Are you tired of nagging back or neck pain that affects your workday, your sleep, and the activities you love? Do you feel like you’ve been treating surface-level symptoms without getting to the root of the problem?
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Douglas Allen, a dual board-certified specialist in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and interventional pain management, to uncover his meticulous approach to solving chronic pain. Dr. Allen explains why the spot where you feel pain is often not the true cause and discusses the complex conditions that can lead to it, including pinched nerves, arthritis, sports injuries, and repetitive strain.
Listeners will learn about Dr. Allen’s comprehensive diagnostic process, which is designed to provide clear answers and a precise diagnosis. The journey to relief begins with a crucial first step: listening to the patient's history and lifestyle, followed by a detailed physical exam to identify revealing patterns. We also dive into the advanced diagnostics he employs when necessary, such as:
• Imaging like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to see inside the spine.
• Electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCS) to assess nerve function.
• Diagnostic tools like nerve blocks or discography to confirm if a specific nerve or disc is the pain generator.
Once the exact source of pain is pinpointed, Dr. Allen creates a Personalized Pain Management Plan. This isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Discover the range of targeted treatments available, from conservative options like physical therapy and acupuncture to advanced interventional procedures such as epidural injections and radiofrequency ablation.
The goal of this holistic plan is not just to relieve pain but to improve mobility, strength, and your long-term quality of life. Tune in to understand how this empathetic, patient-focused approach provides targeted solutions, helping you finally get back to living your life.
Click here for more information on Dr. Allen and New York Pain Medicine.