Personalized Pain Mapping in Tulsa, OK
Our Services
When patients come to us with concerns about previously unsuccessful pain treatments or surgeries, we have a focused approach for identifying the source of their pain. We do this through Personalized Pain Mapping (PPM), which is a diagnostic approach that we take when identifying the source of a patient’s pain. If you’ve tried other avenues with no pain relief, it may be time to try pain mapping.
At Memorial Pain Clinic in Tulsa, OK, we take great pride in evaluating patients’ symptoms, pinpointing the source of their pain, and achieving accurate diagnoses. Effective treatments rely on a clear understanding of the underlying causes of the pain, which is exactly what we aim to identify. To schedule an appointment with us for personalized pain mapping, please call our office at 918-200-9944 today.
What Is Personalized Pain Mapping (PPM)?
Personalized Pain Mapping (PPM) is an advanced technique used to identify and visualize an individual’s pain experience in a detailed and specific manner. It involves the use of various methods and technologies to create a personalized map of pain, which can help in diagnosing and treating chronic pain conditions more effectively. Patients suffering from chronic pain can finally achieve relief with targeted pain management plans.
In some cases, patients may have more advanced conditions that do not respond to conservative treatment. When this happens, surgical interventions may be the only remaining option. While Memorial Pain Center does not offer surgical solutions, our providers are happy to refer patients to experienced, capable surgeons in the area who can offer these solutions.
What Is a Pain Map?
A pain map is a visual representation that depicts the location, intensity, and characteristics of pain experienced by an individual. It serves as a tool for both patients and healthcare providers to better understand and communicate about pain, aiding in the diagnosis and management of pain conditions. It is extremely helpful for devising a pain treatment plan that targets an individual’s unique needs.
Common Types of Pain Maps
Our Tulsa pain specialists consider many factors when developing pain maps, including the location of the pain and the way it radiates or spreads throughout the body. Pain maps for certain areas of the body, such as the back, are more common than others. In the following sections, we describe common types of pain maps that we see at Memorial Pain Clinic.
Chronic Pain Map
Chronic pain mapping is used to track long-term pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or that accompanies chronic health conditions. These maps help visualize persistent pain locations, intensities, and patterns over time, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and neuropathy.
Back Pain Map
Back and spine pain maps specifically help identify the exact areas and nature of pain affecting the upper, middle, or lower back. They assist in the diagnosis of conditions such as herniated discs, muscle strain, and spinal stenosis. This facilitates targeted treatments like physical therapy, injections, and other conservative treatments.
Sciatica Pain Map
Sciatica pain maps are designed to trace acute pain radiating from the lower back through the buttocks and down the legs, typically following the path of the sciatic nerve. These maps help in pinpointing the origin and extent of sciatica, which is crucial in helping to treat the condition with medications, injections, kyphoplasty, and possibly surgical options to relieve nerve compression.
Full Body Pain Map
These comprehensive maps cover the entire body and are particularly useful for conditions that cause widespread pain, such as fibromyalgia or lupus. Full body pain maps provide a holistic view of pain distribution, enabling healthcare providers to understand the overall pain experience and develop a comprehensive, multi-faceted treatment approach.
What Is the Process of Personalized Pain Mapping?
The process of personalized pain mapping may vary from place to place, but it generally involves the following steps.
- Individualized assessment of the patient’s pain experience
- Using specific tools to gather objective data about the patient’s pain
- Using collected data to create a visual representation or map of the patient’s pain
- Integrating multiple types of data to create a comprehensive view of the patient’s pain that shows location, intensity, and distribution
- Designing customized plans for treating the patient’s pain
- Monitoring the success of the treatment plan and adjusting the plan as needed to reflect changes in the patient’s condition
- Actively involving the patient in all steps of the process to ensure a more accurate and responsive pain management plan
How Does Memorial Pain Approach Pain Maps?
At Memorial Pain Clinic, we base our treatment recommendations on extensive diagnostic testing and evaluation. Each and every patient’s needs and goals are considered when we develop plans for long-term relief. In the following sections, we outline the major steps we take during personalized pain mapping.
Meeting With Patients
First and foremost, we want to understand your pain, its related symptoms, and how it affects your daily life. We also want to understand your treatment goals. Our providers ask specific questions to help us better understand your pain and your desired treatment outcomes. This helps us do two things: evaluate your treatment options and help set realistic expectations.
Reviewing Your Medical History
Next, we conduct a thorough review of your medical history. This often involves physical examinations and reviewing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results and other diagnostic tests. Through studying your medical history and your diagnostic testing results, we can better understand the underlying cause of your pain. Then, we discuss the next steps with you.
Diagnostic Injections
After we identify the root cause of your pain, we often use diagnostic injections to confirm the source of your pain. Diagnostic injections like nerve blocks will numb certain nerves or areas of the body. If this relieves the patient’s pain, we know the affected nerves are likely a source of their pain.
Once we achieve an accurate diagnosis, we proceed with finalizing your treatment plan with you. Depending on your desired outcomes and your personal lifestyle, as well as the underlying condition causing your pain, these treatment plans can vary.
How Does PPM Benefit Patients and Help Them Achieve Pain Relief?
Many times, when patients see doctors about their pain, they are prescribed medication that only provides short-term pain relief. While pain medication is extremely effective for some, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Personalized pain mapping allows us to help patients find long-term pain relief solutions.
By carefully listening to your concerns and your desired outcome, we can better formulate a treatment plan that works best for you. We always prioritize communication with patients above all else, so you’ll never feel like you’re left in the dark about your treatment plan. Depending on your specific needs, you may benefit from a variety of treatment options, including the following.
- Epidural injections
- Kyphoplasty
- Medication management
- Nerve blocks
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Regenerative medicine
- Root blocks
- Spinal cord stimulation
Contact Memorial Pain Clinic in Tulsa, OK for Personalized Pain Management
The Tulsa pain specialists at Memorial Pain Clinic have extensive experience diagnosing and treating many sources of pain. Effective pain management and helping patients get back to living their lives pain-free are our passions. We always strive to improve a patient’s quality of life and bring them the pain relief they need to live life uninhibited.
If you are struggling with chronic or acute pain that other treatments haven’t helped, contact Memorial Pain Clinic. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling 918-200-9944 or by scheduling an appointment online.
