Pain Management Specialists Offer Solutions for Chronic Pain
September is Pain Awareness Month
9/9/2024
Kris Ferguson, MD, Board-Certified Pain Management Specialist, Aspirus Health
Chronic pain can be
devastating, interfering with a person’s ability to work, perform daily
activities, and simply enjoy life. It can also lead to mental health
challenges, such as depression and anxiety. During Chronic Pain Awareness
Month, Aspirus Health offers hope to the one
in five American adults suffering from chronic pain.
Pain management
specialists can often help, as explained by Kris
Ferguson, MD, a board-certified pain management specialist with Aspirus Health
who cares for patients in Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point and Antigo.
“Our goal in pain
management is to help patients reduce their reliance on medication and increase
their functionality and activity level,” says Dr. Ferguson. “We achieve this
through targeted procedures that address the source of the pain.”
Common conditions
treated by pain management specialists include chronic neck pain, back pain,
knee pain, and pain following surgeries such as knee or back operations. Dr.
Ferguson elaborates, “For instance, if a patient suffers from chronic back or
neck pain, and conservative treatments like physical therapy have proven
ineffective, we can perform injections that target and neutralize the
pain-causing nerves.”
“Even after a
perfectly executed knee surgery, some patients may experience persistent knee
pain,” Dr. Ferguson adds. “In such cases, a knee ablation procedure can be
highly effective. This technique involves temporarily numbing the nerves around
the knee, providing significant relief for up to a year.”
Another innovative
approach is the use of spinal cord stimulators, which send electrical currents
to calm overactive nerves, enabling patients to engage in daily activities with
reduced pain and less reliance on medication.
Dr. Ferguson
emphasizes that pain management is not solely about medication.
“While we do
prescribe medications when necessary, our primary focus is on helping patients
achieve greater functionality and independence through interventional
techniques and collaborative care with other specialists.”
Patients who have
been struggling with persistent pain are encouraged to consult with a
board-certified pain management specialist.
“Board certification
ensures that the specialist has undergone rigorous training to accurately
assess and treat your pain, offering a range of treatment options tailored to
your needs,” Dr. Ferguson advises. “If your pain is not being adequately
addressed, I highly recommend seeking a consultation with a board-certified
pain management physician.”
For those living
with unresolved pain, the team at Aspirus Health offers expert care and
support. To learn more about the pain management services available with
Aspirus Health, visit aspirus.org/pain-management.
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