The Headache & Pain Center

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Cardiac Scoring Scan
The Cardiac Scoring Scan is the most sensitive test for determining the presence and extent of the atherosclerotic process. A Cardiac Scoring Scan is capable of detection and measuring calcium deposits (plaque build-up) in the major coronary arteries.
The Procedure takes less than 15 minutes and is painless and non-invasive (no needles or injections).
The scan produces 30-40 images of the heart. Each image is taken 100 milliseconds, approximately 15 times faster than the standard CT scan. The amount of x-ray dosage is approximately equal to one abdominal x-ray.
You will be instructed to hold your breath for short periods of time to eliminate respiratory motion. All images are analyzed for the presence of calcification in your coronary arteries. These results are then forwarded to you if you are a self-referred patient or to your physician if you are a physician-referred patient.
The Headache & Pain Center Cardiac Scoring Scan is designed for symptom-free men and women who fit the following criteria: Men, aged 40-65 and Women aged 45-70 with at least one other risk factor*
* high blood pressure, family history of coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, overweight, cigarette smoking, Diabetes,

Bone Density Testing is simple. Osteoporosis is difficult.

What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis literally means "porous bone." As we age, our bones naturally lose thickness and strength. Osteoporosis leads to an increased risk of fractures (breaks). Called the "silent crippler," osteoporosis often progresses without symptoms or pain until a fracture occurs.
Osteoporosis is a major health threat for more than 28 million Americans (80 percent of whom are women). The disease is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures every year. If left untreated, osteoporosis can be both debilitating and painful.
Hip fractures are a serious health consequence of osteoporosis. After menopause, the risk of osteoporosis is increased in the vertebral body of the spine, wrist and hip. Approximately 20 percent of patients have a hip fracture in the first year after being diagnosed with osteoporosis. Hip fractures often result in a loss of independence and the need for nursing home care. Medical complications after hip fractures can be life threatening.
The best way to avoid osteoporosis is to determine your risk and then take steps to prevent the disease. It is important to start early. With proper diet and exercise, you may be able to slow or prevent the onset of osteoporosis. If you already have the disease, early detection and proper medical care can help slow or even reverse its progress.

Are you at risk? Bone loss in women begins at about age 30 and accelerates after menopause. Women over the age of 50 have the greatest risk for developing osteoporosis, but the disease can strike at any age. It is important to remember that the disease is not limited to women. One in eight men over the age of 50 are at risk for developing osteoporosis. Other risk factors include:

Being thin or "small-boned"
Caucasian or Asian race (although African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at risk as well)
Early menopause (before age 45) or surgically induced menopause
Nulliparity (never having children)
Amenorrhea in premenopausal women (absence of regular menstrual periods)
Eating a diet low in calcium or Vitamin D

Excessive alcohol use
Having certain diseases such as asthma, lung disease, intestinal problems, kidney problems, hormonal problems, kidney stones, liver disease, primary hyperparathyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, anorexia nervosa or bulimia
Being an organ transplant recipient
Use of certain medications such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants

What is Nucleoplasty?
Click to view a video presentation Open Brochure
Nucleoplasty is a new minimally invasive procedure for back pain patients with contained herniated discs. In the Nucleoplasty procedure, the physician removes tissue and applies controlled levels of thermal energy (heat) to the discs.
The procedure is usually performed on an out-patient basis. Local anesthesia and mild sedation may be used to ease any discomfort. The patient is awake and able to speak to the physician.
Using X-ray images for guidance, the physician advances a needle into the disc. A special wand like device will be inserted through the needle and into the disc. Tissue will be removed as the Wand is advanced into the disc. This creates a small channel.
The wand will be slowly withdrawn to its original position while thermally sealing the new channel. During the procedure, the physician and staff will continuously monitor the patient's condition and comfort level.
A small surgical dressing will be placed over the needle insertion site and the patient will rest in a recovery room until cleared to go home.
Who is a candidate for Nucleoplasty?
Patients with contained herniated discs. For most people, back problems resolve quickly with rest, therapeutic exercise and/or medication. Unfortunately, some people have back problems resulting from disc herniation where the pain becomes prolonged and severe and does not respond to conventional therapies.

Review your medical history with your physician.
Be sure to tell your physician if you are taking blood thinners or have a history of a bleeding disorder
Inform physician of any allergies.
Inform the physician if you have an infection.
For more information about this procedure or to schedule an appointment call 913-491-3999.
Nucleoplasty, as with any surgical procedure, has some risks. Please consult your physician about risks and potential complications of Nucleoplasty.

The Spine Institute at The Headache & Pain Center

Back problems are one of the most common complaints of the adult population. As many as 80% of the adults in the United States experience significant back pain at some time during their life. This makes back pain almost as common as a cold or flu! It is the cause of the most lost work days in adults over the age of 45.
As bad as this sounds, most back pain problems aren't serious and can be treated with physical therapy, rest, and medications.
For those that continue to experience pain, relief is possible.
The Spine Center has been created to evaluate, diagnose and treat diseases of the spine. We offer:

Board Certified Pain Management Physicians with a special interest in spine treatment and diagnoses
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians to aid in diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Caring nurses trained to assist in your evaluation, procedure and treatment program
State of the art MRI Imaging equipment to aid in your diagnosis
Bone Density Testing for Osteoporosis

Our Spine Center team of experts is here to get you back on your feet again!

Diagnosis and Treatment of diseases of the NERVOUS SYSTEM

Electromyography & Nerve Conduction Testing

We now offer a new procedure for the treatment of some types of back pain
There is a new option for patients suffering from
pain due to contained disc herniations. Now those
who have failed conservative treatments have
minimally invasive options prior to considering
traditional back surgery.
The procedure is called Percutaneous Discectomy
and is much less invasive than traditional surgical
treatments. It is performed under live x-ray using
llocal anesthetic or sometimes light sedation.
download a brochure

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Diagnosis & Treatment of Diseases of that impair function

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Division
Surgical treatment of diseases of the bones , spine, hand & joints

Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Arthritic Hand Surgery & Joint Replacement

Pain Management Division Diagnosis & Treating Painful Conditions

The medical doctors at the Headache and Pain Center will evaluate and treat any painful condition

Our doctors are dedicated to diagnosing and treating your health problems.

To better serve our patients' health care needs, our practice includes Pain Management Physicians, Anesthesiologists, Orthopedic Surgeon, Neurosurgeons, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physicians.
Our modern facilities offer state of the art equipment and caring, knowledgeable staff.

Fast Scan TM
Body Scanning for For early detection of some diseases and health problems.
Ultra Fast State of the ARt spiral CT scanner for maximal patient comfort and accurate diagnosis.

Now Available At The Headache & Pain Center
Highly Accurate in Diagnosing Colon Cancer