Treatments

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency waves to interrupt pain signals from certain nerves to the brain. Delivered via specialized needles, the

The Vertiflex procedure tackles a common cause of lower back and leg pain – narrowing (stenosis) of the lumbar spinal canal. Spinal stenosis causes compression and irritation of the nerve roots that travel through the canal.

In medicine, when you combine kypho (meaning bent or humped) and plasty (meaning to repair), you end up with a minimally invasive procedure (kyphoplasty) that’s designed to restore spinal strength and integrity and relieve the pain caused by a spinal compression fracture. The Pain Institute of Southern Arizona has seven locations conveniently located throughout Tucson, Green Valley, Safford, and Benson, Arizona. We are proud of our stellar reputation for delivering high quality, state-of-the-art treatments and procedures that help patients find relief from their pain and return to an enjoyable and fulfilling quality of life. That mission makes our team of specialists proponents of kyphoplasty. Learn why our experts may recommend this often life-changing procedure. Why would I need a kyphoplasty? Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that your Pain Institute specialist might recommend for repairing a spinal compression fracture. This type of fracture occurs when your spinal column’s bony tissue becomes so fragile that it simply collapses. Compression fractures typically involve the vertebrae of the middle back (thoracic spine), which play a crucial role in supporting your body as you stand, walk, sit, etc. The

Early treatment is the most effective when dealing with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Unfortunately, it’s a perplexing disorder that’s often misdiagnosed because the pain and other symptoms are out of proportion to the triggering injury and persist even after the initial trauma heals. So, what’s the good news? Experts like our team at the Pain Institute of Southern Arizona (PISA) can accurately diagnose and successfully treat CRPS with minimally invasive therapies designed to eliminate your symptoms and restore your quality of life. This stellar group of pain management specialists provides outstanding care for patients in and around Tucson, Green Valley, Safford, and Benson, Arizona. At PISA, we’re pleased to successfully combine innovative technology with our team’s considerable medical expertise and compassion to offer effective treatments for numerous chronic pain conditions. Read what our specialists say about CRPS and two highly effective treatments our patients find especially beneficial. What is complex regional pain syndrome? CRPS is a long-term (chronic) pain condition that typically affects an arm or leg. Symptoms can include: Continuous burning or throbbing painGeneralized inflammation and swelling in the affected areaJoint stiffness and swellingBlotchy skin color, ranging

Pain in your hips, knees, shoulders, or any of the hardworking joints in your body is a common complaint that stems from various issues. So common, that many people assume it’s just a normal part of life. That’s not true.

Can a small, painful knot in a muscle cause widespread aching discomfort that keeps you awake and makes it hard to move? Yes. These painful knots are called trigger points. Fortunately, a simple injection can alleviate the discomfort and get you moving again. Our pain management specialists at the Pain Institute of Southern Arizona, with offices in Tucson, Safford, and Benson, Arizona, are well-known for their commitment to relieving your pain and addressing the underlying source of your discomfort. Discover how our top-rated experts use trigger point injections to tackle muscle pain at its source. Why it’s important to identify the source of your pain You may be familiar with questions like, “Where is your pain? How long have you had the pain? Is it sharp, dull, constant? Is the pain getting worse?” Doctors use this information to help identify the source of your pain. While the result is the same – discomfort that can make it hard to carry out your daily activities – the origin of your pain affects how we treat it. Arthritic pain, for instance, originates in a joint and is often related to degenerative changes

When pain becomes long-term or “chronic,” it can interfere with your daily activities, keep you awake throughout the night, and eventually cause you to reshape your goals for the future. At the Pain Institute of Southern Arizona, we intend to put you back in charge of your life by controlling your pain and restoring your mobility. Our stellar reputation and commitment to patient care demands we provide safe, medically sound, and effective treatments for your symptoms. Learn why the team of highly-skilled, board-certified physicians at the Pain Institute of Southern Arizona often recommend craniosacral therapy to treat your pain and the stress it causes. Ten reasons to consider craniosacral therapy (CST) 1. CST is all-natural Unlike medications that mask your pain, craniosacral therapy cooperates with your body to normalize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, release irritated nerves, and enhance your natural ability to heal. Read more about the technique here. 2. CST is relaxing You can expect your provider to encourage you to relax as the gentle pressure associated with CST does its job. You may even find yourself looking forward to the sessions as a break from your everyday

Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) is an innovative pain-relief treatment that’s often very effective in controlling acute and chronic pain. Developed by Air Force Colonel Richard Niemtzow, MD, in 2001, BFA was adapted from the ancient Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture.   Initially intended for use on the battlefield when pain medications were not appropriate, BFA is becoming increasingly popular in private practice as a clinically proven, drug-free solution for pain. At the Pain Institute of Southern Arizona, our top-rated team of physicians and other pain management specialists often recommend BFA as one of our many tools used for pain-relief treatment. We’ve seen the results firsthand and are happy to provide a few details about BFA. The basics of BFA BFA is a non-traditional form of acupuncture. Unlike the standard acupuncture needles you may envision, BFA uses very small, dart-like needles that are topped with tiny gold studs. The entire structure is small enough that you could place several on the tip of a finger. Once inserted at up to five known acupuncture sites in the outer ear, the needles remain in place for two to seven days and naturally fall