Pain Management Specialists Offer Solutions for Chronic Pain

“Our goal in pain management is to help patients reduce their reliance on medication and increase their functionality and activity level.”

 

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. – 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.