Tucson Surgery Center has an interventional suite for Pain Management. Our goals, through several modes of intervention, is to help our patients decrease their pain and suffering and help them restore optimal quality to life. Pain is a complex medical problem that can have a severe impact on peoples physical and mental well-being.

Our suite offers 7 examination and procedure rooms. We are equipped to perform fluoroscopy (x-ray) guided procedures. Our patients are usually scheduled for treatment after an initial consultation with an anesthesiologist specializing in pain management. Treatment usually consists of several procedures over the course of three to six months.

 

Back Pain: Back pain is experienced by a large percent of the population at some point in their life. Back pain can have a sudden onset, occurring after a wrong turn or twist. The pain may also develop gradually growing from occasional spasms in to a chronic painful condition.

Most back pain is caused by problems with muscles and ligaments. A portion of back pain is caused by \"herniated discs.\" In this condition, a portion of the disc protrudes into the area containing the spinal nerves. The resulting pressure on these nerves can cause considerable pain. The pain and/or numbness that sometimes runs into the leg is referred to as sciatic. Back and leg pain can also be caused by fractures, degenerative changes of the spine or arthritis.

Treatment: Stellate Ganglion block is the injection of local anesthetic and a small amount of steroid into a nerve on either side of the neck next to the voice box. This procedure is performed after your physician has diagnosed a face, neck, or upper extremity condition that warrants this treatment.

Facet Joint Injections are either used for diagnosis or treatment of spinal mechanical pain. Facet joint disease is common with degenerative disc disease, post laminectomy syndrome, and failed spine surgery syndrome. Facet joints are found along the spine. A short acting local anesthetic or long acting steroid is used with the injection.

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An Epidural Steroid Injection is indicated for the treatment of several diagnosed pain causing conditions. Your physician will make this determination. Epidural steroid injections are an integral part of non-surgical management of back pain. The injections alleviate back pain by reducing the swelling and inflammation around the discs and nerves. The injections allow the steroid to be delivered directly to the painful area. The injection does not mask the pain. The decreased pressure on the nerve produces pain relief and reduction of other symptoms.

There are various responses to the epidural. Some patients have immediate relief, while others will take up to a week for maximum benefit. Occasionally, a patients pain will worsen for a day or two. It is important to remember that every treatment can yield a different response.

The patient should plan on rest for the remainder of the day following the procedure. They can return to normal pre-procedure activities the following day. It is important to continue with your referring physicians recommendations for activities and medications.

Important pre-steroid epidural injection information:
    1.  Always let us know if you are taking blood thinners, at least 5 days before the procedure date.
    2.  We will need to reschedule your appointment if you are sick or taking antibiotics.

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The Spinal Cord Stimulator is a specialized device, which stimulates nerves by tiny electrical impulses via small electrical wires placed on the spinal cord. It interrupts nerve conduction to the brain. The pain is there but the brain does not get the signal to feel the pain. It is sometimes beneficial for patients with chronic severe neuropathic pain who have not responded to other treatment modalities. Neuropathic pain being pain due to damaged nerve tissue. The spinal cord stimulator includes two steps/surgeries. The trial phase is when the leads are placed in surgery. The leads are then connected to an external control box. The control box allows a patient to set the leads for maximum benefit. The trial phase lasts for two weeks. During this time frame, it is decided whether a permanent generator should be placed. The permanent generator is also placed in surgery. A hand held external device controls the generator.

Intrathecal Pump refills are performed at the Pain Management suite as well. Baclofen is an anti-spasmodic medication, which is used to treat spastic disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis and spinal cord injury.

Information on both the Spinal Cord Stimulator and the Intrathecal Pump is available at the Pain Management suite. These surgeries are often performed in a surgery room at the El Dorado Surgicenter.

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