Question 3
Nothing helps my pain but medications, but when I take enough medication to control my pain, I have side effects, or just want to sleep all day.
Response: A pain pump, or spinal infusion pump, can provide better pain control with fewer side effects than any oral medication. The pump delivers pain medication directly to the nervous system, without going into circulation. The pump medication is not circulated to the entire body and brain, so you don't feel sedated or lightheaded. This system controls pain better than oral medications, you should be able to eliminate or significantly reduce your oral medication. Dr Ferro's clinic has placed thousands of these pumps, more than any other pain clinic and most hospitals in Michigan.
Question 4
I have a fracture in my spine, the emergency room gave me medications, put me in a brace, and told me it will get better in time. This pain is affecting my ability to work, everything I do hurts. Do I have to live this way?
Response: No, vertebral or spinal fractures can be treated quickly, easily, and on an outpatient basis. Vertebroplasty is an office based procedure, performed with x-ray and sedation, and requires about 1 hour to perform. In over 90% of the cases, the fracture pain is controlled by the time you go home, the same day. Dr. Ferro's pain clinic performs this procedure in most areas of the spine.
Question 5
I have terrible back pain, medication does not help, and I can't do my job. My quality of life is suffering. Do I have to live this way?
Response: No, a simple outpatient procedure called a Lumbar Rhizotomy can be performed. For some, a rhizotomy can result in multiple years of pain control, improved activity levels, and reduce or eliminate the need for medications. It is a non-surgical option which can usually be performed in the office, and takes about 30 - 45 miniutes. Rhizotomies are a needle based procedure so there will be no incisions.
A diagnostic facet injection is performed prior to a rhizotomy to predict the extent of the success with the rhizotomy.
Facet injections are required by insurances and can also be done as an outpatient procedure. This takes 15-20 minutes while using x-ray and sedation.
Question 6
I have headaches that aren't helped with medications; they affect my life, my family, my ability to work. Do I have other options?
Response: Yes, peripheral nerve stimulators can result in life long control of many types of headaches. These systems are placed under the skin over the nerves involved in the headache. Most patients with these systems can eliminate or reduce medications and achieve better pain relief than any medication can provide. Dr. Ferro performed the first peripheral nerve stimulator for the control of occipital headaches in Michigan over 15 years ago, and continues to place more systems than any other clinic in the state of Michigan.
Question 7
My diabetes causes my hands and feet to hurt. Medications don't help, and I've been told to just live with it. Do I have any other options?
Response: Yes, spinal cord stimulators can be placed to control the nerves of the feet or hands. They control the pain of these neuropathies better than most medications, and without the side effects. These systems can provide life long pain control. No pain clinic in Michigan places more of these systems than Dr Ferro.
Question 8
I had shingles, but continue to have the pain after the sores went away. I've been told that medications are my only option, is there anything else that can be done?
Response: Yes, spinal cord stimulators and peripheral nerve stimulators can be placed over these damaged nerves to control pain better than any medication. Most patients with these systems have pain control all day, everyday, and are intended to provide life long relief. No pain clinic in Michigan places more of these systems than Dr. Ferro.
Question 9
I had an injury to my ankle and foot, which required surgery, but still have pain. I've been told my condition is called a sympathetic dystrophy. Do I have any options except just taking medications?
Response: Yes, spinal cord stimulators can be placed to control the nervous system into the area of pain. These systems can result in pain control, as well as control of symptoms such as blood flow, temperature change, and swelling. Dr. Ferro places more of these systems than any other pain clinic in Michigan.
Maureen
Maureen K., RN, Clinical Supervisor
Maureen is the clinical supervisor. She has been a nurse for 42 years and has worked for the pain clinic for 12 years. She is involved in the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care of all surgical and procedural patients. Maureen also works with the office and case manager in setting up and scheduling all surgeries.She is actively involved in outpatient procedures, providing procedural monitoring, and intra-venous sedation.