If you are experiencing chronic neurological pain that has reduced your level of functioning, and are seeking intervention from a qualified specialist, the Pain Management Program at Ellenville Regional Hospital (ERH) offers highly skilled evaluation and treatment by Yinggang Zheng, MD. Dr. Zheng is a Board Certified & Fellowship Trained physician who specializes in interventional pain management and minimally invasive spine procedures. Dr. Zheng sees patients onsite at the ERH Specialty Services Department and emphasizes a forward-thinking philosophy of pain management treatments based on the whole person.

Interventional pain management services can help. The Pain Management Program at ERH combines eastern and western treatments to offer a holistic approach to treating pain that does not rely solely on medications to alleviate, improve or cure symptoms. Following proper diagnosis, our program emphasizes injections, procedures and complementary physical therapy.

For convenience, you can participate in Physical Therapy sessions and have new MRI studies done right here, on site. We work with people of all ages, and tailor treatments to your individual needs and physical condition. Your caregivers and family members are welcome to attend sessions, as they may play a vital role in helping you to practice skills at home.

The services provided by the Pain Management Program at ERH include evaluation and treatment of neurological conditions such as the following:

• Chronic neck and low back pain
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSD)
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Tailbone pain (Coccoxdynia)
• Pain R/T Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Spinal Stenosis
• Failed spine injury, failed spinal injections and failed back syndrome
• Chronic headache/migraine with normal imaging of the brain
• Facet joint arthritis
• Lumbar spine pain with vertebral slippage
• Sciatica with radiculopathy
• Joint pain (shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, foot, plantar fasciitis)

Patients may be seen on a walk-in or referral basis, and the first step in diagnosing a problem is a physical examination and a comprehensive medical history. Your examination will include a discussion with Dr. Zheng about your pain, and further testing – such as MRI, x-rays, CT Scans – will be done as needed.

Our innovative Pain Management Program relies on non-pharmacologic approaches that bridge the gap between traditional pain management and surgery. This approach does not rely on medication-focused treatment – ranging from oral and over-the-counter medications to prescription and opioid drugs. Treatment frequently combines nerve blocking injections and procedures with physical therapy for maximum effectiveness and relief.

Inpatient and outpatient treatments and services may include:

• Topical ointments, creams, patches
• Injections into and around the spinal region, including epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, lumbar sympathetic blocks, celiac plexus blocks and stellate ganglion blocks

Referrals to the ERH Physical Therapy Department will be made, as needed, within the context of the program’s emphasis on looking at the whole person.

Yes, we encourage referrals from medical professionals, caregivers and others.

If you need additional medical services (such as a prescription for medications or referrals for physical therapy), we will work with your provider or refer you to our staff professionals.

Medicare and most major health insurers will pay for part of your Pain Management services. If you cannot afford to pay, you may be eligible for our financial assistance program. Most insurances are accepted.

Our program is licensed and certified by New York State. The following websites offer additional information about pain and pain management:

• American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
• American Chronic Pain Association
• American Pain Society

If you would like to schedule an appointment with  Dr. Zheng, please call 845-647-6400 ext. 314.