By Dr. Harpreet Dhiman

Pain is a significant global problem because it affects so many people worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five adults suffers from some form of pain, and 10% are newly diagnosed each year. Chronic pain, which can persist for months or longer, is particularly debilitating. It interferes with sleep, appetite, mental well-being, and physical capabilities such as flexibility, strength, and stamina. Chronic pain can lead to despair and significantly diminish one’s ability to enjoy life and engage in daily activities. In 2021, 20.9% of U.S. adults (51.6 million) experienced chronic pain, highlighting its pervasive impact on society.

There are various types of pain, including acute pain, which typically subsides quickly; chronic pain, which can last for months or longer; sharp pain; dull pain; constant pain; intermittent pain; burning pain; and aching pain. Common causes of acute pain include sudden injuries, operations, and certain health conditions, and typically subside quickly once the underlying issue is addressed.

Common causes of chronic pain can include long-term illnesses such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and nerve damage. It can also result from injuries that have not healed properly, leading to ongoing discomfort. In some cases, chronic pain can be a consequence of surgeries or other medical treatments. Additionally, conditions like migraines and back pain are well-known contributors to chronic pain. This type of pain often requires a multifaceted approach to manage it effectively.

Fortunately, there are several interventional pain management techniques that can be employed to alleviate chronic pain. They include epidural steroid injections; facet joint injections/medial branch blocks; radiofrequency ablation procedures/rhizotomy and neurolysis; discograms; IDET (Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy); stellate ganglion and ganglion impar blocks; epidural blood patch; spinal cord stimulation; sacroiliac joint injections; trigger point injections; and neurotoxin injections (Botox). These interventions, guided by fluoroscopy, aim to reduce a patient’s pain and improve their function, enabling their return to the daily activities to which they are accustomed, and their ability to enjoy life.

Dr. Harpreet Dhiman is an Interventional Pain Management Physician with extensive experience in acute and chronic pain management. Some of the most common conditions she treats are back, neck, head, muscle, joint, lower extremity, nerve, and foot pain, as well as pain due to sports injuries and motor vehicle accidents. Dr. Dhiman is board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management, and the founder of Buffalo Interventional Pain Management, where she offers comprehensive pain management solutions that combine cutting-edge medical advancements with a holistic approach to care. Patients can be seen now at 550 Orchard Park Road in West Seneca, and her new office in Lockport is opening in July. Dr. Dhiman accepts most insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid. Learn more at https://buffaloniagarapain.com or call 716-203-1110.