Pain Management: A Team Approach

Eight out of 10 people will be affected by back pain in their lives. All pain, including back pain, may be categorized two ways: acute and chronic. At ACMH Hospital, pain is attacked by a team of professionals including a neurosurgeon, pain management experts, and rehabilitation therapists.

Acute pain is usually caused by an injury or illness that comes and goes and may easily be treated with an anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDS), heat, and gentle stretching. It is important that, along with pain control, you receive proper instruction in rehabilitation of your back. This instruction would include exercises to strengthen the muscles toward the goal of preventing future problems

Chronic back pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than 3-6 months. Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening disease that affects women greater than men and may result in vertebral fractures of the spinal column resulting in a "stooped" posture. This event usually causes severe pain of a chronic nature. At ACMH Hospital, Dr. Curt Conry, Neurosurgeon, and Dr. Randall Barrett, Anesthesiologist, perform a procedure called Balloon Kyphoplasty. This procedure is minimally invasive, stabilizes the fracture, and helps to correct the boney deformity. Again, once this back problem has been corrected, it is essential to obtain the services of a qualified professional, such as a physical therapist, to strengthen the back and reduce the risk of recurrent back pain and/or injury.

For more information about chronic pain management provided by ACMH Pain Management Center and Rehab Services, or for a complete list of neurosurgical services offered by ACMH Western Pennsylvania Neurosurgical Associates, please call (724) 543-8402.

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