Chronic Pain Research
Our research department pushes our clinics to the forefront of a rapidly advancing field by adhering to the high standards and vigor of the scientific method. We are continually studying and identifying new and better treatment options for our patients’ pain. We not only employ the latest clinically-proven pain management techniques, but also actively define the discipline’s future. Through research and publication, our physicians not only benefit from these research studies, but also share their knowledge in major medical journals. Those journals often aid in medical advancement, and are consistently used for the benefit of other physicians and specialists.
APS Research Department Mission Statement:
We are the world leaders in developing the pain treatments of the future. We conduct next generation clinical trials and engage in research that has the potential to produce dramatic improvements in patient outcomes.
APS Research Core values:
Innovative. Leading. Life-changing. We are working to identify treatments that not only more effectively reduce pain, but also improve functioning so that patients can lead active and healthy lives. We place the highest value on ensuring that our research studies are both moral and ethical.
Current Studies and Trials Include:
Bioness® StimRouterTM Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Study
Arizona Pain Specialists is investigating new type of peripheral nerve stimulator for the treatment of peripheral neuralgia. This device consists of a small lead implanted under the skin as well as an external pulse transmitter and battery, which are attached to the skin.
The Bioness® StimRouterTM relies on the same principle as a spinal cord stimulator. Spinal cord stimulators are used for individuals experiencing pain from multiple nerves, as the spine is a central route for pain. The StimRouterTM is designed for individuals experiencing pain originating in a single nerve of the arms, legs, or trunk.
Pfizer Arthritis Medication Study
Arizona Pain Specialists is part of a large clinical trial comparing three arthritis medications: celecoxib (Celebrex®), naproxen (e.g., Aleve®), and ibuprofen (e.g., Advil ®). Patients suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis who are also at high risk of heart disease will take one of these medications for four years as heart and digestive problems are recorded.
Individuals who qualify for this study will be randomly assigned to receive one of three widely used arthritis medications celecoxib (Celebrex®), naproxen (e.g., Aleve®), and ibuprofen (e.g., Advil ®) for four years as their heart and digestive health is monitored in periodic clinic visits.
Mesoblast Stem Cell Disc Repair Study
Arizona Pain Specialists is one of a few select sites in the USA participating in a novel investigational stem cell study using adult stem cells for chronic back pain.
Degenerative discs are often the source of chronic back pain. Currently, the only option for people with degenerative discs who are unresponsive to conventional therapies is major surgery. This FDA-cleared study may offer an alternative to surgery. In a simple procedure, patients enrolled in this trial will have a single injection of either an adult stem cell product or placebo administered into the discs within their spine, and will be monitored for safety and efficacy for the reduction of chronic back pain.
We are not enrolling new candidates at this time Read More
Arizona Pain Specialists is conducting a research study of an investigational pain patch for treatment of acute shoulder pain that began within the last 1-6 days.
The study lasts for two weeks and requires three visits to our clinic. If you meet eligibility criteria and are enrolled in the study all study-related costs will be provided free of charge and you will be compensated for time and travel.
We are not enrolling new candidates at this time Read More
Published Studies and articles include:
Global Pain Scale
The Global Pain Scale is a brief but thorough screening tool for physicians to use when evaluating the basic functioning levels of their patients. This scale can be continually used to monitor changes in patients’ acute and chronic pain over time. A one page, simple evaluation, the Global Pain Scale will assess not only the physical aspect of pain, but will give physicians information regarding the effects pain has on their patients in four specific categories, including: a numeric rating scale, emotional well-being, clinical outcomes, and activities of daily living. – By Douglas A. Gentile, PhD, Jonathan Woodhouse, Psy. Paul Lynch, MD, Julia Maier, MS, and Tory McJunkin, MD. Download at Paindoctor.com
Percutaneous Vertebroplasty:
An extensive explanation article on the cause of a vertebro compression fractures and the effective intervention treatment for vertebral compression fractures. This article also included helpful information on preventing compression fractures in osteoporosis patients. – By Paul J. Lynch, M.D., Nicole Berardoni, M.D.
Neurostimulation for Pain
A in-depth explanation of neurostimulation such as spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation for treating chronic pain, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and ilionguinal pain. Published article also includes two case studies involving neurostimulation- By Tory L. McJunkin, M.D., Paul J. Lynch, M.D., Nicole Berardoni, M.D.
Post-Thoracotomy Syndrome With Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation
A Case study involving a 61-year-old female with a long-standing history of post-laminectomy syndrome and more recent onset of post-thoracotomy syndrome. The patient sustained a fall three years prior, which resulted in multiple rib and vertebral fractures requiring her initial lumbothoracic surgeries. One year following, the patient developed a spontaneous vertebral compression fracture with cord compression, lower extremity weakness, and severe pain requiring a thoracic corpectomy and revision of her previous fusion. – By Tory L. McJunkin, M.D., Nicole Berardoni, M.D., Paul J. Lynch, M.D., and Jacob Amrani, M.D.
RFA eases pain for many sufferers
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive pain therapy that has proved successful in reducing and/or eliminating pain for many patients with back, neck, muscle and even chronic headaches. Located on azcentral.com
