately, this process is complex and uniquely personal.  

The best way to be referred to our pain management specialist is through your primary care or orthopedic physician. Referrals are only required if your insurance has these restrictions in place. 

Be safe, stay healthy, enjoy happy

Author

Midwest Neurology & Associates