Pain Relief Center Los Angeles

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Why do we have pain?

A person’s life is never without pain. At some point, illnesses, injuries, or infections result to physical discomfort of varying manifestations, intensity, and severity. Pain, however, is not merely the sensation. Pain is the body’s unique mechanism of making an individual aware that something in the body is not working properly, or is needing rest and repair. The discomfort, whichever form it takes, generally solicits extra care (e.g. so as to avoid further injury), rest, and treatment which ultimately result to tissue rehabilitation.

How does pain work?

Pain is primarily a symptom. Any injured or inflamed tissue typically release distress signals which are recognized by pain receptors in nerve endings. Upon reaching a certain threshold, these nerves generate electrical signals transmitted centrally through the spinal cord and up to the brain. These signals are then interpreted by the brain and registers as the ill sensation patients feel. While pain may be inhibited with the use of pain relievers and anesthetics, it is important to note that the absence of pain may not always indicate the disappearance of the medical condition or complete recovery. A patient who is experiencing pain would always do well to pay attention to its underlying cause, so as to rule out possible life-threatening illnesses.

What are pain relief centers?

While pain may be defined with relative ease, its effects and manifestations aren’t so plain. On many occasions, pain, especially when severe and chronic, could keep individuals from functioning sufficiently. Pain relief centers are medical facilities where patients in pain can seek help for managing the pain. Pain relief centers employ a team of medical practitioners from many disciplines (e.g. surgery, neurology, rehabilitation medicine), who together provide patients with comprehensive pain care from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. Pain relief centers also house a variety of imaging and diagnostic medical equipment, which are integral for comprehensive patient evaluation.

How can a pain relief center help me?

Pain relief centers specialize in pain care. They offer an array of many different treatments to match equally complex pain needs. A person experiencing disruptive pain may thus be referred to pain relief centers whether as support for other treatments, or as primary care. Some of the services offered by pain relief centers are the following:

  • Diagnostics – consultation with a pain specialist, as well as possible diagnostic procedures (e.g. fluoroscopic imaging)
  • Prescriptions – prescriptions for pain relief medication (e.g. pain relievers and opioids) which suite you best
  • Interventional treatments – procedures (e.g. nerve blocks) which aim to minimize pain for patients with more chronic cases who don’t respond to less invasive methods
  • Surgery – procedures, such as removal of inflamed tissue, may also be done by your pain specialist
  • Rehabilitative therapy – treatments of the likes of physical therapy, which help patients get back on track and regain function of affected limbs and body parts
  • Psychological support – psychological mentoring and counselling for emotional and mental upkeep while undergoing pain care even with chronic cases

Where can I find a good pain relief center in Los Angeles?

Pain relief need not wait. Dr. Kevin Li, MD, from the Advance Spine Care & Pain Management Center in Los Angeles, can help you. Dr. Li’s extensive experience from over a decade of pain care practice, as well as his multiple trainings and certification, could provide you with the best and most effective pain care. His comprehensive, specialized approach also guarantees your entire well-being is cared for. Get in touch with his clinic at (626) 538 – 8950 today for your appointment, and find real relief from that pain!

Effective Treatment for Migraine Headache

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What is migraine headache?

Migraine headache is a type of potentially severe discomfort in the head with typical symptoms occurring on one side of the head. Migraine headaches include several distinct symptoms such as hypersensitivity to light and noise, nausea, vomiting, and precluding signs known as aura (e.g. occurrence of blind spots or sudden light flashes). The pain usually involves a pulsing sensation, which may even be aggravated by sudden motion (such as sitting up), and may last from a few minutes to several days or weeks.

What causes migraine headache?

Although the exact clinical mechanism of migraine occurrences aren’t well understood, migraine headaches generally involve problems with neural interactions in the head, such as those of the brainstem and trigeminal nerve. Chemical imbalance in the brain is also suspected to cause migraine headaches, as well as genetic and environmental considerations. Across the wide spectrum of patients affected by migraine headaches, some factors have been identified to trigger migraine in patients, such as the following:

  • Sensory overstimulation (e.g. excessively bright lights, exposure to pungent odors)
  • Stress
  • Sleep excess or deficiency
  • Hormonal changes (e.g. menstruation-related hormone changes)
  • Food additives (e.g. MSG, or caffeine)
  • Medication side-effects (as in contraceptives)
  • Changes in weather and environment

How serious is migraine headache?

Migraine headache cases occur in varying severity among patients. For some, the attacks occur briefly and occasionally, and may be treated by over-the-counter medication. For others, migraine headaches are so debilitating, they are unable to go to work or function properly. Migraine headaches are not usually life-threatening, though they often require effective intervention so as to not interfere with the patient’s normal routine. Caution should be taken, however, for new instances of headaches, as there are chronic and serious medical conditions (e.g. stroke or brain damage) manifesting migraine-like symptoms. A patient experiencing severe migraine headache, or one which has only recently occurred, is advised to consult a medical practitioner for proper diagnosis and so that serious potential medical conditions may be ruled out.

What are the effective treatments for migraine headache?

Depending on the nature of migraine headaches, several effective treatments for migraine headaches may be prescribed to patients. These effective treatments for migraine headaches act in two ways – prevention and pain reduction. As some migraine attacks are so severe, and generally cannot be completely cured, some medical practitioners believe prevention is the best option for treatment. Preventive strategies constitute medication taken daily in most cases, in order to reduce the frequency and intensity of the attacks. Some of the preventive effective treatments for migraine headaches are the following:

  • Anti-seizure medication (e.g. topiramate)
  • Anti-depressants (e.g. tricyclic amitriptyline)
  • Botox (Botulinum toxin)
  • Cardiovascular drugs (e.g. beta-blockers and angiotensin inhibitors)
  • Anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. naproxen)
  • Alternative therapy (e.g. massage therapy and acupuncture)
  • Lifestyle changes

It should be duly noted that some of the drugs used for preventive treatment have adverse effects when ill-administered, and thus should be taken only as prescribed by your physician after proper medical evaluation.

In the event that the attacks do happen, there are also different effective treatments for migraine headaches acting by relieving pain. Patients have varied reactions on different medication, so in some cases, adjusting medication according to patient response may be necessary. Some of the typical abortive treatments include:

  • Pain relievers (e.g. acetaminophen, aspirin)
  • Ergot and triptan medication
  • Opiod medication
  • Corticosteroids
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Anti-nausea medication

Where can I get effective treatment for migraine headache?

Are you having persistent migraine and have been frustrated by the lack of effective treatment for migraine headache? Dr. Kevin Li, MD., a pain management specialist based in Los Angeles, may be able to help you. His multiple board certifications and more than a decade of extensive pain management experience insure you get the best care for your migraine headache. He offers only the most effective treatment for migraine headache, tailored to your needs. Why don’t you give his clinic a call at (626) 538 – 8950 today for an appointment? Let Dr. Li take care of your migraine headache and regain the quality of life you deserve!

Lower Back Pain

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What is lower back pain?

Lower back pain is a general term for discomfort occurring in the lower pelvic region which may involve any of the organs or tissue located in the region. This includes bones from the spinal column, pelvic internal organs, back muscles, and surrounding nerves, and even the spine. Lower back pain may vary in severity, and could be acute or chronic.

Why do patients experience lower back pain?

The complexity of the anatomy of the back arises as a consequence of its function – providing structural support which enables humans to stand upright and houses many of the body’s internal organs. The back is structured so as to be able to sustain movement while keeping the integrity of the surrounding tissue. In the back runs along the spinal cord, which links the rest of the body – including the limbs and visceral organs, to the brain. Thus the back, especially the lower region contain numerous joints, blood vessels, nerves, and other tissue, which are all subject to wear and tear. Prolonged strain on any of the tissue located at the lower back may lead to lower back pain. Some of the more specific conditions linked to lower back pain include the following:

  • Posture or trauma-related muscular strain
  • Disc degeneration
  • Spinal Arthritis
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Pinched nerves

What is a pinched nerve?

Pinched nerves describe a condition in which sustained compression from surrounding tissue such as muscles, bones, or ligaments lead to nerve irritation and inflammation. This consequently result to disruption of nerve function, as well as pain.

Why are pinched nerves linked to lower back pain?

Many organs, as well as back muscles in the pelvic region, are innervated by nerves originating from the spinal cord. To reach the respective tissue, the nerves often pass through muscle, joints, ligaments, or blood vessels. When proximate tissue sustain trauma, degenerate, or become tight, the nerves are thus subjected to pressure, resulting to pinched nerves which eventually lead to pain.  Typical pinched nerve cases arise from herniated discs, affecting different nerves passing through the spinal column from the spinal cord.

What are the treatments for lower back pain associated with pinched nerves?

In order to address lower back pain due to pinched nerves, treatment strategies usually include measures which decrease nerve compression alongside pain medication. Different procedures are prescribed on a case-to-case basis depending on several factors such as the location of the pinched nerve, the type of tissue responsible for the compression (e.g. spinal discs vs. muscles), and the severity of the lower back pain. For proper evaluation and diagnosis, patients are advised to always consult a licensed physician before deciding to go through any particular treatment. Prescribed treatments for pinched nerve-related lower back pain may involve one or more of the following:

  • Oral pain relievers
  • Anti-inflammatory medicine
  • Light stretches and physical therapy
  • Injectible pain medication
  • Nerve blocks
  • Corrective surgery

Where can I get treatment for my lower back pain?

Have you been experiencing lower back pain which may be related to pinched nerves? Pain management Los Angeles specialist Dr. Kevin Li, MD, may be able to provide the necessary care. Dr. Li’s extensive experience in dealing with patients suffering from back pain and pinched nerves guarantee you not only an accurate diagnosis, but also the most capable hands for conducting pinched nerve treatment. His clinic is one call away, just dial (626) 538 – 8950 for your appointment, and free your back from pain!