Pain Management

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Alleviate chronic or acute pain

Dr. George Kakoulides specializes in pain management for conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. His treatments range from conservative therapies to minimally invasive spine surgeries when needed. Pain management is essential when chronic discomfort interferes with daily life. It aims to reduce pain, restore function, and improve overall quality of life.

Pain management is a medical approach aimed at reducing chronic or acute pain and improving patients’ quality of life. It involves a range of treatments, from physical therapy and medications to minimally invasive procedures like epidural injections or spinal surgery. Pain management is typically needed when pain significantly interferes with daily activities or when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. Dr. Kakoulides tailors individualized treatment plans to address conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other spine-related issues.

When is pain management needed?

Pain management is needed when chronic or acute pain interferes with daily life, and conservative treatments fail to provide relief. It’s often necessary for conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. Pain management helps reduce discomfort, restore mobility, and improve quality of life through customized treatments. You may need pain management if you have these symptoms or conditions:

  • Persistent back or neck pain
  • Nerve pain or sciatica
  • Pain from a herniated disc
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Limited mobility due to chronic pain
  • Muscle spasms or weakness
  • Pain that worsens with movement
  • Tingling or numbness in the limbs
  • Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
  • Inflammation or joint stiffness
  • Pain after injury or surgery that doesn’t improve

The techniques used for pain management

Physical therapy

Physical therapy focuses on strengthening muscles, increasing flexibility, and improving posture to reduce pain. Dr. Kakoulides uses this method to treat conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis. Physical therapists work closely with patients to develop personalized exercise plans targeting weak or strained muscles, helping to restore mobility and function while reducing pain. Over time, patients experience an increased range of motion, improved core strength, and enhanced ability to perform daily activities without discomfort.

Exercises

Targeted exercises are a vital component of Dr. Kakoulides’ approach to pain management. Techniques like McKenzie extension exercises help reduce herniations by realigning the spine and reducing nerve pressure. Core-strengthening routines, such as pelvic tilts and bridges, improve spinal support and reduce strain on weakened areas. Stretching exercises, such as the piriformis stretch, help release tension in tight muscles. These specialized exercises allow patients to manage pain, regain mobility, and prevent future injuries.

Medications

Medications are often used with physical therapy and exercises to control pain and inflammation. Dr. Kakoulides may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for short-term relief of inflammation in conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated discs. In more severe cases, stronger medications, such as muscle relaxants or nerve pain medications, may be recommended. Medications are used to manage pain while patients undergo rehabilitative therapies or while preparing for minimally invasive surgery if necessary.

Injections

Injections, such as epidural steroid injections, are frequently used in pain management to provide relief from severe pain caused by conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, reducing swelling and relieving nerve pressure. Dr. Kakoulides uses injections as a minimally invasive option when other conservative treatments like physical therapy do not provide sufficient relief. They often provide patients with long-lasting pain reduction.

Minimally invasive spine surgery

When conservative treatments such as physical therapy, exercises, and injections are insufficient, Dr. Kakoulides may recommend minimally invasive spine surgery. Procedures such as microdiscectomy, laminectomy, and disc replacement surgery involve smaller incisions, less damage to surrounding tissues, and faster recovery times than traditional open surgery. These techniques are ideal for treating conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis, addressing the root causes of pain while minimizing risk and discomfort.

What are the benefits of pain management?

  • Reduces chronic and acute pain
  • Restores mobility and function
  • Enhances quality of life
  • Minimizes the need for surgery
  • Provides tailored treatments based on individual needs
  • Decreases dependence on pain medications
  • Addresses underlying causes of pain
  • Supports faster recovery from injuries or surgeries

Contact Dr. George Kakoulides

Dr. George Kakoulides is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery. He completed his residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and is an affiliate of Long Island Brain & Spine, where he has trained thousands of patients using the latest pain relief techniques. He tailors each treatment plan to your individual needs and only recommends surgery when absolutely necessary. Schedule a consultation to explore personalized pain relief and treatment solutions at our offices across Long Island.

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