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| 11.13.03 |
Managing Chronic Pain: Treatment Options from the Delaware Valley Orthopedic & Spine Center
BALA CYNWYD, Pa., March 21, 2003 – Every day, thousands of people throughout the Delaware Valley suffer from chronic pain. Experts estimate that 15 to 30 percent of the population is affected by chronic pain syndrome.
"Chronic pain includes just about any type of mild to severe soreness that does not go away," says Randall N. Smith, M.D., of Delaware Valley Orthopedic & Spine Center in Bala Cynwyd. "It can be everything from a slight discomfort such as a tightness or stiffness to an intense shooting or burning feeling."
"Unfortunately, too many times, chronic pain becomes part of a cycle that is difficult to break and is accompanied by depression, fatigue, sleeplessness and anxiety," says Dr. Smith.
"Chronic pain can often be reduced through a comprehensive treatment approach," says Dr. Smith. "The goal is to help patients manage chronic pain so that it does not interfere with their daily routines and they can reclaim their lives."
Dr. Smith suggests people who live with chronic pain look into these treatment options:
• Medicine – Common painkillers such as Tylenol and ibuprofen can help keep mild cases of musculoskeletal pain at bay. For more severe pain, doctors can prescribe stronger medications.
• Physical therapy – Not only has physical therapy been shown to help relieve pain, but it also improves movement and function.
• Nerve block therapy and trigger point injections – These involve injecting a local anesthetic and corticosteroid into peripheral nerves, muscles and trigger points. Techniques such as nuleoplasty, intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET), and radio frequency rhizotomy are minimally invasive and can reduce the need for other major surgical procedures in treating the spine.
• Exercise – Studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce pain.
• Acupuncture – Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. It offers the most benefit when done on a regular basis.
• Surgery – Even though this is usually a last resort due to the fact that it is often irreversible and can cause additional distress, surgery has been effective in alleviating certain types of chronic pain.
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Randall N. Smith, M.D. is an orthopedic surgeon at Delaware Valley Orthopedic & Spine Center and a member of the American Academy of Pain Management and the Greater Philadelphia Pain Society. Dr. Smith has 20 years of experience in orthopedics and pain management.
Contact: Marisa Sharkey
LevLane Public Relations
610.667.7313 x133
msharkey@levlane.com
Editor’s Note: Dr. Smith is available for interviews. |
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| 11.13.03 |
Injuries and the Weekend Athlete: Tips from the Delaware Valley Orthopedic & Spine Center
BALA CYNWYD, Pa., May 7, 2003 – As spring has sprung, the annual ritual of the weekend warrior has begun. Thousands of people throughout the Delaware Valley are leaving the confines of their homes and offices, putting on their sneakers and sweatbands and heading to their playing fields.
For all too many that will mean a minor, or sometimes serious, athletic injury.
"Weekend warriors need to take special precautions to keep themselves from getting put on the injured list," says Anthony J. Palmaccio Jr., M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Delaware Valley Orthopedic & Spine Center in Bala Cynwyd.
Shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle injuries are the most common for weekend athletes, and most are preventable, says Palmaccio. He recommends weekend warriors heed some simple advice to avoid injuries and stay in the game:
• Warm up – Walking or light calisthenics are great ways to get the body ready for physical activity and loosening muscles.
• Stretch, and keep stretching – Start stretching ONLY after you’ve already warmed up and make sure to involve the major muscles, particularly those in the lower extremities that are frequently used in sports play.
• Off-court conditioning – Don’t just start a heavy-duty cardiovascular workout in full force after a winter of low activity. Build up your cardiovascular fitness over time to keep your body in shape and reduce the risk for tendon, joint and ligament damage.
• Cross-train – By alternating activities, various muscle groups, many that are rarely used, get worked.
• Wear proper protective equipment – In addition to helmets for sports like skateboarding and biking, wrist guards and knee guards are imperative for most types of athletics.
• Practice good technical form – Playing the sport the right way will often reduce risks.
• Adhere to the rules of the game – No hard fouls in basketball or checking during a friendly soccer or street hockey match will not only help you, but also others, avoid injury.
Most importantly, Dr. Palmaccio recommends that weekend warriors get aches and pains that feel to be more than simple pulled muscles checked out by a doctor, particularly if movement is hindered or particularly painful, or if the pain lasts for more than a couple of days. "And take the doctor’s advice – even if this means sitting out on the bench. After all, even professional athletes must take time to heal occasionally."
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Anthony J. Palmaccio Jr., M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon at Delaware Valley Orthopedic & Spine Center and medical director of Delaware Valley Orthopedic and Spine Surgicenter. With more than 25 years of experience in orthopedics and sports medicine, he is a member of the American Board of Neurologic & Orthopedic Surgery, American College of Occupational Medicine, Pennsylvania Orthopedic Society, Pennsylvania Medical Society, American College of Sports Medicine, and American Running & Fitness Association. Dr. Palmaccio also has authored a nationally syndicated newspaper column on sports medicine.
Contact: Marisa Sharkey
LevLane Public Relations
610.667.7313 x133
msharkey@levlane.com
Editor’s Note: Dr. Palmaccio is available for interviews.
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| 4.11.03 |
Our Reclaim Your Life! campaign is letting people know that it is time to take action! New treatments are available for people who suffer from chronic back and neck problems, chronic pain, failed surgery, and other debilitating disorders that keep you from enjoying life.
Over the past few years there have been remarkable advances in minimally invasive surgical procedures, and many of these procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis. |
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100 North Presidential Blvd.
Third Floor
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
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12000 Bustleton Pike
Philadelphia, PA 19116
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