Interventional Pain Management

According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage. However, it is important to distinguish between normal—or acute pain—and chronic pain. While acute pain is a normal sensation triggered in the nervous system to alert you to possible injury, chronic pain persists. Acute pain might be mild and last just a moment, or it might be severe and last for weeks or months. In most cases, acute pain does not last longer than six months, and it disappears when the underlying cause of pain has been treated or has healed. Unrelieved acute pain, however, might lead to chronic pain.

Chronic pain persists despite the fact that the injury has healed. Pain signals remain active in the nervous system for weeks, months, or years. Physical effects include tense muscles, limited mobility, a lack of energy, and changes in appetite. Emotional effects include depression, anger, anxiety, and fear of re-injury. Such a fear might hinder a person’s ability to return to normal work or leisure activities. While there are many risk factors for chronic pain, some suffer chronic pain in the absence of any past injury or evidence of body damage.

There are many holistic, integrative and traditional ways to address chronic pain. The team at Waters Anchor will partner with you to discuss the varied treatment options and decide what avenue is most advantageous for you.

There are several factors that may increase the risk of chronic pain. These factors include:

• Aging. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, shingles and other causes of nerve problems are more likely to occur in older adults. However, chronic pain is not a normal part of aging and should be treated.
• Smoking. Nicotine use may increase pain and can also decrease the effectiveness of certain medications.
• Existing Health Problems.
• Conditions such as fibromyalgia, shingles, arthritis, limb amputation and even depression or anxiety disorders can lead to chronic pain.
• Previous Health Problems.
• Injuries that occurred in the past, such as joint injuries, can lead to chronic pain in the future.
• Additionally, previous surgeries meant to relieve pain may not be successful.
• Poor Overall General Health.
• A weakened immune system can lead to frequent infections or illness.
• Existence of Difficult-to-Treat Conditions. Some conditions, such as nerve pain from shingles, can be difficult to treat and may lead to chronic pain.
• Unhealthy Lifestyle. Not eating the right foods, not exercising regularly, smoking, substance and alcohol abuse may all lead to chronic pain.
• Periodic Over-Activity. Participating in athletics or strenuous activities on only a periodic basis may increase your risk for chronic pain.
• Other factors that may increase your risk include injury, stress, inactivity, emotional problems, or a history of physical, sexual or emotional abuse.
• Daily activities that include repetitive motions,

When you suffer from chronic pain, you are not the only one who may be suffering. It can affect your mood, actions, motivation, and even your sex life. The list goes on and on. Waters Anchor Center for Health & Wellness can help with all of the factors relating to chronic pain—from treatment to pain management counseling for you and your family. We know that you don’t want to be a burden on anyone else. We understand that you don’t want to feel like a burden to loved ones. We also understand that your pain is real, and it can affect your mood and outlook. Waters Anchor Center for Health & Wellness will partner with you to find your path to healing and recovery.

Dear Friends,

Did you know that Chronic Pain affects an estimated 86 million American adults to some degree? And, left untreated, pain can become physically disabling and can even lead to depression, loss of sleep, decreased physical functioning—or worse. Waters Anchor Center for Health & Wellness wants to help you to manage your pain through our multi-disciplinary approach. We offer state-of-the art technology and the latest in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to provide a center of excellence for pain management.

In our modern, private offices, each patient is treated with the highest level of care in a professional and compassionate atmosphere. Our Board Certified /Board Eligible anesthesiologists and pain specialists are all dedicated to providing comprehensive care that meets the individual needs of each and every patient. Our full range of surgical and non-surgical treatments, including services such as medical massage therapy and acupuncture, helps our patients to lead pain-free and productive lives. We believe that no patient should have to suffer the debilitating and dangerous condition of chronic pain.

Let us help you get the relief you need.

We look forward to working with and serving you.

Theodore Hanley, MD

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