Are you tired of managing chronic pain with pills and worrying about side effects or dependency? In this episode, we explore the science behind medical acupuncture—a proven, non-surgical solution for conditions like sciatica, migraines, arthritis, and back pain.

We dive deep into how acupuncture does more than just "block" pain. You'll learn the biological mechanisms at play, including how targeted needle placement triggers the release of endorphins (the body's natural painkillers) and calms an overactive nervous system to reduce inflammation. We also discuss the critical difference between spa acupuncture and physician-guided medical acupuncture, emphasizing the importance of an accurate diagnosis before treatment begins.

Whether you are dealing with stubborn joint pain or looking for a safe alternative to opioids, this episode breaks down how integrating acupuncture into a comprehensive medical plan can help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The Biology of Relief: How acupuncture stimulates endorphins and regulates the nervous system.
• Targeted Treatment: Why local targeting of pain points is safer than systemic medication.
• Conditions Treated: Effectiveness for back pain, neck pain, sciatica, migraines, and myofascial pain syndrome.
• Safety & Integration: The benefits of a physician-guided approach that coordinates acupuncture with physical therapy and imaging.

(00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain Management

(00:38) Exploring Acupuncture: From Fringe to Mainstream

(01:44) The Science Behind Acupuncture

(03:09) Mechanisms of Acupuncture: How It Works

(06:21) Conditions That Benefit from Acupuncture

(07:47) Criteria for Considering Acupuncture

(09:36) The Acupuncture Experience

(10:48) Integration in Modern Medical Practice

(12:03) Conclusion: A New Philosophy of Healing

#MedicalAcupuncture #ChronicPainRelief #SciaticaTreatment #MigraineRelief #BackPain #NonOpioid #PainManagement #HolisticHealth #IntegrativeMedicine #NewYorkPainMedicine #PhysicianGuided

Ready to find relief without surgery or medication? Don't let chronic pain control your life. Contact New York Pain Medicine today to schedule a consultation with our board-certified physicians. We will help you determine if medical acupuncture is the right step for your recovery.

👉 Visit us at: nypainmedicine.com 📞 Call to book your appointment!

In this episode of the New York Pain Medicine Podcast, we delve into the use of EMG and nerve conduction studies for diagnosing pain and nerve issues. Host and pain management specialist Dr. Douglas Allen explains the roles of these diagnostic tools, which measure signal speed in nerves and electrical activity in muscles. The episode highlights scenarios when these tests are particularly useful, especially when other diagnostic methods, like MRIs, provide inconclusive results. Dr. Allen also emphasizes how these tests guide effective treatment plans and avoid unnecessary procedures. Listeners are encouraged to consider a consultation if they experience persistent nerve symptoms.

00:00 Introduction to Today's Topic

00:23 Understanding Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)

00:58 Exploring Electromyography (EMG)

01:21 Combining NCS and EMG for Diagnosis

01:39 When to Consider EMG Testing

02:30 Dr. Douglas Allen's Expertise

02:59 What to Expect During the Test

03:13 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the New York Pain Medicine podcast, the focus is on a blog post by Dr. Douglas Allen discussing when to consider minimally invasive pain procedures. These treatments are aimed at New Yorkers suffering from persistent pain that hasn't responded to physical therapy or medications. Various options like nerve blocks, epidural injections, facet joint injections, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are covered. Key triggers for considering these procedures include chronic pain lasting three to six months, diagnostic proof of a specific issue, and patient goals to avoid major surgery or reduce opioid use. The approach at New York Pain Medicine involves a comprehensive evaluation to ensure precise treatment, often integrated with other therapies like physical therapy and lifestyle changes. The goal is to find the root cause and offer targeted, effective treatments. Listeners are encouraged to contact Dr. Douglas Allen at NY Pain Medicine for consultations and further information.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:10 Understanding Minimally Invasive Pain Procedures

00:44 Exploring Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA)

01:24 When to Consider Minimally Invasive Procedures

02:55 Comprehensive Evaluation at New York Pain Medicine

03:43 Benefits of Minimally Invasive Procedures

04:01 Integrated Treatment Plans

04:19 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Are you living with chronic pain that hasn't responded to standard treatments?

Living with persistent pain can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. In this episode of the New York Pain Medicine Podcast, we explore Intravenous (IV) Ketamine Therapy, an innovative and powerful option emerging for patients who have exhausted traditional therapies.

We explain what IV ketamine is and why it’s different: Unlike opioids, ketamine works on the NMDA receptor to help “reset” pain pathways and reduce the intensity of pain signals.

Tune in to discover the five key benefits of IV Ketamine, including:

• Its effectiveness for hard-to-treat pain conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain.

• The rapid onset of relief that many patients experience within hours to days.

• The advantage of being a non-opioid option that does not carry the same risk of dependency or tolerance.

• The potential to improve mood, sleep, and overall quality of life due to its documented antidepressant properties.

We also address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about safety (it is administered in low doses and continuously monitored by physicians), potential short-term side effects, and how to determine if this physician-guided, personalized treatment is the right step toward lasting relief for you.

Visit https://nypainmedicine.com/ to book an appointment with Dr. Douglas Allen.

Are you tired of nagging back or neck pain that affects your workday, your sleep, and the activities you love? Do you feel like you’ve been treating surface-level symptoms without getting to the root of the problem?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Douglas Allen, a dual board-certified specialist in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and interventional pain management, to uncover his meticulous approach to solving chronic pain. Dr. Allen explains why the spot where you feel pain is often not the true cause and discusses the complex conditions that can lead to it, including pinched nerves, arthritis, sports injuries, and repetitive strain.

Listeners will learn about Dr. Allen’s comprehensive diagnostic process, which is designed to provide clear answers and a precise diagnosis. The journey to relief begins with a crucial first step: listening to the patient's history and lifestyle, followed by a detailed physical exam to identify revealing patterns. We also dive into the advanced diagnostics he employs when necessary, such as:

• Imaging like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to see inside the spine.

• Electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCS) to assess nerve function.

• Diagnostic tools like nerve blocks or discography to confirm if a specific nerve or disc is the pain generator.

Once the exact source of pain is pinpointed, Dr. Allen creates a Personalized Pain Management Plan. This isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Discover the range of targeted treatments available, from conservative options like physical therapy and acupuncture to advanced interventional procedures such as epidural injections and radiofrequency ablation.

The goal of this holistic plan is not just to relieve pain but to improve mobility, strength, and your long-term quality of life. Tune in to understand how this empathetic, patient-focused approach provides targeted solutions, helping you finally get back to living your life.

Click here for more information on Dr. Allen and New York Pain Medicine.