First steps:
Your first office visit with Dr. Christensen will include a thorough assessment of your pain levels, range of motion, and life style. Next, Dr. Christensen or his trained staff will ask you to undergo a thorough assessment. Dr. Christensen will ask you questions about your pain, perform a physical examination and order any necessary studies (X-ray, MRI, etc.). This detailed evaluation will provide your physician most of the necessary information to make a diagnosis for your condition.
However, it is often very difficult and sometimes impossible to be 100% accurate about the diagnosis by this initial assessment. Spinal injections that are typically used to treat pain are also used as a way to diagnose the source of your pain. Dr. Christensen will perform this injection under live X-ray guidance to precisely place local anesthetic, or numbing medication, around or inside the suspected source of pain. If you obtain significant relief from this injection, it provides Dr. Christensen with enough information to make an accurate diagnosis.
Once Dr. Christensen is confident about the diagnosis, you may be a candidate for therapeutic injections or injections that help treat your pain. Most therapeutic spinal injections contain a corticosteroid, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. The purpose of the injection is to place a small amount of this potent anti-inflammatory medication precisely where the pain begins (joint, nerve, etc.) to provide you with pain relief.
New Patients:
As a new patient, you can expect an individualized, holistic treatment plan. Through the latest technological advancements proven effective in acute and chronic pain, Dr. Christensen and his Team offer the safest and least invasive treatment options. As a new patient, you can expect that Dr. Christensen will create and discuss with you an individualized treatment plan for YOU and your lifestyle. If you have been referred by a physician, Dr. Christensen will keep your referring physician advised of your treatment and progress. If you have been in an accident or work related injury, Dr. Christensen and his staff will use their best efforts to help you return to your prior life style and activity level.
Referring Physician:
As a referring physician, you can expect a reliable partner to work with you. Dr. Christensen will diagnose and provide therapeutic options for your patients dealing with pain. Dr. Christensen seeks to determine and treat the source of your patient’s pain, and collaborates with you to help your patient be their personal, pain-free or pain-reduced best.
Coverage:
We work with the most popular health plans, including Worker’s Compensation, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Healthchoice. Don’t see your carrier listed? Call us today to see if we accept it! We are here to answer your questions.
Goals of treatment:
Improving the patient’s function and quality of life
Developing a coordinated, individualized treatment plan
Reducing the need for addictive pain medication
Increasing activity levels of the patient with an active rehabilitation program
Providing guidance in chiropractic therapies, acupuncture, massage therapy, and psychological testing
Decreasing depression, anxiety, and irritability
Helping the patient learn to control the pain rather than be controlled by the pain
Reducing the cost of medical care by reducing hospitalizations and emergency room care.