Pain Medicine (Acute and Chronic) in Wayne, PA

Pain is ...just that: a pain. It is an uncomfortable, subjective sensation that is usually the result of an injury or diseases process. Pain can be localized (in a specific area) or generalized (all over). Our bodies consist of a number of receptors sensing noxious, or uncomfortable, sensations. These receptors send signals to our brain via our spinal cord were the pain is interpreted and sensed by our bodies. The pain also travels to the emotional center of the brain leading to anxiety, depression, and suffering. Pain can be acute or chronic, but both can be very debilitation and emotionally taxing for an individual to experience.

Aether Medicine's philosophy on pain medicine emphasizes an individualized approach to addressing your pain and preventing further pain flare-ups. Dr. Asare Christian, founder and lead physiatrist at Aether Medicine, knows that managing pain involved so much more than just medication prescription. With his expertise and clinical background in a wide variety of non-surgical interventions, Dr. Christian will partner with you to manage your pain and help you get back to living.

WHAT IS THE BEST FORM OF TREATMENT FOR PAIN?

Different types of pain are addressed and treated in different ways. Because pain can be complex, a multi-modal treatment plan is often the best option. Dr. Asare Christian will evaluate your needs on a case-by-case basis and prescribe interventions and make recommendations as he sees fit to best serve you.

An individualized pain relief treatment plan created by Dr. Christian at Aether Medicine treats your specific pain and offers a number of benefits, including:

• Treatment plans are tailored to your unique pain needs
• Addresses a wide variety of pain types, both acute pain and chronic pain
• Offers non-opioid pain relief treatments
• Helps to restore your normal life
• Allows you to engage in physical rehabilitation activities
• Reduces depression and anxiety

Because pain can be both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term), almost anyone experiencing pain can be a good candidate for pain medicine treatments in Wayne, PA at Aether Medicine. Dr. Christian and his experienced team offer a wide range of pain therapies and treatments to address the root causes and symptoms of your pain. During your consultation, Dr. Christian will examine you, review your medical history, and listen to your concerns to determine if you are a good candidate. Some of the most common pain causes that we treat include:

• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Cancer pain
• Musculoskeletal pain (including joint pain, low back pain, and arthritis)
• Pain from trauma, occupational, or sports injuries
• Post-surgical spine pain
• Neuromuscular diseases
• Neuropathic pain (chemotherapy-induced, peripheral, and diabetic neuropathy)
• Movement disorders and spasticity
• Nerve pain (sciatica)
• Migraines and headaches

You can expect to have an initial consultation at our office that may take 45-60 minutes with Dr. Christian. He will go over your current medical treatment, discuss your health history, and examine you. He may also order testing or imaging for areas of concern. To diagnose pain, Dr. Christian will look at the whole picture of your health before giving you treatment guidance. Once he has your lab work and/or imaging back, he will go over the results and explain what they mean. Then, you and Dr. Christian will make the decision on how you will address your pain. Aether Medicine is proud to offer nonsurgical means for pain treatment. 

WHAT PAIN RELATED TREATMENTS AND INTERVENTIONS DOES AETHER MEDICINE OFFER?

• Complementary and alternative medicine
• Medical cannabis
• Nonsurgical nerve blocks
• Noninterventional pain management
• Neurotoxin injections (Botox, Dysport, Myobloc, Xeomin)
• Peripheral joint injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Regenerative medicine (such as orthobiologics)
• Trigger point injections
• Ultrasound-guided injections
• Medication reviews
• Lifestyle modifications & Mindfulness
• Topical pain creams
• Nutraceuticals (supplements)

Dr. Christian will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure you are healing as expected. We may also adjust your treatment plan if needed. It is important to follow all guidelines as provided by our team, including taking any medications as prescribed, participating in physical therapy and other rehabilitative activities, and engaging in lifestyle changes that help manage your pain. Our team is proud to provide ongoing support throughout your journey.

Anyone who gets migraines or experiences chronic headaches doesn't need a description of them: throbbing and shooting pain, nagging aches, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness, and more. At Aether Medicine in Wayne, PA, we understand the debilitating effects migraines and headaches can have. That's why we offer a range of treatments for chronic migraines and headaches including neurotoxin medicine (BOTOX®), CAM (complementary alternative medicine), and more. Dr. Christian will give you a physical examination and talk to you about the severity and frequency of your headaches or migraines. If necessary, he may order tests to determine if your pain has a specific physical cause and to verify they're not the result of a more serious condition. With a full array of testing and treatment options, we can help get your migraines or headaches under control and ensure they won't prevent you from doing the work and activities you love to do.

What is the best form of treatment for pain?
Different types of pain must be treated in their own unique ways. For this reason, we offer a variety of treatment methods in order to ensure we can alleviate your pain. During your initial consultation, we will create a custom treatment plan that will break down exactly which form of pain medicine we plan to utilize.

What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
In short, acute pain is a type of discomfort that will subside after treatment and allow the patient to go back to their everyday life. On the other hand, chronic pain is any type of discomfort that lasts longer than six months. Unfortunately, chronic pain can continue, even after the injury or illness that induced it has been treated. However, with proper pain management, we can make this time as comfortable as possible.

How much does pain medicine cost?
The total price of your treatment will vary, depending on the specific method of pain management recommended by our team. Once Dr. Christian has decided on the right technique for your needs, we can offer a cost estimate to help you have a better idea of the pricing.

What is the best pain medicine?
At Aether Medicine, we offer a wide variety of pain medicine and management alternatives. A "best" medication does not necessarily exist. In your appointment with Dr. Christian, you will be able to come up with the best pain medication plan for your needs.

What are the most common forms of pain management?
The most common forms of pain medication and management that we see at our Wayne, PA office are NSAIDs (non-steroidal antiinflammatories) and acetaminophen. These medications are available in low doses over-the-counter. However, they may not be your best option for dealing with pain, especially chronic pain. 

Dr. Christian will do his best to find the source of your pain, offer treatment solutions, and provide you with the right resources for some relief. When the pain is new or has been steady for years, Dr. Christian can educate you about your treatment options without overwhelming you. Call and schedule a private consultation in our office in the Greater Philadelphia, PA area. You are not alone in your pain. We can do this together.