Pain Clinic

Chronic pain affects 9% of the general population and if left untreated, it can have a serious impact on patients and their families.

Every patient suffering from chronic pain (lasting more than 3 months) can visit the Pain Clinic, where they will receive treatment depending on the cause of the pain.

The necessary tests are performed to diagnose the cause and the type of chronic pain (physical, neuropathic or mixed chronic pain) and the necessary treatment is then prescribed.

The Clinic consists of a team of physicians led by an anesthesiologist, who specializes in pain management. There is direct collaboration with physicians of all specialties, such as oncologists, internists, neurologists, orthopedic specialists, surgeons, etc.

Pain falls under two categories: chronic cancer pain and chronic non-cancer pain.

DISORDERS THAT LEAD TO CHRONIC PAIN INCLUDE:

THERAPEUTIC METHODS

The therapeutic approach for chronic pain is tailored to each patient and may range from simple drug prescription to more specialized interventional therapy. In addition, it is possible for the patient to be treated at home for specific treatments.

Interventional treatment performed at Metropolitan Hospital

Epidural infusion
Spinal facet joint injections
Injection into joints with osteoarthritis that causes pain
Sacroilitis therapy
Placement of intraspinal port
Placement of permanent intraspinal opioid infusion pump for cancer pain
Neuromodulation
- Placement of electrodes on the spine to treat neuropathic pain of the upper and lower extremities, lumbar spine and sacral nerve
Placement of capsaicin patch
Treatment for peripheral neuropathy pain due to glucose or other causes
Chronic pain treatment via denervation of the spinal cord and visceral nerves
Coccygeal pain treatment
TENS
Intravenous administration of ketamine, lidocaine under monitoring for peripheral neuropathic pain with central sensitization
Plantar nerve treatment
Migraine

Where indicated, the Clinic works closely with the Acupuncture Clinic for best results. Moreover, collaboration with the Physiotherapy Department is necessary.

Counseling and support

In the case of cancer patients and chronic benign pain patients, the physician/anesthesiologist may work with a psychologist and a psychiatrist if the patient desires. The psychological support team is extremely important and they direct their services to patients and their families.