Fast access to pain management at BMI The Highfield Hospital, Rochdale

People suffer from many varied types of pain

Pain is very personal and subjective with no two people experiencing it in the same way. It can be a very unpleasant experience, especially if it continues for a long time as it can begin to affect all aspects of life, including ability to work, personal relationships with family and friends, sleep and activity levels.

When wanting freedom from acute or chronic pain and discomfort it is important to have access to effective treatment.

BMI The Highfield Hospital offers treatment for a broad range of conditions and specialists will advise on the most appropriate solution.

The integrated pain service focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of painful conditions. This includes musculoskeletal pain (from joints and muscles) and pain from damaged nerves. Timely treatment can prevent pain from escalating and becoming chronic and therefore reduce the need for surgical intervention.

Treatment of your pain is often further enhanced by physiotherapy and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, may be considered where appropriate.*

Types of pain

People suffer from many varied types of pain, which can fall into a number of different categories: 

• Low back pain
• Neck pain, including whiplash
• Leg pain, including sciatica
• Headaches
• Facial pain
• Nerve pain - including chronic pain after surgery, phantom pain, trigeminal neuralgia and pain after shingles 

Making an appointment is easy

An appointment can be made directly with one of the pain consultants at BMI The Highfield Hospital or via a GP referral (this may be necessary if for those hwo have private medical insurance). To book an appointment or to find out more information call: 01706 766605.

Benefits: 

• Initial consultation with a specialist pain consultant for a full assessment of your condition
• Fast access to diagnostic tests including x-ray, ultrasound and MRI (where appropriate)*
• Review of your current medication
• Personalised treatment plan
• Fast access and referral on to other specialist consultants and physiotherapists where necessary to continue your treatment and care
• Re-assessment consultation with your specialist pain consultant 

Types of treatment

Interventional procedures

The consultant may recommend a joint injection or a nerve block. These can be diagnostic (giving up to three month's benefit) or therapeutic (treating the nerve supply) providing longer-term relief.

Some injections are carried out in the outpatient clinic but most patients are treated in a dedicated pain clinic theatre as a day case procedure. The typical length of stay is two to four hours. Fasting for up to six hours may be necessary as patients will be offered sedation for certain types of procedure (the consultant will discuss this in detail before the procedure).

Medication

The pain consultant will review current medication and make suggestions to patient's GP as to the best choices for the pain condition. Not all medicines are suitable for all patients and therefore the consultant may make several suggestions to the patient's GP.

There are different pain medicines depending on the types of pain that need treating. Pain from inflamed tissues and joints may be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or medicines containing paracetamol and an opioid (strong painkiller). Pain of nerve origin, however may need different medication in order to get effective relief by desensitizing the effected nerve.

Clear pricing for your peace of mind

Following the first consultation diagnostic investigations may be needed to help the consultant understand what treatment options are best. Patients are informed of the cost of these before any investigations take place.*

If treatment is required, a written quotation is provided before going ahead. The excat cost of treatment will be known in advance, with no hidden extras, giving peace of mind for those who do not have private medical insurance.

For those with private medical insurance, the cover will need to be checked with the insurance company before confirming an appointment and may need a GP referral. Alternatively treatment can be paid for by cash, debit or credit card or the BMI Card.
The flexibility of two different payment methods is offered. Payment can be made before the procedure or spread the cost with the BMI Card**

Call today for more information or to book an appointment with a pain specialist on 01706 766605.

*Prices are confirmed after initial consultation with a consultant surgeon. **BMI Card is a credit facility offered by BMI Healthcare Limited, BMI Healthcare House, 3 Paris Garden, London, SE1 8ND. 0% interest for 12 months then 0.79% per month, representative 9.9% APR variable. Up to £20,000 available (subject to status). Monthly repayment 5% of balance or £25 whichever is greater or balance if lower than £25.