The Pain Management Specialists Our team of experienced pain management specialists includes anesthesiologists, interventional radiologists, doctors of pharmacy, advanced practice nurses, clinical psychologists, dietitians, as well as physical and occupational therapists who help treat or manage both chronic and acute pain. In addition to treating surgical patients, pain management also cares for patients who have chronic, painful conditions. Pain management specialists at Akron General Medical Center work with other physicians, including specialists and primary care doctors, to treat diagnosed sources of pain related to:
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Pain related to end-of-life diagnosis
Cancer
Nerve
Back
Post-amputation
Sickle cell disease
Pain after trauma or surgery
Wounds related to diabetes
Other conditions
Treatment Options We understand that each patient's situation is unique, which is why our team of pain management specialists work closely with patients to develop individualized plan based on our their needs and preferances. Episodic pain, which may be caused by surgery or an unhealed wound, can usually be managed with medications on a short-term basis. Pain that is related to a chronic condition can usually be managed with a combination of therapies, which may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, medication or procedures. Psychotherapy is often very helpful for patients and their families in managing and coping with chronic pain.
Types of pain management procedures offered at Akron General Medical Center and at The Surgery Center at Akron General Health & Wellness Center - West include:
Procedures done by anesthesiologists in pain management:
Peripheral nerve blocks
Epidural steroid injections
Facet blocks
IV regional blocks
Sacro-Iliac joint injections
Coccyx joint injections
Trigger point injections
Compassionate Palliative Care Often called supportive care, Palliative Care is care that improves the patient's quality of life, including managing pain. Palliative Care, which is offered through Akron General's Visiting Nurse Service,is utalized by a wide variety of patients, including those diagnosed with cancer, sickle cell disease, hemophelia, end-of-life issues or multiple disorders. Palliative Care aims to relieve symptoms of the disease or to reduce discomfort caused by treatment.
Palliative Care may use medication, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery to ease pain or discomfort. Patients should keep their doctors and care providers informed of symptoms they may be having. Together, they can decide what options work best for the individual.
For some families, palliative medicine will include Hospice Care. Also offered through Visiting Nurse Service, Hospice is a unique program for patients with limited life expectancy. The program helps the patient and their family with end-of-life decision-making, meeting life's goals, enhancing family relationships and promoting comfort. Hospice Care is provided by a specially trained team of caring health professionals and volunteers who strive to keep patients and their families comfortable, at peace and in control of their lives during a changing time.
Referral Information Patients must be referred to the Pain Management program by their physicians. Patients can be seen in the pain clinic at the Akron General Medical Center Physician Office Building by appointment only. Patients may have most outpatient pain management procedures done by an anesthesiologist at The Surgery Center at Akron General Health & Wellness Center - West. More specialized procedures are done by interventional radiologists Akron General Medical Center. Patients must be referred by their physicians to a pain management specialist for treatment. If you don't have a physician, call Akron General's free Need-A-Physician referral service at 330-344-AGMC (2462).
Some pain management physicians at Akron General Medical Center are a part of Anesthesiology Associates of Akron, Inc., a group of physicians specializing in anesthesiology and pain management. Patients undergoing pain management procedures or therapies should expect to receive separate statements from Akron General Medical Center and for services provided by your anesthesiologist, anesthesiologist group or oncology group since most anesthesiologists and palliative care physicians are not employees of Akron General Medical Center, but are independent practitioners.
