Stop the Pain and Get the Help You Need – UBNS Physician is Easing the Agony
By Annette Pinder
Pain is an enormous local and global problem. It is estimated that one in five adults suffer from some type of pain, and 10% are newly diagnosed each year. There isn’t a day that goes by when we don’t hear about pain, methods for relieving pain, and the dangers associated with addiction to pain medications.
The National Institutes of Health notes that there are many different types and causes for pain. The four largest causes are cancer, osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, operations and injuries, and spinal problems. Pain can be sharp or dull, constant, or on-and-off, burning or aching. Acute pain is the body’s way of alerting us to a sudden injury, but it usually doesn’t take very long before that kind of pain subsides.
Chronic pain is completely different – it persists – often for months or even longer. It can occur as a result of an injury or other health problems, and in different areas of the body, and it is often debilitating. Pain experienced over a long period of time wears people down, can interfere with their sleep, appetite, mental wellbeing, flexibility, strength and stamina. People who suffer from chronic pain often feel despair as they are no longer able to enjoy the life and activities to which they were accustomed.
Jafar Siddiqui, M.D., of UB Neurosurgery (UBNS), understands that when people experience relentless chronic pain they want to be helped as soon as possible, and it is a need he is anxious to address. “Since chronic pain can occur in many different parts of the body for different reasons, patients and their health professionals need to work together to identify the causes and symptoms of that pain, and how it can be relieved,” says Dr. Siddiqui. He adds, “UBNS has the technology to help us diagnose the pain so that we can develop the best course of treatment that is tailored to each person. Our goal is to reduce pain and improve function, so that they can get back to living and enjoying their daily activities.”
“While there is usually no cure for chronic pain, there are effective interventional pain management techniques,” says Dr. Siddiqui. With fluoroscopic guidance, he treats and diagnoses spinal conditions using epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation, nerve blocks, epidural blood patches, spinal cord stimulation, sacroiliac joint injections, trigger point injections and Botox injections. He does prescribe medication, when necessary, noting that “medication is a privilege.” Some of his patients also find relief in alternative therapies such as tai chi, acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, meditation, and massage.
“Above all,” says Dr. Siddiqui, “It is important for those experiencing chronic pain to become invested in managing their own treatment, and communicating with their health care provider because there is help and there is hope.”
WNY Resource:
Jafar Siddiqui, M.D. practices physical medicine and rehabilitation at UB Neurosurgery. He is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pain Medicine, and received Compassionate Doctor Recognition. Dr. Siddiqui sees patients at 180 Park Club Lane in Williamsville and at 5959 Big Tree Road office in Orchard Park. To make an appointment call 716-218-1050.
