In this episode of the New York Pain Medicine podcast, the focus is on a blog post by Dr. Douglas Allen discussing when to consider minimally invasive pain procedures. These treatments are aimed at New Yorkers suffering from persistent pain that hasn't responded to physical therapy or medications. Various options like nerve blocks, epidural injections, facet joint injections, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are covered. Key triggers for considering these procedures include chronic pain lasting three to six months, diagnostic proof of a specific issue, and patient goals to avoid major surgery or reduce opioid use. The approach at New York Pain Medicine involves a comprehensive evaluation to ensure precise treatment, often integrated with other therapies like physical therapy and lifestyle changes. The goal is to find the root cause and offer targeted, effective treatments. Listeners are encouraged to contact Dr. Douglas Allen at NY Pain Medicine for consultations and further information.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:10 Understanding Minimally Invasive Pain Procedures

00:44 Exploring Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA)

01:24 When to Consider Minimally Invasive Procedures

02:55 Comprehensive Evaluation at New York Pain Medicine

03:43 Benefits of Minimally Invasive Procedures

04:01 Integrated Treatment Plans

04:19 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Are you living with chronic pain that hasn't responded to standard treatments?

Living with persistent pain can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. In this episode of the New York Pain Medicine Podcast, we explore Intravenous (IV) Ketamine Therapy, an innovative and powerful option emerging for patients who have exhausted traditional therapies.

We explain what IV ketamine is and why it’s different: Unlike opioids, ketamine works on the NMDA receptor to help “reset” pain pathways and reduce the intensity of pain signals.

Tune in to discover the five key benefits of IV Ketamine, including:

• Its effectiveness for hard-to-treat pain conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain.

• The rapid onset of relief that many patients experience within hours to days.

• The advantage of being a non-opioid option that does not carry the same risk of dependency or tolerance.

• The potential to improve mood, sleep, and overall quality of life due to its documented antidepressant properties.

We also address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about safety (it is administered in low doses and continuously monitored by physicians), potential short-term side effects, and how to determine if this physician-guided, personalized treatment is the right step toward lasting relief for you.

Visit https://nypainmedicine.com/ to book an appointment with Dr. Douglas Allen.

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.