Chronic Pain

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain describes any pain that lasts longer than six weeks or becomes recurrent. While many people experience acute pain from time to time, chronic pain persists and can even worsen over time. These types of pain can result from underlying medical conditions, like fibromyalgia or cancer, or due to degenerative changes in your body that develop as you get older. Some types of pain result from direct trauma to the body during sports participation, auto accidents, and falls.

Some of the common painful conditions we treat are:

• • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Chronic Headaches
  • Joint Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Back Pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sciatica
  • Chronic Shingles Pain
  • Cancer-Related Pain 
  • Spinal Disc Herniation
  • Chronic Lyme Disease 
  • Fibromyalgia 
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Ehlo’s Danlos Syndrome
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

How is chronic pain diagnosed?

If you have an underlying medical condition or injury, you may have an idea of what’s triggering your pain. However, if unexplained pain develops and worsens over time, you can receive comprehensive diagnostic care at Valley Medical and Wellness.

The medical team offers comprehensive physical exams that assess the area where pain occurs. In some cases, the physicians can determine the root cause of pain based on the type of pain you have and its location.

In other cases, you may need diagnostic testing like blood work to rule out infections or autoimmune conditions, and imaging tests to assess the inner structures of the pain site.

Once they understand your diagnosis, the team at Valley Medical and Wellness customizes a treatment plan that focuses both on the immediate and long-term relief of your pain. They also work with you to slow down the progression of your condition, and, if necessary, offer guidance for preventing additional injury.

What treatments are available for chronic pain?

Your treatment plan for chronic pain focuses on the cause and severity of your pain. In some cases, the Valley Medical and Wellness team uses oral or topical medications to relieve pain immediately and reduce existing inflammation that contributes to pain. In addition to medication therapies, your provider may recommend physical therapy, acupuncture, or osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to stretch and strengthen your muscles and improve your blood circulation, as well as recommend at-home exercises and lifestyle changes to help you stay in control of your pain.

The team at Valley Medical and Wellness also offers innovative injection therapies, and other interventional procedures such as:

• Medication management
• Botox injections (for chronic migraines and cervical dystonia)
• Bursa injections 
• Large & small joint injections
• Cupping/myofascial release 
• Occipital nerve blocks 
• Osteopathic manipulation
• Sacroiliac joint injections 
• Suprascapular nerve blocks 
• Occipital nerve blocks for headaches
• Trigger point injections
• Viscosupplementation Injections (for knees & shoulders)

If chronic pain is reducing your quality of life or has left you disabled, schedule a consultation today at the Valley Medical and Wellness office nearest you. 

Does Valley Medical offer Suboxone treatment for chronic pain?

Valley Medical is one of the few clinics in Minnesota to offer Suboxone® treatment for pain management. Suboxone is typically used for opioid addiction but can also be used to manage chronic pain. 

Suboxone contains buprenorphine combined with naloxone and is a safer and more effective alternative to other prescription opioids, such as Vicodin and OxyContin. It can be used safely for long periods of time without the risks of tolerance and dependence associated with opioid use.

Patients who have switched to Suboxone from other opioid medications often see amazing results, reduced pain, and improved quality of life. Our providers often recommend Suboxone alongside other pain management therapies. 

Does Valley Medical treat chronic back pain?

The pain management experts at Valley Medical are experienced in treating all types of chronic back pain, including:

• Sciatica
• Pinched nerves
• Herniated discs
• Osteoporosis
• Scoliosis
• Spinal disc herniation
• Spinal stenosis
• And more

If you're experiencing chronic back pain, turn to the professionals at Valley Medical for expert pain management that will make you feel better soon. 

Questions or concerns? Email us at patientservices@valleymedical.com call us at (612) 444-3000. 

For faster response, you may also securely text us at (612)-453-1965.