Across the United States, it is estimated that 60% of people suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases, which include conditions like arthritis, Dupuytren's contracture, or tendinitis. Pain is one symptom of chronic inflammatory disease; and for some people, this chronic pain can be debilitating and disrupt their quality of life.

 

Anti-inflammatory medications can help ease pain related to chronic inflammation. However, not everyone can take these medications regularly, including those with gastrointestinal bleeding or kidney disease, or who take other medications with potentially dangerous pharmacological interactions with pain medication. Surgery can also help with more extreme cases of chronic pain, but there have been few solutions for people who do not want or need surgery but still need to manage their pain.

 

Thankfully, Keck Medicine of USC is now offering a non-surgical treatment option in Newport Beach that may help alleviate chronic inflammatory pain and improve functionality with very minimal, if any, side effects.

 

Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) for chronic inflammation uses extremely low doses of radiation to slow or even stop the progression of inflammation, targeting the root cause of pain rather than just masking its symptoms. Patients who undergo LDRT often experience reduced pain, increased range of motion, better functionality and reduced stiffness, enabling them to regain their quality of life.

 

If a patient is determined to be a good candidate after initial consultation with a Keck Medicine radiation physician, a CT scan is performed for radiation mapping. The treatment involves six, 20-minute sessions every other day.

 

LDRT has been available in Europe for many years where studies have confirmed its efficacy and is now gaining traction in the United States. The treatment is intended for individuals age 50 or older who struggle to manage chronic pain due to a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, tendinopathy, or other inflammatory disease.

 

To make a consultation appointment or learn more, call (949) 776-0834 or visit www.keckmedicine.org/ocrad.