By Dr. Qi Zhang
A non-surgical procedure called radiofrequency ablation can be highly effective in reducing or eliminating chronic back and joint pain in patients.
Treating joint, back pain with radio waves
Pain center offers Botox treatment for migraines
By Qi Zhang
Botox treatments for patients with chronic migraine headaches are now provided by the Ithaca Center for Pain Management at Cayuga Medical Center. The Botox program began earlier this year and uses a class of medications called neurotoxins that were approved in 2010 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating migraine headaches. It is not completely known how the medications reduce migraine headache pain, but studies suggest the drugs block nerves and muscles and suppress some types of brain chemicals that play a role in migraine headaches. Botox is the commercial name for the neurotoxin medication that is also manufactured by other drug makers under other registered names.
Treating Back Pain
By Qi Zhang, MD
Back pain is among the top five most common reasons people visit their primary care doctors. It costs millions of dollars every year in missed work, medical care, and medication. Back pain is often temporary and resolves in time with rest, physical therapy, and strengthening exercise. However, when the pain is persistent, follow-up with a pain management specialist may help you heal and enable you to resume your normal activities.