New Treatments Offer New Hope for Pain
Pain is a big issue. Every year during our statewide “Docs on Call” programs, hundreds of patients call in with questions about chronic pain. Pittsburgh-area physician Doris K. Cope, MD, isn’t surprised.
“People are living longer and eventually, their bones wear out. That means more pain. And those who live long want to live well. They don’t want to sit around; they want to enjoy life,” Dr. Cope says.
To an aging population, advances in pain management and treatment can significantly improve their quality of life.
“We have so much more to offer now—radio-frequency treatment, nerve blocks, injections, steroids, and implantation. For example, an intrathecal pump can deliver less than one-hundredth of a standard opioid dose, but it’s going directly to the spinal pain receptors, and it’s much stronger—with fewer side effects,” Dr. Cope says.
Dr. Cope encourages people with pain to seek help.
“There are so many options these days that fall somewhere between Tylenol and surgery. It’s definitely worth a discussion with your doctor. If you’ve had pain for three months or more and it impacts your lifestyle, then it’s chronic pain. Pain affects everyone, not just the patient. Once your pain is lessened, you and everyone around you can enjoy life that much more,” Dr. Cope notes.
Last Updated: 8/20/2009