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Getting to the Bottom of Phantom Limb Pain

Getting to the Bottom of Phantom Limb Pain Silicon Valley Pain Clinic

Phantom limb pain occurs after one of your limbs is amputated and you feel sensations as if the limb were still there. These sensations are most intense soon after the amputation and they tend to decrease gradually over time. A pain management doctor can help you to manage your symptoms so that you can work on… Continue reading


Typical Chronic Pain Triggers

woman is holding her backl in pain

One out of every five Americans are living with some type of chronic pain. Defined as pain lasting 3-4 months or more, this type of discomfort often stems from an initial injury, such as a strained muscle. Chronic pain is believed to be the result of damage that has extended to nerves. Managing this type… Continue reading


How Radial Tunnel Injections Work

wrist pain

Pain symptoms felt in the forearm are referred to as radial tunnel syndrome (RTS). With RTS, symptoms often triggered by movement of the affected arm are linked with the radial nerve, one of the three main nerves located in the arm. Initially, treatment often involves rest, modification of activities, and the use of over-the-counter medications… Continue reading


Conservative Treatments for Post-Mastectomy Pain

chest pain

Post-mastectomy pain is a form of chronic pain associated with post-surgery breast cancer operations, including mastectomies, lumpectomies, and axillary lymph node dissections. Pain in this arena has been described as burning, shooting, and stabbing sensations, as well as aching, throbbing, or oppressive pain. This condition can start several months post-surgery and has been known to… Continue reading


Common Pain Relief Injections

common-pain-relief-injections-my-allied-pain

Pain relief injections are a common, outpatient option for many people who suffer from daily occurrences of pain. These injections are considered safe and effective, partially due to the technology used—fluoroscopy. This x-ray imaging allows the doctor to use contrast dye to guide the injection to a precise spot. These injections work by blocking pain… Continue reading


Benefits of Viscosupplementation

X-ray picture of the knee

If you have osteoarthritis, you know that the pain from the condition is almost unbearable. The weight-bearing joints are especially affected by arthritis, leading to degradation of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the leg bones. When the cartilage is damaged severely, the bones will rub against each other, making it impossible to walk.… Continue reading


Pain Management for Degenerative Disc Disease

the man has back pain

A common cause of low back pain, degenerative disc disease (DDD) is the term used to describe a set of symptoms related to wear and tear affecting the spongy discs supporting the spine. Surgery is rarely an option unless nerve compression has resulted in serious complications. Many patients respond well to a combination of pain… Continue reading


Understanding Failed Back Surgery

back pain

Failed back surgery is a term used to describe a situation where a patient’s surgery for back pain doesn’t resolve the original problem. In some cases, patients may experience worsening pain or discomfort in another area of the back if spinal instability increased after surgery. A pain management specialist can offer a fresh perspective and… Continue reading


Managing Chronic Cancer Pain

the woman has a stomach ache

For many of the million or so patients newly diagnosed with cancer each year, persistent pain is one of the more noticeable signs of the disease at some point. Frequently occurring during advanced stages of cancer, chronic pain may be the result of nerve damage from chemotherapy or radiation treatments, the presence of a tumor,… Continue reading


Understanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

the woman has back pain

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an uncommon form of chronic pain that typically affects a single limb. CRPS is often associated with a traumatic injury, stroke, heart attack, or previous surgery that was meant to correct another condition. The pain associated with CRPS is unique because it is out of proportion, which can make… Continue reading