The New York University Pain Management Center provides a comprehensive, pain focused evaluation of the chronic pain patient. Most therapy is performed in an outpatient setting. The Pain Medicine specialist assesses the patient and makes recommendations regarding diagnosis, testing, referrals and treatment. Once a plateau of improvement has been attained, care is transferred back to the primary care physician.

The specialists of the New York University Pain Management Center intervene with the medical and psychological aspects of chronic pain in a caring and supportive environment. Our physicians have all trained in the subspecialty of Pain Medicine and are either board-certified or board eligible. A psychologist experienced in behavioral medicine techniques supplements their services. Nurses and other support staff assist to make patients and their families comfortable.

Our goal is to return patients to the most optimal level of functioning while keeping patients and those who accompany them informed and knowledgeable about the conditions and treatments which affect them.

Treatment Modalities | Types of Therapy

Nerve Blocks And Trigger Point Injections

These are injections of local anesthetics (sometimes combined with a steroid preparation) performed by anesthesiologists. They act to interrupt pain transmission and to anesthetize pain zones for various periods during which time, tissues may recover from being in constant tension from pain. During pain-free periods normal activity is initiated. Click on Clinical Application of Epidural Steroid Injection for more information.

Optimal Medication Use

Patients are carefully withdrawn from inappropriate drugs which over time may have produced dependency and acted to perpetuate dysfunction. If appropriate, the patient is placed on a time dependent schedule of non-addictive, non-narcotic analgesics. This may be supplemented by other drugs where indicated. Every
effort is made to minimize drug use and its interference with a normal lifestyle.

Cognitive Behavioral Treatment

Cognitive behavioral treatment is often of great benefit in minimizing and reversing the suffering associated with chronic pain and improving quality of life. Specific strategies include:

• Biofeedback (Click for more information)
• Relaxation Training
• Hypnosis
• Cognitive restructuring
• Individual and group counseling

Rehabilitation

A frequent accompaniment of chronic pain is marked restriction in daily activities or alteration of one's capacity for work, recreation and household duties. Although these changes are usually perceived to be consequences of the pain state, they may also serve to produce and perpetuate disability. A gradually increasing program of exercises that conforms to the individual's capacities is often beneficial and may be prescribed after the initial evaluation and physical examination.

Implantable Devices

Implantable or external pumps are used to deliver analgesia to alleviate postoperative, chronic and cancer pain

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Electrodes are implanted in the epidural space for dorsal column stimulation to reduce or eliminate pain conduction at the spinal level.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

This electrical device, developed specifically for pain relief, provides a safe, painless level of electrical stimulation that interferes with pain transmission and perception. It is worn and regulated by the patient.

Radiofrequency Lesioning

Neurolytic blocks are performed safely and effectively with radiofrequency ablation. Correct position of the electrode is confirmed with nerve stimulation. The nerve is then heated for a certain period of time until the pain pathway is blocked.