FAQ

Frequently asked questions about chronic pain and pain management.
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Many patients have questions about their chronic pain and how we can help them manage it. Below, you can find answers to common questions and concerns about the understanding and treatment of chronic pain.

If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for, we welcome you to reach out and schedule a consultation with our experts.

What should I expect during my first visit?

During your initial consultation, you’ll meet with one of our experienced pain specialists who will take the time to understand your medical history, evaluate your symptoms, and discuss your treatment goals. We’ll work together to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Do I need to be accompanied for my appointment?

Some treatments require support, as some may temporarily affect mobility or reflexes.

Can I stop pain medication if the injections work?

It is best to wait until the initial treatment is completed before changing the medication. If the person feels significant relief, they can gradually reduce their medication with my help or that of their family doctor.

Can I shovel or garden, or return to work after the injection?

It is preferable to wait for the response to treatments before returning to daily activity or work; often, a gradual approach of low intensity and duration will be preferred.

Do I come back for treatments?

Many of our procedures will require maintenance treatments to maintain the same level of pain reduction. However, other treatments involve no maintenance because they reach a plateau. This depends on your condition and its severity.

Can cortisone be harmful?

Cortisone can help increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially if treatments are high-dose and frequent. However, in some cases, it allows people to be more mobile, promoting physical activity. Age may also be a factor to consider; a more conservative approach will be chosen in younger patients to avoid long-term exposure. Meanwhile, in elderly patients, quality of life and mobility are important factors in decision-making.

Is methadone right for addiction?

Methadone is a tablet form, not a liquid, and is used for chronic pain, often in patients who are experiencing opiate tolerance (when opiates work less) due to prolonged exposure. Methadone is also very effective in the treatment of neuropathic (nerve-related) pain.

Can ketamine infusion help me with depression?

Ketamine infusions for chronic pain will be used in situations where conventional treatments (injections, medication) are ineffective or plateau. For the treatment of depression, ketamine is used in patients who do not respond to two or more antidepressants. Thus, some patients who receive ketamine infusion for the treatment of their pain condition will report an improvement in their mood.

Can cannabis replace morphine?

This depends on several factors, including the dose of morphine to be substituted, the duration of use of morphine, and the pain condition affecting the patient. What I have observed in my practice is that when used as co-analgesia, Cannabis tends to reduce the doses of morphine needed.

Will the treatment cure me?

The objective of the treatments is not to cure the patient but to relieve them, i.e. a reduction of at least 30% in their initial pain; not all treatments give the same results from one patient to another.

If the injections don't work, is there anything else that can be done?

Analgesic medication, intravenous analgesic infusions, and medical cannabis are available options.

How can I schedule an appointment?

Scheduling an appointment is easy. You can call our clinic during business hours to speak with our friendly staff and book your appointment. Alternatively, you can visit our website and use our online booking system to schedule a convenient time for your consultation.

What types of conditions can be treated?

Our clinic specializes in the management of chronic pain conditions, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, joint pain, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). We also offer services for individuals experiencing pain related to injuries or post-surgical recovery.

Find out how we can help.

We're committed to compassionate care and giving our patients the tools they need to live life to the fullest despite the challenges of chronic pain.

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