He’s all about the blend of medical innovation, evidence-based medicine, and compassion to meet each patient’s individual goals when it comes to creating medical methods to relieve a person’s pain, and that’s exactly what Dr. Suresh Srinivasan will discuss this afternoon on River Talk 100.1 FM.
According to his biography on Trinity Health System’s website, “Dr. Srinivasan and his team cares for his patients as if they were his own family members, spends time with them to allow for a thorough evaluation and tailors the treatment plans that fit the unique needs of the patients. His goal is not only to reduce pain but restore functionality and help his patients to achieve their treatment goals. Dr. Srinivasan strongly believes patient’s motivation and commitment in managing their pain in partnership with clinician is the integral part of treatment success.”
He’s trained in general surgery and anesthesiology, and he enjoys being on the local River Talk airwaves to discuss healthcare topics that are important to the people here in the Upper Ohio Valley. This afternoon, Dr. Srinivasan will explain Pain Awareness Month as well as touch upon several related topics.
To help prepare local listeners, Dr. Srinivasan offers the following information.
Understanding Pain Awareness Month: A Time for Education and Advocacy
Every September, Pain Awareness Month is observed to bring attention to the millions of people who suffer from chronic pain and to promote better understanding of pain management strategies. Chronic pain affects more than 50 million Americans, according to the CDC, and approximately 17 million adults live with pain that frequently limits their life or work activities. Pain is the number one reason people go to the hospital, making it a major public health issue. By raising awareness, this month serves as a reminder that pain management and treatment are essential aspects of healthcare that require continued research, education, and advocacy.
The Prevalence and Impact of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three months and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, and neuropathy are just a few examples of what millions of people endure daily. Pain is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States, and it is estimated that 14 million people are unable to work due to chronic pain. The economic burden is staggering, with chronic pain costing an estimated $635 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity. The physical toll is often accompanied by emotional and psychological distress, as chronic pain frequently leads to depression, anxiety, and isolation. Many patients also face challenges accessing effective pain management, which only exacerbates their suffering.
Pain Management Strategies: Moving Beyond Opioids
For many years, opioids were commonly prescribed to manage chronic pain. However, the opioid epidemic has highlighted the dangers of long-term opioid use, including addiction and overdose. Pain Awareness Month encourages the exploration and implementation of alternative pain management strategies that are safer and more effective in the long term. These may include physical therapy, psychological counseling, non-opioid medications, and cutting-edge interventional techniques like neuromodulation, spinal cord stimulation, and minimally invasive spine procedures. At Trinity Health System, Dr. Srinivasan, an expert in neuromodulation, and his team offer these advanced procedures to treat chronic pain, providing patients with the most up-to-date options to manage their conditions effectively.
The Role of Neuromodulation in Pain Management
Neuromodulation techniques, such as spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, and peripheral nerve stimulation, have revolutionized the way chronic pain is treated. These therapies work by modulating the nervous system’s response to pain signals, providing significant relief for patients who have not responded to conventional treatments. In the Ohio Valley, where opioid addiction and chronic pain are significant issues, these advanced techniques have offered a transformative solution. By reducing reliance on opioids, neuromodulation provides chronic pain sufferers with relief while minimizing the risks associated with long-term medication use. Pain Awareness Month is an opportunity to promote awareness of these advanced therapies and their potential to improve patients’ quality of life.
Advocating for Improved Access and Education
Despite the advancements in pain management, many patients still struggle to access the care they need. Insurance coverage, availability of specialists, and geographic barriers often limit patients’ ability to receive effective treatment. Pain Awareness Month underscores the importance of advocating for improved access to comprehensive pain care. Healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers must work together to ensure that pain management strategies are accessible, affordable, and evidence-based. Additionally, ongoing education for both healthcare providers and patients is crucial in fostering a better understanding of pain and its treatment options.
Conclusion: The Importance of Pain Awareness
Pain Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of addressing chronic pain as a significant public health issue. By promoting education, advancing pain management techniques, and advocating for better access to care, we can improve the lives of those living with chronic pain. September is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come in pain management and to recognize the ongoing need for research, advocacy, and innovation to help millions find relief from their suffering.
