Long-time LMH patient, 84 year old Richard Hughes, said his treatment at the Licking Memorial Hospital Pain Clinic has been life changing. Through recommendations from his orthopedic physician and family practice physician, Richard has received two epidural procedures from the Clinic. An epidural is a regional anesthesia that blocks pain in a particular region of the body. The goal is to provide pain relief rather than anesthesia, which leads to a total lack of feeling. Richard received his epidurals to combat his lower back pain after a discussion with Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) Pain Clinic physician Deborah Coates, D.O., FAOCA.

“Before my treatment at the Pain Clinic, I had pain extending from my lower back all the way down past my knee,” Richard said. “I could barely walk, and the pain was so immense I was often in tears. My orthopedic surgeon recommended that I visit the Pain Clinic. After my consultation with Dr. Coates, I had the epidural and the next day my pain was gone.”

After Richard’s first treatment at the Clinic, his pain was significantly less but he was still dependent on his walker. Dr. Coates recommended a second epidural procedure. Months after his first visit, Richard received a second treatment at the Clinic and within 24 hours of treatment he was able to walk with just a cane. He has been attending physical therapy sessions at LMH in order to improve his mobility as well.

“The reason I use the cane is only for balance, but Dr. Coates recommended that I visit the LMH Physical Therapy Department to improve my balance and strength, so hopefully I’ll soon be walking without it,” Richard said. He has attended half of his approved physical therapy visits and said he feels good. “The treatment and therapy rehabilitation has improved my quality of life,” he said. “I can’t express what my life would be like without it.”

Can You Benefit From the Pain Clinic?
The Pain Clinic treats a myriad of ailments each day, providing care for approximately 140 patients each week. The Clinic is equipped to provide treatment for conditions such as: