The Symptoms and Causes of Spinal Stenosis

 

Spinal Stenosis pic

Spinal Stenosis
Image: spine-health.com

As founder and medical director of Specialized Pain Management, Dr. Daniel Batlan provides patents with quality care for conditions such as muscle spasm pain and herniated discs. Serving patients in Henderson and Las Vegas, NV, Daniel Batlan, MD, is also experienced in treating spinal stenosis, which becomes more common as people age and involves a narrowing of the spinal canal due to arthritis and other issues.

With the spaces between each vertebrae decreasing in size as cushioning cartilage breaks down, the spinal cord and surrounding nerves become pinched. In addition, bone tissue can grow, which results in tingling, pain, and numbness within the legs, torso, and arms. In certain cases, sciatica may occur, which is typified by an aching of the buttocks or lower back, accompanied by shooting pains that run down the legs.

Other hernia symptoms include difficulty walking and standing, with upright positions accentuating vertebral compression and causing pain. Some patients may experience foot drop, which involves weakness in the leg and the development of a walking motion that involves slapping the foot on the ground.

Medical Specialties – Pain Management

 

Specialized Pain Management pic

Specialized Pain Management
Image: treatpainlv.com

At Specialized Pain Management, a clinic with six locations, including Las Vegas, Nevada, and Henderson, NV, Dr. Daniel Batlan delivers a professional standard of pain management care to patients impacted by problems of back pain, cancer pain, and arthritis. An MD with more than two decades of experience, Dr. Daniel Batlan underwent post-doctoral specialist training at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic.

Pain management physicians focus on diagnosing and treating all kinds of pain, including pain with an obvious cause, such as an injury, and pain with no obvious cause, such as fibromyalgia. Pain management physicians treat pain using medications, including opioids and non-opioids, and through interventional techniques such as nerve blocks, physical therapy, and counseling.

When working with patients, pain management physicians develop personalized and comprehensive treatment plans by carefully examining key metrics, including medical histories and results from laboratory or imaging tests.

Potential Causes and Treatments of Cancer Pain

 

Dr. Daniel Batlan pic

Dr. Daniel Batlan
Image: treatpainlv.com

Recognized as a leading MD by Vegas Seven magazine, Dr. Daniel Batlan oversees patient care as the founding medical director of Specialized Pain Management (SPM) in Henderson, Nevada, a city near Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Daniel Batlan offers his patients a variety of treatment options for cancer pain and other painful conditions.

One out of every three patients undergoing cancer treatment experiences pain, and the percentage is higher among those with advanced disease. Some patients experience pain as a direct result of a tumor destroying, growing into, or putting pressure on nearby tissues or nerves, while other cancers release pain-causing chemicals into the body. The chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery that treats cancer may also cause pain.

For approximately 90 percent of cancer patients, a medication regimen can help control pain. Non-opioid, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may ease mild or moderate pain. Opioids for more serious pain are available by prescription, while other specialized medications can address pain with a specific cause or character.

Cancer pain may also respond to alternative treatments, such as relaxation exercises, positive imagery, and hypnosis. Many respond to biofeedback techniques, which help patients learn to control otherwise involuntary processes such as blood pressure and pain levels. Some patients undergo transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, which uses a mild electrical signal at the location of the pain to interfere with the pain signals, while other patients may prefer massage or heat therapy as localized options.

An Introduction to Sciatica

Sciatica pic

Sciatica
Image: spine-health.com

Certified in both Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Dr. Daniel Batlan is the founding medical director of Specialized Pain Management in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada. Dr. Daniel Batlan has more than 20 years of experience in treating different kinds of pain, including sciatica.

Sciatica is by definition a specific variety of pain, which originates in the lumbar spine and radiates along the sciatic nerve down the back of the leg. Such pain arises when this nerve becomes pinched, most often due to a narrowing of the spine, a bone spur, or a herniated disc in the area.

Sciatica typically develops in individuals who are 30 to 50 years of age. It is more common in patients whose lifestyle requires intense lifting or lengthy periods of sitting. Those who have nerve damage from diabetes, as well as those whose excess weight puts more intense pressure on the spine, are at increased risk.

Some patients experience sciatica as a mild and occasional discomfort, while others suffer from severe and debilitating pain. A patient may also experience tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected limb.

These symptoms typically resolve on their own and require only over-the-counter medication, stretching, and cold or hot packs. Sciatica is readily treatable with cortisone shots such as Epidurals and Nerve Root Blocks. A lack of response to these treatments may indicate the need for stronger medications, though sustained pain over three months or more can mean that surgery is necessary. A qualified pain physician can provide specific recommendations.

American Academy of Pain Management (AAPM) – Virtual Library

American Academy of Pain Management pic

American Academy of Pain Management
Image: aapainmanage.org

As a professional in the medical industry, Dr. Daniel Batlan is the Founder and Medical Director of Specialized Pain Management (SPM) in Las Vegas, Nevada. An experienced physician, Dr. Daniel Batlan is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pain Management.

The American Academy of Pain Management (AAPM) provides several benefits for its physician-members. This includes a subscription to the industry magazine, Pain Management, and access to the academy’s resource center. The resource center features a virtual library for members to access clinical pain medicine information from around the world.

The AAPM Virtual Library provides training programs that assist members with their continued education, along with several forms of research material and learning workshops. The library also includes archived programs like the AAPM Summer School in Colorado Springs, Colorado which features the history and clinical perspective of the AAPM. In addition, the library also details the basic images and practices of the industry.

Impingement

 

Impingement pic

Impingement
Image: webmd.com

As a pain management specialist, one of the most common types of pain that Dr. Daniel Batlan treats is neck and low back pain. The human spine is designed to allow it to protect the body’s central nervous system while supporting the body’s core during weight-bearing activity. Running from the cervical vertebra down to the sacrum, the spinal column consists of 24 bony structures called vertebrae. The spinal cord runs through the center of the spinal column, while cushioned discs rest between each vertebrae to keep the bones from rubbing together, as well as to protect nerves from impingement.

Many factors may lead to degeneration or tearing of these spinal discs, including injuries, genetic factors, hard work, and age. As the discs degenerate or tear, water and other fluids may leak from them, reducing the cushioning and natural protection. Likewise, the fluid that leaks from the disc’s nucleus may irritate nerve tissue. All of these factors may cause significant pain along the spinal column and throughout the back.

When Dr. Batlan suspects intervertebral disc damage, he may recommend that his patient undergo an advanced procedure entitled discography, so he can determine whether specific discs are damaged and causing pain. During a discogram, sterile X-ray contrast dye is injected into a disc using a thin needle while the patient is under sedation. X-rays will show whether the contrast remains in the center of the disc, indicating a healthy disc, or if it spreads, indicating a compromised one. The quality of the information that is created with discography is often far superior than the information that is conveyed from other imaging procedures such as plain Xrays or MRI scans. Discography may enable Dr. Batlan to pinpoint the exact location of tear(s) in the spinal disc(s).

The procedure takes approximately an hour and can be performed on an outpatient basis. The doctor may ask you to assess pain levels during the procedure.v

Pain Management

 

Dr. Daniel Batlan

As a pain management specialist in Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Daniel Batlan treats conditions that cause significant pain. Acute and chronic pains often debilitate those who suffer from these conditions, leading to a significantly reduced quality of life. Pain management physicians like Dr. Batlan seek to improve the lives of their patients by identifying the causes of pain and applying therapeutic modalities to help them manage pain levels.

Before a physician can effectively treat pain, he or she must obtain an accurate diagnosis. In order determine the cause of pain, Dr. Batlan employs multiple techniques, including:

1. Compiling a detailed medical history: During this part of the process, Dr. Batlan asks about the patient’s subjective symptoms. Subjective complaints are symptoms self-reported by patients detailing their experiences, how frequently they occur, their intensity, and activities that cause them to worsen or improve. To obtain this data, Dr. Batlan has his patient to complete medical history forms, and he consults with them to gain a more in depth understanding of pertinent background information.

2. Acquiring past medical records: A patient’s past medical history may shed light on his or her current condition. Accordingly, Dr. Batlan may request records, labs, and imaging studies ordered or performed by previous health care providers.

3. Conducting a physical examination: Physical examinations provide Dr. Batlan with objective findings that demonstrate medical evidence of conditions that may be present. Along with obtaining basic vital signs, Dr. Batlan may conduct in-office studies that test range of motion, reflexes, and neurological function.

4. Taking images: In order to obtain further objective evidence, Dr. Batlan may order imaging studies that allow him to see structural and internal issues contributing to pain conditions. Some of these studies include X-rays, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

5. Requesting laboratory tests: Dr. Batlan may also order labs, such as blood tests or urinalysis to look for chemical or biological elements present that may contribute to pain conditions.

6. Consulting with a specialist: In order to gain an accurate assessment, Dr. Batlan may also seek additional evaluation or consultation with specialists in related fields, such as neurology, rheumatology, or orthopedics.

Dr. Daniel Batlan on the topic: Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure(s)

Dr. Daniel Batlan pic

Dr. Daniel Batlan
Image: treatpainlv.com

Patients with chronic pain often benefit from radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This procedure gently “heats” a small area of nerve tissue, thereby curbing the pain signals that would otherwise be transmitted by those nerve fibers. Patients that may benefit from RFA include those suffering from low back and neck pain, as caused by facet joint disease and spondylosis (degenerative arthritis). Many individuals that suffer with chronic pain experience relief after treatment, and this relief can last for six months to one year or even longer. Some patients report mild discomfort at the treatment site, but this discomfort generally subsides after a day or two. Due to the general safety of the procedure and the extended period of relief afforded by RFA, the treatment has become a great option for a wide range of patients.

Prior to performing RFA, a patient meets with their physician for an evaluation. The physician describes the procedure in detail, covering all aspects of the RFA. If the patient desires to pursue the treatment, he or she generally receives a mild sedative and local anesthetic, which minimizes any discomfort felt during the procedure. The physician then inserts small needle(s) near the area of pain, and guides the instrument to the target area with the help of x-ray technology (flouroscopy). A microelectrode inserted through the needle stimulates the intended nerve tissue with radiofrequency current. The physician may ask the patient several questions during this process to optimize the overall treatment. Following the procedure, the patient is typically observed in the recovery area while the sedation wears off, and then the patient is discharged home. Patients should carefully follow their physician’s recommendations to ensure proper healing.

About the Author

Dr. Daniel Batlan is the Medical Direoctor of Specialized Pain Management, which has six locations in Southern Nevada (www.treatpainlv.com). A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, he subsequently earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from The Loyola University of Chicago School of Medicine. Next he completed his Anesthesiology Residency and Pain Management Fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, respectively. One of Nevada’s leading pain management specialists, Dr. Daniel Batlan consistently employs the most cutting-edge treatments to provide an optimal level of care.

Acupuncture and the Management of Chronic Pain By Dr. Daniel Batlan

 

Acupuncture pic

Acupuncture
Image: health.harvard.edu

Used by medical practitioners for more than 2,500 years to treat a range of medical conditions, acupuncture pulls from the theory of qi, which maps the flow of energy through the body. Good health depends on proper energy flow, which sometimes becomes impeded or otherwise thrown off balance. Acupuncture, the application of needles at certain points on the body, helps to correct energy flow and achieve or maintain total health. Many patients have found acupuncture a vital part of their individual pain management plans. While those suffering with chronic pain should not necessarily rely on acupuncture as a primary part of their care, the practice offers a great supplement to other pain relief methods. Acupuncture has proven helpful in the management of several different types of chronic pain, including back and neck discomfort. The process of applying needles to the skin stimulates the central nervous system, altering the ways in which the body interprets pain.

Last year, the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia actually featured a study conducted by the University of Munich that examined the potential therapeutic benefits of acupuncture. The study found that the practice likely affects the “A delta” and “C” pain fibers to produce analgesic benefits for patients. In the study, 24 volunteers received various types of acupuncture, including the regular needle process, high frequency electrical stimulation, or a combination of both. After receiving the therapy, the study showed that pain thresholds increased by up to 50 percent in the patients, as demonstrated by thermal and mechanical testing administered before and after acupuncture treatment. Although subjects received acupuncture in only one leg, the pain threshold for both legs increased.

Scientists still have not uncovered the exact mechanism by which acupuncture benefits the patients. At present, many believe that the process releases opioid peptides in the brain, a naturally occurring pain reliever. Acupuncture may also alter the release of neurotransmitters involved in pain sensation. The team plans to conduct further studies that look more directly into the mechanisms involved.

About the Author

Dr. Daniel Batlan serves as the Medical Director of Specialized Pain Management (SPM), an practice located in Las Vegas, Nevada, that specializes in the relief of chronic and acute pain. After graduating from The Loyola University of Chicago School of Medicine, he completed a residency in Anesthesiology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, followed by a fellowship in Pain Management at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Dr. Daniel Batlan employs cutting edge technologies to manage pain, complementing traditional “western” medical treatments [e.g., Epidurals, Trigger Point Injections, Discography, Spinal Column Stimulation, Physical Therapy] with alternative approaches, such as acupuncture. You can learn more about Dr. Batlan & Specialized Pain Management at their website: http://www.treatpainlv.com

Specialized Pain Management

Dr. Daniel Batlan pic

Dr. Daniel Batlan
Image: treatpainlv.com

Dr. Daniel Batlan, MD, MBA is the Medical Director of Specialized Pain Management (SPM), a medical practice that is dedicated to excellence in the treatment of individuals that suffer from chronic and acute pain disorders. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, his practice offers an extensive range of treatment options for virtually all painful conditions.

Dr. Batlan is among the most well trained specialists in America. He earned his medical degree from The Loyola University of Chicago School of Medicine in 1985. Next, he completed an Anesthesiology Residency at the prestigious John Hopkins Hospital. Following completion of his studies at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Batlan decided to specialize in pain management. He received intensive training during his Pain Management Fellowship at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, which was distinguished as the largest pain management training program in North America at the time of Dr. Batlan’s education. Dr. Batlan also completed management training at The New York University – Leonard Stern Graduale School of Business, earning an MBA. Dr. Batlan is grateful to have trained at these internationally recognized graduate programs.

According to Dr. Batlan, pain management was still an emerging field when he completed his training. The quality of The Cleveland Clinic’s programs attracted physicians from around the world to pursue studies in the field of pain medicine. Moreover, The Cleveland Clinic also attracted an international clientele of patients suffering from pain. The clinic’s services were in such high demand that an average of 50 patients received treatment every day for an array of common and rare pain disorders. This volume of patient care provided Dr. Batlan with two elements essential to working effectively as a pain management specialist: experience and confidence.

During the program, Dr. Batlan learned the important values he continues to utilize in his practice to this day. These attributes include an emphasis on communication, as well as the importance of obtaining a detailed history and conducting a comprehensive examination in order to achieve accurate diagnosis. Additionally, Dr. Batlan learned many of the modalities he uses for pain management, including epidurals and advanced nerve blocks, trigger point injections, joint blocks, discography and implantation of pain pumps and spinal column stimulators.

By the time he completed The Cleveland Clinic’s Pain Management Program, Dr. Batlan had participated in the treatment of hundreds of patients. He was ready to build a practice in the relatively new and highly gratifying field of medicine.

To learn more about Dr. Batlan, please visit his website at www.treatpainlv.com.