Weekend Doctor: Goals for effective pain management
By Megan Verhoff, PA-C
As a pain management provider, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact that balanced and effective pain control can have on a patient’s quality of life. Pain management centers focus on addressing acute and chronic pain through a consultative, multidisciplinary approach that empowers patients and restores their ability to engage in daily activities. Achieving this requires a combination of tailored care plans, evidence-based treatments, and a strong patient-provider relationship.
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Pain management is a team effort. We act as a consultative service, focusing on the patient’s specific pain diagnosis while maintaining communication with their primary care physician. We can assist patients without a primary care provider in establishing one. This ensures continuity of care and a holistic approach to managing their overall health.
Effective pain management requires a multi-modal approach. After a thorough diagnosis, we create tailored care plans that incorporate minimally invasive interventional procedures, medication management, and hospital-based ancillary services. Interventional procedures such as epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, selective nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablations are commonly used to target pain at its source and provide relief.
Medication management is another cornerstone of our approach. We employ strategies if needed like mono-opioid therapy, avoid combining benzodiazepines and opioids, and use adjunctive medications to enhance treatment outcomes while minimizing risks. By carefully balancing these elements, we can achieve significant improvements in pain control without compromising patient safety.
Pain rarely exists in isolation; it often impacts other aspects of a patient’s health and well-being. That’s why we leverage the hospital’s ancillary services to provide comprehensive care. Behavioral health support helps patients cope with the emotional toll of chronic pain, while physical therapy aids in restoring mobility and strength. Imaging and lab services ensure accurate diagnoses and monitor progress throughout treatment.
The foundation of effective pain management lies in a strong patient-provider relationship. We strive to establish trust and accountability, equipping patients to take an active role in their care. Whether through interventional procedures, medication management, or a combination of both, patients are encouraged to adhere to their treatment plans and communicate openly about their progress and challenges.
A pain management center addresses a variety of conditions, including neck and back pain, including work-related injuries and sciatica; persistent pain following back or neck surgery; arthritis pain; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS); nerve damage or muscle spasm pain; and shingles pain.
Focusing on these common diagnoses can help us develop targeted strategies that address the underlying causes of pain and improve patients’ quality of life.
The goals of pain management—reducing pain, improving physical function, and using medication effectively—are attainable through a balanced, multidisciplinary approach. As a pain management provider, we are committed to helping patients reclaim their lives, one step at a time. By combining expertise, compassion, and evidence-based treatments, we can make a meaningful difference for those living with pain.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, August 29, 2025
- Community Dog Park officially opens as memorial to Katrina Riepenhoff
- Obituary for Ian Christopher Shriner
- 2025 Blaze of Lights theme is "Home for the Holidays"
- Pirate volleyball win vs. Defiance Ayersville
- Highway Patrol focused on removing impaired drivers from the road
- Beaverdam Bunch 4-H results at 2025 Allen County Fair
- Porchfest brings live music to Bluffton neighborhoods
Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Pirate girls golf close 2nd at tri; Bauman 1st
- Pirate boys golf 2nd in NWC quad-match
- Pirate girls tennis loss at Wapak
- "You Made It" Forum welcomes Class of 2029
- 2nd annual Bluffton Porchfest celebrates live music
- Learn to play bridge at the Senior Center
- Blanchard Valley Health System enhances “Find-a-Doc”
- Taste of Bluffton serves as mixer for students and residents
- Heart to Heart: New Blood Pressure Guidelines
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Mayberry Rd. closure Aug. 27-28
- Janet M. Leonard was a teacher
- Pirates boys golf wins NWC tri
- Inside Innovations brings established design studio to Bluffton
- Walking thru Autumn hikes include Motter Park
- Colloquium Presentation: Emotional Education in 18th Century Germany
- Student to Share Lessons from Study Abroad Experience in Mexico