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Del Mar, CaliforniaSan Diego County

Pain Management

Overview

Chronic Pain Program

Living with chronic pain is very difficult, and people who suffer from chronic pain know how it can disrupt and damage their lives. It can make it difficult to enjoy even the simplest daily activities. At Casa Palmera, we understand that treating chronic pain means healing both the mind and the body. We believe in the use of medical and psychological treatment for chronic pain management. This treatment includes a thorough examination and evaluation of your physical and psychological conditions.

The Casa Palmera Chronic Pain Program is led by physicians who specialize in treating patients who are compromised by pain and who have been unable to manage this pain without the help of medications. Led by Dr. Joseph Shurman, patients receive a comprehensive medical evaluation upon admission. Treatment is determined on an individualized basis, as no two patients present with identical pain issues. An effective evaluation of an individual with chronic pain and coexisting disorders, including problems with medications, requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Using a multidisciplinary team is crucial in treating the problems patients and their families’ face who have been severely impacted by chronic pain and other psychological and medical disorders. At times substance dependence or addiction can be caused by the misuse of chronic pain opiate medications. Casa Palmera offers a foundation of sound psychological and psychiatric assessments and treatment while at the same time eliminating unwarranted medication. The evaluation process upon admission to Casa Palmera is one of the features that seperates us from other pain management clinics. Our chronic pain doctors understand that the best treatment for you requires them to utilize appropriate medications as indicated by your history and present symptoms. Our doctors also believe it is imperative to work together with you to create the most successful individualized treatment plan so that when you leave you have the best chances of recovery.

Once an individualized treatment plan is determined, physicians work closely with licensed therapists, nurses, counselors, psychologists and holistic practitioners to treat your chronic pain. Chronic pain affects all aspects of your life, and for many the complimentary therapies offered at Casa Palmera can help reduce the pain you are experiencing. Therapies offered at Casa Palmera include Acupuncture, Neurofeedback/Biofeedback, Ecentric Strength Training, Stress Reduction, Massage, Yoga, Laser Therapy, Physical Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 12-Step Recovery Meetings, Relapse Prevention Therapy, as well as a number of other clinical approaches, exercises, and movement groups.

Pain Management Program Goals:

• Obtain a thorough evaluation to define the physical components of pain
• Increase control of pain and decrease disability associated with pain
• Teach alternative ways to improve daily functioning
• Address psychological issues related to chronic pain, such as anxiety, depression and sleep problems
• Evaluate for substance dependence, chemical dependency or substance abuse
• Reduce dependence on alcohol and other drugs for pain relief

 

Problems with Pain/Trauma? You Can Beat Them - We Can Help. Call Now

 

What to look for in a Chronic Pain Treatment Center

When looking for a treatment center to help you with your chronic pain, it is important to find a setting that is appropriately licensed to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatment with clinicians specifically trained and experienced in treating chronic pain. At Casa Palmera, our physicians and staff are trained in the latest advancements in cutting-edge chronic pain treatment. These include the use of Suboxone®, Subutex (Buprenorphine), a pharmacological treatment that is effective in reducing physical pain as well as opiate withdrawal symptoms and accompanying cravings. Doctors at Casa Palmera are credentialed by the FDA to prescribe Suboxone. Because Casa Palmera is licensed by the State of California, you can receive this outstanding quality of care while you are a resident.

At Casa Palmera we focus on all factors that may cause chronic pain and subsequent problems with pain medications. New skills are developed to ensure that when you leave treatment, your quality of life has significantly improved and your newly learned skills have continued to progress. Patients in the Casa Palmera Chronic Pain Program undergo the most comprehensive and unique blend of medical, social, psycho-educational and holistic treatments available. Our goal is to have you leave treatment pain-free or with the ability to manage your pain with the various tools provided to you during the intensive inpatient phase of treatment. Casa Palmera effectively treats chronic pain, substance dependence and co-occurring disorders allowing you to take back your life and functional capability

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic Pain is a constant pain that can last from a few months to many years. This relentless problem causes severe pain, sleep deprivation and even depression if it persists for a long period of time. Pain can be caused by injuries, types of diseases or weak bones and muscles. For instance, a common central nervous system disorder that causes great pain through the body is Fibromyalgia. Anyone can have chronic pain, but it is most common in middle-aged to older adults.

Chronic Pain Relates to Emotional Trauma

Trauma and pain may seem to be unrelated. What you may not realize, however, is that these two disturbances can occur at the same time, as a result of the same incident.

A car crash is one example in which pain and trauma often occur together. Numerous problems can arise in an accident. The first complication that often comes to mind is that of injury or pain. When a car is in an accident, its passengers often sustain an injury or experience pain. Because car crashes are unexpected and often frightening, trauma can also occur. It is important to realize that your psychological state (trauma) can effect your physical state (pain).

In virtually every type of trauma, physical pain can occur. It does not matter whether the traumatic event is deliberate or accidental, natural or man-made, both pain and trauma can occur.

Traumatic events are emotionally draining experiences and chronic pain can put a major strain on your life. Such experiences make even the simplest of projects a hassle, causing sadness and depression. Here at Casa Palmera we recognize this dilemma and seek to help you overcome this violation of your emotional and physical well-being.

Every experience is different, and every person reacts differently. Some people suffer from a car crash or some form of a natural disaster, while others struggle with the death of a loved one or previous abuse. By incorporating our holistic approach to healing, in a beautiful surrounding, our staff at Casa Palmera will address each individual aspect of your life.

When you complete the Clinical Diagnostic Assessment, our professional team reviews the results and designs a plan that will address your specific situation and needs. Your needs do not only include the physical aspects of chronic pain, but also the emotional side effects and stress that trauma and pain cause.

Dr. George F. Koob - Neurocircuitry of Addiction

George F. Koob is a Professor and Chair of the Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders at The Scripps Research Institute and Adjunct Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, and Adjunct Professor in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC San Diego. Dr. Koob's research interests are directed at the neurobiology of drug addiction, with a focus on the theoretical constructs of reward and stress.

Benefits of the Casa Palmera Chronic Pain Program include:

• Overall health improvement
• Better sense of calmness and security
• Improved feelings of confidence and self-esteem
• Fundamental skills obtained for optimal recovery
• Ability to focus on each of life's moments without distraction
• Better sleep and the ability to handle stress
• Improved relationships, trust development
• Reduction of depression and anxiety
• Local and long-distance continuing care
• Healthy stretching and exercise
• Physical Therapy
• Yin and Flow Yoga
• Bodywork
• Massage Therapy, Reiki
• Nutritional Counseling
• Spiritual well-being

Learning how to feel safe, secure and comfortable with life is an important goal we want you to achieve while at Casa Palmera.

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