Managing Pain
Everyone experiences pain at some point. For many, pain is a part of life, affecting all that they do and robbing them of simple pleasures.

The Memorial Pain Control Center helps people suffering from many kinds of pain, whether acute or chronic, sharp or dull, constant or intermittent. Although some types of pain respond better to treatment than others, our objective is to work with you to eliminate, reduce or manage your pain to help you reclaim control of your life.

Types of Pain
Conditions that can be treated effectively at the Memorial Pain Control Center include:

Acute or chronic back pain
Complex regional pain syndrome (RSDS)
Myofacial pain
Head and neck pain
Post-herpetic neuralgia
Acute herpes zoster
Diabetes neuropathy
Headaches and TMJ dysfunction
Pelvic pain
Incontinence (urinary & fecal)
Cancer pain (coordinated with the patient's oncologist)

Multi-Disciplinary Team
The Memorial Pain Control Center offers a multi-disciplinary team approach to pain management. Anesthesiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, R.N.s, and a pain management counselor all work together to help decrease or eliminate pain, increase functional independence, reduce or eliminate narcotic use, teach pain management techniques and improve quality of life. This team approach provides you with an effective treatment plan, as well as instruction and guidance needed for a healthier lifestyle while managing pain.

Treatment Options
The Memorial Pain Control Center uses a number of different techniques to treat acute and chronic pain, including:

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Nerve blocks (epidural, facet joint, sympathetic)

Trigger point injections

Non-narcotic medicinal management

Coordinated treatment for spinal pumps

PHYSICAL THERAPY
The Memorial Pain Control Center works closely with the Regional Rehabilitation Center of Memorial Hospital. Depending on your individual plan, treatment may include a variety of exercises, joint mobilization, traction, "unwieghting." heat therapy, cold therapy, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy (hands only), pool therapy, and ergonomic evaluation. You will learn how to reduce the risk of reinjury, correct body mechanics and other information to help manage your condition in everyday life.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
A variety of exercises, adaptive equipment, splints, energy conservation techniques and/or modalities (heat, cold, electricity) are all directed at reducing pain and improving function. Also included is information for the independent management of chronic pain, and techniques for minimizing the potential of reinjuring or aggravating persistent pain.

PAIN MANAGEMENT COUNSELING
Painful conditions that have persisted for months or years can erode mental and emotional well-being as well as strain relationships, commonly resulting in frustration, depression, anxiety and emotional problems. Physical and emotional stress and the fatigue of daily life can also significantly increase pain.

Our pain management counselor provides a variety of therapeutic approaches for pain management. The most common treatments include deep breathing, relaxation, guided imagery, stress management, hypnosis, individual/family counseling and group counseling.

Initial Consultation
Consultation at the Memorial Pain Control Center is by physician referral only.

For More Information
The Memorial Pain Control Center is located in Suite 617 of the Centennial Medical Square at Lafayette and Navarre streets, adjacent to Memorial Hospital of South Bend. For more information, please call (574) 647-7128 or send us an e-mail.