On this page you'll find a description of the wide array of services our Downers Grove practice offers. But we know what's important isn't just what we offer, but how we offer it. You can count on our pain management professionals at Patterson Pain Management Clinic to possess the knowledge, expertise and caring attitude, which will satisfy all your individual needs.
Abdominal Pain
Mild to severe pain from inside the abdomen or outer muscle wall, ranging from temporary pain to severe pain that requires emergency care.
Abdominal pain isn’t always caused by an underlying disease. Examples of this include constipation, gas, overeating, or muscle strain.
Self-treatment options include over-the-counter antacids or anti-gas medication. Consider eating smaller meals to reduce heartburn or gas. Because aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can worsen some abdominal pain, it’s best to avoid taking these medications.
Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is the swelling of the joints. Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age.
The main goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatments include painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, counterirritant creams, or corticosteroids.
Physical therapy and surgeries may be considered. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, heat and cold, or assistive devices may be used to improve quality of life.
Migraine Headaches
A migraine typically causes severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing future attacks, and typically include medications, preventative medications, lifestyle changes, home remedies, and alternative medicine.
If your condition is unusual, complex, or suddenly becomes severe, tests to rule out other causes for your pain might include an MRI or CT scan.
Joint Pain
Joint pain causes physical discomfort where bones meet to form the joints and can range from mild to disabling.
Joint pain isn't always caused by an underlying disease. Overuse injuries such as heavy physical activity, lack of use, sprains, or stairs can also cause joint pain.
You may be able to decrease joint pain, as well as increase mobility and flexibility by exercising regularly. Low-impact activities, ice packs, and over-the-counter pain medications may also help.
Nerve Pain
Nerve pain can result from many different conditions. Symptoms include burning, tingling, numbness, and loss of reflexes. Nerve pain can sometimes feel like an electric shock, or a shooting, stabbing or burning sensation.
Diagnoses are made in some cases by CT scans, MRIs and skin biopsies. Treatment will vary from over-the-counter topical treatments to anticonvulsants and antidepressants to painkillers to electrical stimulation.
Neck, Shoulder and Back Pain
These types of pain vary in intensity and are experienced as anything from a dull ache to an "electric shock" from the neck to the arm and aren't always caused by an underlying disease.
Prolonged straining, an uncomfortable sleeping position, stress, chiropractic manipulation, bad posture, or wearing heavy necklaces may cause neck, shoulder or back pain.
Treating the area with a heat pack along with gentle stretching and massage may relieve symptoms. Additionally, over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen may improve symptoms.
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain or discomfort may range from a sharp jab to a dull ache in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Pelvic pain isn't always caused by underlying disease and may be caused by constipation, pregnancy, full bladder, sexual pain, menstruation, or trauma.
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may provide partial relief from your pelvic pain. Sometimes a prescription pain reliever may be necessary.