Individuals that are experiencing more advanced cases of chronic illness may benefit from palliative care, which is a form of multidisciplinary medical treatment that strives to improve the quality of life for the patient.

At Arkansas Spine and Pain, our specially-trained team of doctors will work with other healthcare professionals to provide additional support to our patients experiencing serious illnesses. Palliative care can apply to anyone regardless of age and stage of illness and provides the patient with the necessary pain and symptom management.

the primary goal of palliative medicine is to work with the patient and his/her family in improving the quality of life for the individual while developing greater personal control over the chronic illness. this is done through a careful assessment of the condition and the development of methods to help alleviate the suffering. Palliative care is done in conjunction with the patient’s ongoing treatment for the illness.

Amongst the many health symptoms that are addressed by palliative medicine are loss of appetite, nausea, depression, fatigue, constipation, shortness of breath, and pain. The symptoms may not always be the result of a specific disease as they can also be brought on by the medications used to treat a specific illness. Palliative medicine is applicable at any stage which can be from the moment you receive the diagnosis and commence treatment. In fact, palliative medicine works best the earlier that it is applied.

Health professionals will work with the patient and his/her family in developing a strategy that will include the development of a strategy regarding the form of care and various treatment options available and forms of support to be provided. Through palliative care, patients can better understand their conditions, gather the necessary strength to continue with their daily living functions and withstand treatments.