Procedures to reduce chronic and acute pain.

Kyphoplasty – Kyphoplasty is a method of treating symptomatic vertebral body (back bone) fractures. It is typically used when conservative therapy, such as time, medication and physical therapy are ineffective. The procedure involves placing a metal tube into the fractured bone. A balloon is inflated to make room for cement which is then injected into the bone. The cement is used to stabilize the fractured bone pieces which reduces or alleviates inflammation and pain. The procedure is most often performed using moderate sedation with discharge home a few hours after the procedure.

Nerve block/ablation – Some forms of pain can be improved or alleviated by treating the nerves that transmit pain signals to the brain. Although there are many pain syndromes treatable in this manner, a common example is treatment of the celiac plexus. The celiac plexus is a group of nerves which relays signals from the abdomen to the brain. In some conditions, such as pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, the celiac plexus is responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. The celiac plexus can either be temporarily blocked (nerve block) or destroyed (ablation or neurolysis). In a block, medications are administered to the nerves which reduce transmission of pain signals and can provide relief lasting from days to weeks, potentially longer. In an ablation/neuroloysis, a chemical is administered causing destruction of the nerves, with pain relief lasting months or longer. Procedures are performed with local (lidocaine) or moderate sedation, almost always In an outpatient setting.