Pain: A Common Complaint
Pain has an incredible impact on lifestyle and quality of life. Pain is one of the most common complaints that brings patients to their doctors. Approximately 30-50% of Americans have neck pain or headaches yearly, and millions visit the emergency room seeking treatment. Lower back pain affects over 80% of Americans at some point in their lives and is associated with a significant amount of lost time, productivity, and income. In the United States alone, the total cost of low back pain is over $100 billion yearly [1]. In addition, chronic pain can affect those who have suffered from cancer, nerve injuries, diabetes, rheumatologic disorders, coronary artery disease, and many others.
Pain and spine specialists focus on the treatment of all types of pain disorders. They offer a range of services including interventions such as spinal, joint, and nerve injections; diagnostic procedures; kyphoplasty; and referrals for biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, and physical therapy. Interventions may also include the newest neuromodulatory techniques such as spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation.
Granger Pain and Spine specialists have a strong focus on spine disorders, compression fractures, neck pain, and back pain (including sciatica and failed back surgery syndrome). The clinic also treats many other pain disorders: joint pain from arthritis, headaches, shingles, nerve injuries, neuropathies, and more. All visits and procedures are done in an office-based setting, which is a more economical option for most patients as hospital-based co-pays and facility fees can be avoided.
Pain is under-recognized and under-treated by many physicians, despite the integral role it can play in one’s life and happiness. Pain medicine is an evolving specialty, and the practice is drastically changing as new evidence and research become available. Fortunately, specialists are always looking for different approaches to help alleviate pain and improve function. A multidisciplinary approach to pain medicine and using the best treatments and medicine available can help alleviate pain and improve function.
Pain specialists can help individually tailor a combination of injection interventions, medications, lifestyle changes, and even a mind-body approach. In the end, pain should not characterize the person as a whole. The proper medical provider can help give patients the tools to regain control of their lives.
[1] Katz JN. Lumbar disc disorders and low back pain: socioeconomic factors and consequences. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006; 88 Suppl 2: 21.
Dr. Craig W. Davis and Dr. Ashleigh Byrne are both double board certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine. Both completed interventional pain management fellowship training through Harvard Medical School and practice at Granger Pain & Spine located in West Jordan, Utah. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 801.569.5520.
Originally printed in Granger Medical Clinic’s magazine, Spring 2014.