PRI Pain Management

Pain Management Treatments

Conservative and Interventional Pain Management

Many people suffer with some level of pain, and millions deal with chronic pain day in and day out. Whether pain is caused by illness, disease, accident, or simply aging, when it comes to conservative pain treatments in Chicago, our name is known by more people than anyone else. Here at the Pain Relief Institute, we treat a wide range of conditions with our state of the art managed pain treatments and therapies. Our pain management centers, conveniently located throughout the area, specialize in customized treatment of muscular-skeletal conditions. Whether you are recovering from an injury either minor or severe, surgery of some sort, or need strength and conditioning to improve your health and wellness, we are here for you. Our selection of non-invasive therapy and pain management options are safe and effective.

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At our patient service centers of Chicago, the Pain Relief Institute offers:

  • Treatments and Therapies such as Class IV MLS Laser Treatment
  • FDA Cleared
  • Non-invasive options for a variety of pain treatments
  • No recovery or downtime needed after treatments
  • Passive MLS Therapy as well as HILT Laser Treatments

Are meant to treat the effects of nerves related pain from the spine. This may include a herniated disc, sciatica, or spinal stenosis leading to pinching of the spinal canal or nerve roots. Epidural injections are not traditionally meant to treat back pain for neck pain. Rather, they are meant to treat glute, thigh or leg pain that results from a nerve getting pinched and inflamed. Epidurals can also be helpful with shoulder or arm pain due to nerve root in the neck getting pinched.

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Injections are now being used to treat chronic migraines at Chicago pain centers. It is given to the patient at intervals of 12 weeks for multiple injections around the head and neck, for the purpose of dulling future symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that it is necessary for patients who have migraines to discuss this option with their doctors. Allergan Inc., states that this drug is useful for chronic migraines, which is a distinct and severe neurological disorder characterized by headaches on 15 or more days of the month.

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Trigger point refers to a tender, discrete, focal, hyperirritable, spastic or painful spot in the muscle. Felt like a knot or tight band when touched and triggers pain when compressed or pressed. Trigger Point Injections are administered to soothe muscle pain and functional bottlenecks associated with trigger points. It alleviates muscle spasm, tightness and pain and allows stiff muscles to relax and decompress.

  • Rehabilitation from injuries sustained during sport activities
  • Post-Surgery pain care following sports injuries
  • Muscle and bone injuries from minor to severe
  • Joint therapies and treatments of various types

  • Only FDA-approved medication for knee pain
  • Non-opioid pain medication
  • Slow release provides relief from knee pain up to three months
  • No recovery time

Orthopedic:

  • Spinal injuries and conditions from minor to severe
  • Recovery and rehabilitation after surgery
  • Treatment and therapy for all major joints
  • Treatment of knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, elbow, and spine pain
  • Sprains, strains, and tears

Neurologic:

  • Neuropathy treatment for associated symptoms
  • Balance disturbances based on brain or ear issues
  • Multiple Sclerosis and related symptoms
  • Headaches including a migraine, sinus, and cluster
  • Assessments for fall and mobility concerns

The Difference We Can Make

Through many years of testing and application, our clinical staff has treated hundreds of individuals suffering from a wide range of painful injuries and conditions. Whether pain results from sports, is work related, or is caused by a disease or genetic condition, our conservative pain management and physical therapy treatments can help bring the relief you want and deserve. Here at the Pain Relief Institute, we are committed to helping each and every patient who comes to us find the treatment that works for them so they can get the relief they have been searching for. We will take the time to answer all of your questions and make you feel comfortable with any treatment you are receiving. Our Chicago-based managed pain treatments and pain management therapy plans have shown amazing results for our patients, and we invite you to come see for yourself why we have the answer you have been looking for! We also offer other surgery-free options for the best relief for whatever painful condition you may be facing.

Our conservative treatments are performed as an outpatient procedure, which allows you to work them into your hectic life easily and also provides superior relief of your pain symptoms with no downtime needed afterwards. Because of our minimally invasive treatments, we are able to treat more people here at the Pain Relief Institute, and our pain management therapy continues to yield amazing results for many of our patients. When you need fast and reliable pain management options in Chicago and the surrounding areas, we hope you come to us in your time of need. If you would like to learn more about our conservative and managed pain treatments  for pain management and care or to schedule an appointment with our team here at the Pain Relief Institute, please call: 847-243-6041.

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PRI EMG/NCV

EMG/NCV

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health condition of muscles and the nerve cells that control them. EMG results can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission.

A nerve conduction study (NCV), another part of an EMG, uses electrode stickers applied to the skin (surface electrodes) to measure the speed and strength of signals traveling between two or more points.

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Why is an EMG/NCV done?

PRI medical staff may order an EMG if you have signs or symptoms that may indicate a nerve or muscle disorder. Such symptoms may include:

  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle pain or cramping
  • Certain types of limb pain

EMG results are often necessary to help diagnose or rule out a number of conditions such as:

  • Muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy or polymyositis
  • Diseases affecting the connection between the nerve and the muscle, such as myasthenia gravis
  • Disorders of nerves outside the spinal cord (peripheral nerves), such as carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathies
  • Disorders that affect the motor neurons in the brain or spinal cord, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or polio
  • Disorders that affect the nerve root, such as a herniated disk in the spine

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What happens during an EMG?

You will be asked to lie down on an examination table. The doctor may ask you to move into different positions during the procedure.

There are two components to an EMG test: the nerve conduction study and needle EMG. The nerve conduction study is the first part of the procedure. It involves placing small sensors called surface electrodes on the skin to assess the ability of the motor neurons to send electrical signals. The second part of the EMG procedure, known as needle EMG, also uses sensors to evaluate electrical signals. The sensors are called needle electrodes, and they’re directly inserted into muscle tissue to evaluate muscle activity when at rest and when contracted.

The nerve conduction study is performed first. During this portion of the procedure, your doctor will apply several electrodes to the surface of your skin, usually in the area where you’re experiencing symptoms. These electrodes will evaluate how well your motor neurons communicate with your muscles. Once the test is complete, the electrodes are removed from the skin.

After the nerve conduction study, your doctor will perform the needle EMG. Your doctor will first clean the affected area with an antiseptic. Then, they will use a needle to insert electrodes into your muscle tissue. You may feel slight discomfort or pain while the needle is being inserted.

The needle electrodes will evaluate the electrical activity of your muscles when contracted and when at rest. These electrodes will be removed after the test is over.

During both parts of the EMG procedure, the electrodes will deliver tiny electrical signals to your nerves. A computer will translate these signals into graphs or numerical values that can be interpreted by your doctor. The entire procedure should take between 30 and 60 minutes.

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How do I prepare for an EMG?

Make sure to notify your doctor about any over-the-counter or prescription medications you may be taking. It’s also important to tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder, or if you have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator. You may not be able to have an EMG if you have any of these medical conditions or devices.

If you’re able to have an EMG, you should do the following beforehand:

  • Avoid smoking for at least three hours before the procedure.
  • Bathe or take a shower to remove any oils from the skin. Don’t apply any lotions or creams after washing.
  • Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t obstruct the area that your doctor will be evaluating. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown right before the procedure.

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Common Conditions for EMG testing

Sciatica

Migraines

Neuropathy

Spinal Stenosis

Trauma/Injury

Lesion

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PRI Advanced Pain Treatments

Advanced Pain Management Treatments

Through partnerships with Innovative Labs and Data Analysis firms PRI is maintaining its mission to stay on the forefront of cutting edge pain medicine and to make Advanced Treatments accessible to Chicago area residents.

The unfortunate reality is that there is no cure for arthritis, whether it is in the spine or in joints. The best that can be done is to prevent it from getting worse and in most cases that involved exercise, which increases the pain ultimately perpetuating a viscous cycle. The treatments at PRI focus on conservative/natural approaches for easing arthritis pain and preventing it from getting worse while focusing attention on the soft tissue that stabilizes the joint via various advanced treatments.

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Are Advanced Treatments offered at PRI Covered by Insurance?

The answer is yes and no. For qualified patients it may be covered by insurance. At PRI our goal is to exhaust every possible option prior to our patients needing to get surgery, repetitive steroid injections or ongoing medications.

As people live longer and are more active into their 80’s and 90’s the possibilities for joint replacement surgeries continue to increase, but what if there was a way to avoid joint replacements. And for those that are in the 20’s-60’s who are leading active lifestyle, what if there was an option to proactively work towards being able to avoid future surgeries and replacements while sustaining an active lifestyle. This not a futuristic dream, it is becoming more and more of a reality every day with the advances in regenerative medicine.

PRI we call these processes Joint Restoration & Joint Preservation.

Why Consider Advanced Treatments offered by PRI?

  • Seeking a safe & conservative solution
  • Exhausted traditional pain management options
  • Looking to avoid surgery or joint replacement
  • Having side effects from pain medications
  • Patient has had other failed surgeries
  • Looking to maintain active lifestyle

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The Premier Destination for Cutting Edge, Advanced Pain Management

Pain Relief Institute is the premier destination in Chicago and the Midwest for innovative and Advanced Pain Management Options. We cater to athletes, weekend warriors and active seniors who are not interested in simply masking their discomfort with medications, temporary relief from cortisone injections and are looking to avoid surgery.

We specialize in non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment approaches. With years of experience researching and performing cutting-edge techniques, few physicians have more to offer than the Specialists at Pain Relief Institute.

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Joint Preservation & Restoration

Joint Preservation is proprietary treatment algorithm developed by the medical staff at Pain Relief Institute. The overlying goal is to maintain an active lifestyle, everything from exercising 2-3 days a week to being a professional athlete. Allowing patients to get the most out of their bodies without accelerated degenerative and arthritic changes to the joints and spine.

Joint Preservation is a proactive measure aimed at faster recovery time following activity and keeps the soft tissue that stabilizes the joint healthy allowing for better joint mechanics. Resulting in being able to fight off arthritic changes.

The treatment algorithm commonly includes one or a combination of treatment options based on each patients specific condition.

The best way to determine if this unique treatment is right for you is to be seen by a medical professional at PRI. The initial visit is covered by Medicare and most insurance. You can schedule a non-medical consultation with PRI’s patient care coordinator to learn more about the different treatments offered.

Joint Restoration is proprietary treatment algorithm developed by the medical staff at Pain Relief Institute. The overlying goal is to improve the patient’s joint function while decreasing or eliminating pain. Allowing patients with stage 3 or 4 arthritis a healthier more active lifestyle.

The treatment goals are aimed at decreasing joint, improving range of motion and stabilizing the joint allowing for more independence and being able to enjoy doing that things you love. The treatment algorithm commonly includes one or a combination of treatment options based on each patients specific condition.

The best way to determine if this unique treatment is right for you is to be seen by a medical professional at PRI. The initial visit is covered by Medicare and most insurance. You can schedule a non-medical consultation with PRI’s patient care coordinator to learn more about the different treatments offered.

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Advanced Natural Pain Management

To see which option may be right for you schedule an appointment with a member of PRI’s medical team. The visit will consist of a thorough history and physical exam and X-ray imaging if it is necessary. Followed by discussing your goals and together agreeing on a plan of care to attain the maximum results. Please allow for up to one hour for the initial visits. Also, bring all medical records and imaging that would be pertinent to the initial visit.

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