JUNE 2015
SUMMER EDITION
ROCKDALE/NEWTON CITIZEN PHYSICIANS GUIDE
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Newton Medical Center specializes in pain management The Interventional Pain Management Center at Newton Medical Center treats pain through a variety of procedures and treatments that are specific to the patient’s needs. Many common pains such as arthritis, pinched nerves, or pain in the neck, back or buttock can be treated at the Interventional Pain Management Center without the need for major surgery.
ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM THESE COMMON PAIN CONDITIONS? Arthritis: Symptoms may include aching or a stabbing pain in the lower back to hip. Pinched Nerve: May cause a toothache type pain and is often described as an electric bolt going from the neck to the arm or the low back to the leg. Broken Bone in the Back: Identified through severe pain that is localized in the back. Just lightly tapping the target area results in unbearable pain. Fractures in the spine are caused from a fall or picking up a heavy object. Spinal Stenosis: Described as aching, tired legs and cramping. The condition can
also result in numbness, pain, muscle weakness or problems with bowel or bladder function. Spinal Stenosis is caused from the narrowing of the open spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on your spinal cord and the nerves that travel through the spine.
RECEIVE A CORRECT DIAGNOSIS FROM THE START At your first consultation, Dr. Hanowell’s goal is finding the source of the problem and getting the correct diagnosis from the beginning. Dr. Hanowell will conduct a thorough physical examination and order imaging tests such as x-rays or an MRI. Even if patients have already had imaging done before, he will review the images himself to identify the problem areas that may be the source of the pain. START A PATIENT TAILORED TREATMENT PLAN Since every person’s pain is unique, a treatment plan will be tailored to the patient. The plan may include physical therapy and medications to help symptoms with a focus
on non-addictive medicine. Interventional treatments and minimally invasive procedures will be considered prior to pursuing major surgery that may include: • Epidural steroid injections for low back pain • Radiofrequency ablation for arthritis pain in the back or neck • MILD procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis • Spinal cord stimulation for chronic low back pain • Kyphoplasty or sacroplasty procedure for fractures in the spine • Interlaminar clamps for early spondylolisthesis also known as slipped vertebrae
GET CONTROL OVER YOUR PAIN Many people come into the Pain Center with miserable pain. For problems such as a broken bone in the back, the patient can feel relief from pain within 20 minutes of the procedure. Other treatments of course take longer for patients to respond, but the end goal is to be pain free or at least to have manageable pain so that patients can return to the life
they love, whether it be running, gardening or playing with your children or grandchildren. “I take pride in making people feel better. So many of our patients come to us not knowing why they are in pain or after they were misdiagnosed. It’s very gratifying to see someone feel relief from pain,” says Dr. Hanowell.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! The Interventional Pain Management Center at Newton Medical Center is located inside the Knox Surgical Center at 5126 Hospital Drive in Covington. Most insurance companies do not require a referral. You can ask your doctor for a referral, but feel free to call directly. TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT CALL 770-385-4337.
MEET DR. HANOWELL As a fifth generation physician, who met his wife at medical school just like his parents, one could say that Dalton Hanowell, MD is doctor through and through. Dr. Hanowell is fellowship trained in pain management at Emory University School of Medicine in addition to his Anesthesiology Residency at Emory. As the Medical Director of Pain Management at Newton Medical Center, he works alongside his wife, Dr. Alison Hanowell. Together, the Hanowells spend their days helping people feel relief from pain and when away from work, their hobby is family. Just recently, the Hanowells welcomed a new baby boy, Brooks, into their family who joins Sophie, their five-year old, and Dalton and Tori, their three-year old twins.
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Dalton Hanowell, MD Medical Director Interventional Pain Management Center Newton Medical Center