Chronic Pain Specialist

What causes chronic pain?

There are numerous reasons you may develop chronic pain. This type of pain generally lasts for six months or longer and can ultimately cause a disability.

Some of the most common causes of chronic pain that Dr. Dickerman and his team diagnose and treat include:

• Arthritis
• Migraines
• Fibromyalgia
• Herniated discs
• Spinal injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Dr. Dickerman also specializes in the treatment of chronic pain that results from nerve compression or nerve damage (neuropathy). Nerve-related pain can stem from persistent inflammation, damage from diseases like diabetes, or trauma.

When should I seek treatment for chronic pain?

While you can develop chronic pain anywhere in your body, many people seek treatment for chronic back pain, arm pain, joint pain, and headaches.

Pain can be sharp, stabbing, burning, or throbbing. You may feel intense pain in a specific area of your body, such as your lower back or knee joints. You might also have pain that radiates into your arms, legs, neck, and shoulders, depending on the underlying cause of your pain.

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at the office of Neuro Texas, if you have pain that you can’t relieve on your own. Without treatment, some types of chronic pain conditions can worsen and lead to additional health complications, such as loss of mobility and depression, and other mental health issues.

How is chronic pain treated?

Your customized treatment plan depends on the root cause of your chronic pain and your overall health. Initially, Dr. Dickerman and the team focus on conservative treatments to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.

Conservative therapies include:

• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Myofascial treatments
• Chiropractic care

A number of minimally invasive injection therapies are also available, including trigger point injections, facet injections, epidural injections, and joint injections.

Will I need surgery for chronic pain?

If any of these conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient pain relief, Dr. Dickerman can determine if you’re a candidate for surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgeries, including kyphoplasty and spinal fusion procedures, to provide long-lasting pain relief.

You may also benefit from a spinal cord stimulator. This implantable device uses low currents of electricity to disrupt pain signals in your spine from traveling to your brain to treat pain as it happens. 

Dr. Dickerman also performs intrathecal pain pump placements to deliver pain-relieving medications directly into damaged or diseased joints or other parts of your body.

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for chronic pain, call the office of Neuro Texas, or request a consultation today using the online booking feature.