Midwest Anesthesia & Pain Specialists

Midwest Anesthesia & Pain Specialists The largest and most innovative interventional pain management practice in the Chicago area.
(1)

Midwest Anesthesia and Pain Specialists (MAPS) is a Chicago based medical practice specializing in the fields of both anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine. Founders Darrel Saldanha MD, Thomas Pontinen MD, and Andrei Rakic MD are all double board certified in the fields of both anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine. Now with seven locations, MAPS is the largest and most innovative interventional pain practice in the Chicagoland area.

What does chronic pain really feel like, and how does it affect more than just your body?Pain Awareness Month is a time ...
09/03/2025

What does chronic pain really feel like, and how does it affect more than just your body?

Pain Awareness Month is a time to recognize the full impact of chronic pain, both physical and emotional.

Chronic pain can affect every part of life, from sleep and focus to relationships and mental health. While medical treatments like medication or physical therapy are important, they are only part of the solution. Support for your emotional and psychological well-being is just as essential.

Here are a few ways to manage chronic pain more effectively:

✔️ Find healthy ways to manage stress
✔️ Focus on progress, not just pain
✔️ Stay engaged with meaningful activities
✔️ Build a strong support system
✔️ Talk to a specialist if pain feels overwhelming

You do not have to manage chronic pain alone. Our team is here to help you find long-term relief and regain control of your life.

Learn more or schedule a consultation today: https://www.mwpain.com

Happy Labor Day to all the hardworking individuals who keep our communities strong and moving forward.This long weekend,...
09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day to all the hardworking individuals who keep our communities strong and moving forward.

This long weekend, take a moment to rest, recharge, and prioritize your well-being.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!

Is the source of Your Hip Pain Actually Coming from Your Back?Hip pain can limit mobility, affect your daily life, and e...
08/31/2025

Is the source of Your Hip Pain Actually Coming from Your Back?

Hip pain can limit mobility, affect your daily life, and even impact your mental health. At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we help identify if your hip pain is actually referred from the spine.

Key signs it might be back-related:

• Radiating pain spreading from your lower back to your hip
• Numbness or tingling in the hip, buttocks, or pelvis
• Limited mobility affecting walking, bending, or sitting

Common causes include lumbar disc issues, nerve impingement, and spinal misalignment. Treatments at MAPS include:

• Nerve blocks
• Steroid injections
• Physical therapy

Don’t let hip pain hold you back. Learn more about identifying and treating back-related hip pain at MAPS: https://www.mwpain.com/is-your-hip-pain-coming-from-your-back

Living with knee pain doesn’t have to mean giving up an active lifestyle; It means choosing smarter ways to moveAt MAPS ...
08/30/2025

Living with knee pain doesn’t have to mean giving up an active lifestyle; It means choosing smarter ways to move

At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we help patients stay active while managing chronic knee pain with strategies that support both relief and long-term joint health.

✅ Focus on strengthening the muscles around the knee to improve stability and reduce strain.

✅ Choose low-impact cardio like swimming or cycling.

✅ Use supportive gear such as braces, sleeves, or walking poles.

✅ Warm up before activity and cool down with stretches to minimize stiffness.

✅ Wear quality footwear to maintain proper alignment.

✅ Modify activities as needed; staying active doesn't have to mean pushing through pain.

Need a plan that works for your specific pain? Our team specializes in personalized, non-surgical knee pain treatments that help you move better and live well. Schedule a consultation today.
https://www.mwpain.com/knee-pain/

Neuropathy pain doesn’t have to control your life.When meds and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, neuromodulation offers ...
08/30/2025

Neuropathy pain doesn’t have to control your life.

When meds and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, neuromodulation offers a minimally invasive way to calm overactive nerves and restore mobility.

✅ Relief for diabetic, chemo-related, post-surgical & traumatic neuropathy

✅ 60–70% of patients report reduced pain & better quality of life

✅ Trial stimulation ensures treatment works before implantation

At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, our team helps determine if neuromodulation is the right path for long-term relief.

Learn more about this innovative treatment for neuropathy and schedule your consultation today: https://www.mwpain.com/what-is-neuromodulation-and-can-it-help-treat-neuropathy/

Chronic back pain can make everyday activities like walking, standing, or climbing stairs a challenge. At MAPS Centers f...
08/29/2025

Chronic back pain can make everyday activities like walking, standing, or climbing stairs a challenge. At MAPS Centers for Pain Control in Chicago, epidural and sacroiliac (SI) joint injections offer targeted relief to help you get back to your life.

Here’s how these injections work and who might benefit:

• Epidural injections: Deliver medication to the epidural space to reduce nerve root inflammation and relieve pain from sciatica, spinal stenosis, or herniated disks

• SI joint injections: Target the sacroiliac joints to ease pain in the lower back, hips, and buttocks caused by arthritis, sacroiliitis, or injury

• Both treatments: Combine anesthetics for immediate relief and steroids to reduce inflammation over time
If chronic back pain is holding you back, find out which injection could be right for you and what to expect during the procedure.

Read our full blog to learn more about which back pain treatment is right for you: https://www.mwpain.com/epidural-vs-sacroiliac-joint-injections-which-back-pain-treatment-is-right-for-you-in-chicago/

Knee pain going upstairs? It’s not just an inconvenience; it could be your body’s way of warning you about joint health ...
08/29/2025

Knee pain going upstairs? It’s not just an inconvenience; it could be your body’s way of warning you about joint health and long-term mobility.

How stairs affect your knee pain:

• They put extra stress on the knee joint
• Cartilage, tendons, and muscles all work harder
• Pain going up stairs can reveal arthritis, meniscus tears, or alignment issues

Key signs to watch for:

• Pain lasting more than a few days
• Buckling, catching, or locking
• Stiffness or swelling after activity

At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we focus on restoring movement and protecting mobility for the long run with personalized, minimally invasive treatments.

Read our full blog to learn more about what your knee pain might be telling you and how to protect your joints for the long term: https://www.mwpain.com/knee-pain-going-upstairs-what-it-might-be-telling-you/

If you’re dealing with hand or wrist pain, try these simple exercises to reduce pain and improve mobility: 1. Wrist Flex...
08/28/2025

If you’re dealing with hand or wrist pain, try these simple exercises to reduce pain and improve mobility:

1. Wrist Flexor Stretch
Extend one arm forward, palm up. With the other hand, gently pull your fingers down and back. Hold 15–30 seconds.

2. Tendon Glides
Start with your hand open. Move through a hook fist, full fist, and straight fist—pausing briefly at each. Repeat 5–10 times.

3. Grip Strengthener
Squeeze a soft stress ball or therapy putty for 3–5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10–15 times to strengthen muscles.

4. Thumb Stretch
Hold your hand out, palm up. Gently pull your thumb back with the opposite hand. Hold for 15–20 seconds.

5. Prayer Stretch
Place palms together in front of your chest. Slowly lower hands while keeping palms pressed. Hold for 15–30 seconds.

For Better Results, try:
• Warming hands with a heating pad or warm water before stretching.
• Complete exercises 1–2 times per day.
• If pain increases, stop and consult a provider.

Need more support for chronic hand or wrist pain? Our team offers personalized, non-surgical treatment options that fit your needs.

Learn more about our hand, wrist, and elbow pain treatments here: https://www.mwpain.com/hand-elbow-pain-treatments/

“They really care and watch out for you and help as much as they can” - Connie W. Thank you, Connie, for the kind words....
08/20/2025

“They really care and watch out for you and help as much as they can” - Connie W.

Thank you, Connie, for the kind words. Our #1 priority is our patients and ensuring our team always provides compassionate and excellent care.

Can a back brace help relieve your back pain? When movement feels difficult or painful, a back brace can provide essenti...
08/18/2025

Can a back brace help relieve your back pain?

When movement feels difficult or painful, a back brace can provide essential support to help you heal safely and return to your daily activities with greater comfort.

As structural support for the spine, a back brace can help:

✅ Reduce strain on your spine
✅ Improve alignment and posture
✅ Limit movements that aggravate pain
✅ Decrease inflammation and promote healing

At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we often use bracing as part of a personalized treatment plan to rehabilitate and strengthen muscles, restore balance, and support long-term recovery. By combining bracing with other non-surgical treatments, we help patients find both immediate relief and lasting results.

Want to learn more about your options for back pain relief? Visit: https://www.mwpain.com/back-pain/

Highlighting Adarsh Shukla, MD, LCP-C Dr. Shukla is a board-certified pain management specialist bringing expert, compas...
08/14/2025

Highlighting Adarsh Shukla, MD, LCP-C

Dr. Shukla is a board-certified pain management specialist bringing expert, compassionate care to all MAPS locations, including our St. John, IN clinic.

Trained at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where he served as chief fellow, Dr. Shukla offers advanced expertise in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and electrodiagnostic testing. He specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders using a personalized, non-surgical approach.

What sets Dr. Shukla apart is his commitment to building strong patient relationships and delivering care that is thorough, personal, and effective.

Outside the clinic, you might find him enjoying a live concert or taking a walk with his dog, Zoey.

📍 Looking for expert pain relief? Dr. Shukla is accepting patients at MAPS locations, including St. John, IN.
https://tinyurl.com/43mz4ayy

Are you experiencing chronic inflammation? Over time, ongoing inflammation can impact your joints, tissues, immune syste...
08/12/2025

Are you experiencing chronic inflammation?

Over time, ongoing inflammation can impact your joints, tissues, immune system, and overall quality of life.

Common signs often include:
● Joint pain
● Fatigue
● Digestive issues
● Recurring skin conditions.

Prevention starts with incorporating simple, daily habits like:
● Regular movement
● Prioritizing sleep
● Time in the sun
● Including anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, cinnamon, and ghee.

To support long-term relief:
● Limit processed foods
● Strengthen gut health
● Reduce stress through mindfulness and gentle movement.

If inflammation-related pain becomes difficult to manage on your own, our minimally invasive treatments can help target the source and pave the way to feeling like your best self again.

Learn more about how our team can help you today! https://www.mwpain.com/joint-pain/

Address

9680 Golf Road
Des Plaines, IL
60016

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Midwest Anesthesia & Pain Specialists posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Midwest Anesthesia & Pain Specialists:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category