It’s estimated that four out of five people in the U.S. will suffer from back pain at least once during their lives, and many aren’t able to find long-lasting relief.
John B. Dooley, M.D. - Mississippi Valley Surgery Center
“We see patients completely frustrated about treating back and neck pain. They ask: Why can a diagnosis not be established? Why have therapies not worked? Why am I bouncing from office to office? Why can’t I get pain medicine?” says Dr. John Dooley, a Mississippi Valley Pain Clinic physician, based in Davenport.
“Here at the Mississippi Valley Pain Clinic, we promise to deal with these issues for each patient in a satisfactory way. We are not all knowing, but we strive to be all-caring.”
Just ask 38-year old East Moline mother and home school teacher Cheryl Hanger. “I learned it’s very difficult to home school and parent three children from the couch,” laughs Cheryl. “I would encourage anyone going through this type of pain and suffering as I’ve endured, to know there is help and hope of getting better.”
Cheryl suffered from two ruptured and torn disks in her lower spine. She couldn’t walk, sit or stand and endured pain shooting down both her legs. Her husband, Greg, was doing all the shopping and cooking, and her three young children (all under the age of 10) stepped up to do laundry and house work. She made countless doctor visits, underwent MRIs and CT scans and had several different injections and epidurals – all only providing temporary relief.
“Spinal pain comes in many forms – from lower back pain, middle back pain, or upper back pain to low back pain with sciatica,” says Dr. Dooley. “Common pain is caused by nerve and muscular problems, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis. In Cheryl’s case, surgery was not an option for her, so we were able to bring her pain level down to a manageable level. I performed an epidural (an injection into her spine) and used an X-ray, so that I could pinpoint the exact spot causing her pain.
“My philosophy at the Pain Clinic is that we thoroughly evaluate all of our patient’s medical history and past treatments, then begin conservatively and try pain relief therapies with the least invasive options,” says Dr. Dooley. “The Pain Clinic offers a full spectrum of services and a multi-disciplinary approach for pain suffers — from evaluation to psychological support, proven pain relief therapies and medication management. If surgery is needed, we work with the patient’s doctor for the best possible outcome.”
Cheryl Hanger, East Moline, says she was able to get her life back after receiving treatment from Mississippi Valley Pain Clinic
“The injections really helped,” adds Cheryl. “Dr. Dooley’s injection got me over the hump, so I was then able to start physical therapy and tolerate exercise, all of which have been big contributors in making me stronger. It’s really taken a team approach both at home and with my physicians, but eight months later, we just returned from a six-day trip to Disney World with the kids. I thank God for my family and my doctors, because every day, I’m improving and slowly getting my life back.”
Still have questions, our online patient advocate can chat with you over the phone or over the Internet to answer questions you may have or give you a free referral to see a healthcare professional at Mississippi Valley Pain Clinic.
You might also be interested in these stories on MVHNews:
- Back and neck pain treatment options – Mississippi Valley Pain Clinic provides a variety of therapies for people suffering from neck and back pain. Learn more about your options for re-gaining a pain-free life.
- A precise approach to treating pain – Meet an East Moline mother who battled low back pain that kept her on the couch for months. She says her husband, kids and Mississippi Valley Pain Clinic helped get her life back.
- The ABC’s of low back pain – Yard work, spring chores and poor habits can conspire to make your back ache. Dr. Misty Stick of the Palmer Chiropractic Clinic shares the basics of how you can prevent lower back pain.
- Five ways to get back pain relief – The healthcare professionals at Mississippi Valley Pain Clinic provide five simple tips on how to alleviate back pain.
