Pain Clinic

(1) Overview

Pain Clinic treats a variety of conditions that cause pain, such as lower back pain due to lumbar disc herniation, neck, shoulder, and arm pain caused by cervical spondylosis, and trigeminal neuralgia (including its treatment). In addition to conditions associated with pain, we also diagnose and treat disorders such as hyperhidrosis, erythrophobia (facial blushing), movement disorders, and conditions involving paralysis.
The core treatment provided in the Pain Clinic is nerve block therapy, which involves the injection of medication to relieve pain by targeting the nerves causing the discomfort or the areas surrounding them. Nerve blocks are known for their rapid effect after administration.
In addition, we offer various treatment approaches tailored to the patient’s condition, illness, and preferences, including medication therapy, rehabilitation, and surgical treatment.

(2) Policy

In the Pain Clinic, alongside investigating the causes of pain, we also provide treatments aimed at reducing the pain itself. Traditionally, medical care has focused on diagnosing the underlying disease when chronic pain such as lower back pain is present. However, for many patients, the pain itself is often a bigger issue than the cause. Based on this perspective, our department aims to deliver pain-relieving treatments at an early stage to improve patients’ quality of life (QOL).

(3) Our Strengths

Epidural block used for the treatment of lower back pain

Among patients visiting our department for the first time, the most common complaints are pain in the lower back or lower limbs (lumbar radicular pain). A frequently chosen treatment for lower back pain is the nerve block called an epidural block. An epidural block involves injecting medication such as a local anesthetic into the epidural space near the painful nerve. This procedure works by blocking the action of the sympathetic nerves and calming abnormal excitation of the sensory nerves. Epidural blocks are often the first treatment attempted, especially for conditions like herniated discs and spinal canal stenosis.

Treatment Option for Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches that persist for a long time include vascular headaches such as migraines and cluster headaches, as well as tension-type headaches.
For vascular headaches caused by dilation of brain blood vessels, common treatment options include medication therapy using oral drugs and nerve blocks called stellate ganglion blocks.
For tension-type headaches, which are related to muscle tension in the back of the head, stellate ganglion blocks may be used in combination with other nerve blocks targeting the painful areas. For patients who experience symptoms such as depression along with tension-type headaches, anxiolytic medications may also be prescribed.
Because chronic headaches do not disappear quickly, our department also provides advice on lifestyle adjustments and how to manage living with headaches.

We Also Treat Conditions That Do Not Involve Pain

In our department, we provide treatment for a variety of conditions and symptoms, including hyperhidrosis, facial nerve paralysis, disorders accompanied by spasms, and conditions generally referred to as autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Treatments for hyperhidrosis include medication therapy using oral and topical drugs, stellate ganglion blocks, and surgery called ETS (endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy). Additionally, for patients with severe facial nerve paralysis who require surgery, we take responsibility for referring them to specialized physicians.

Message for Our Patients

Long-lasting pain can lead to mental depression and may cause other types of pain. For example, many cases have been observed where persistent shoulder stiffness eventually leads to pain in the neck and back, as well as nausea. To prevent this vicious cycle caused by pain, it is ideal not to endure it excessively and to seek treatment at an early stage. For instance, if lower back pain does not improve even after resting for several days, we recommend visiting the Pain Clinic.