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  • Pain

What is Pain?

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 20% of adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain, and this number is increasing. Chronic pain can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. 

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 20% of adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain, and this number is increasing. Chronic pain can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. 

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for 3 months or longer. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, illness, or nerve damage. Chronic pain can also develop without any apparent cause. It can affect any part of the body and can range from mild to severe.

Woman with Pain in hand while trying to work on laptop
Chronic pain can interfere with your work, hobbies, sleep, and mood.

Types of Chronic Pain

man sitting on couch suffering from migraine
Headaches are a common type of chronic pain.

There are several types of chronic pain, each with its own set of symptoms and causes. The most common types of chronic pain include:

  1. Back Pain: This type of chronic pain affects the lower back and can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, muscle strain, or nerve damage.
  2. Headaches: Chronic headaches are a common type of chronic pain and can be caused by tension, sinus problems, or migraines.
  3. Neuropathic Pain: This type of chronic pain is caused by nerve damage and can be experienced as a burning, tingling, or shooting sensation.
  4. Arthritis Pain: Arthritis pain is caused by inflammation in the joints and can result in stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion.
  5. Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the muscles and soft tissues, causing widespread pain and tenderness.

 

Causes of Chronic Pain

Doctor holding patients broken arm in cast
Injuries such as broken bones can lead to chronic pain.

Chronic pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  1. Injury: Chronic pain can develop as a result of an injury, such as a broken bone or a sprain.
  2. Medical Conditions: Chronic pain can be a symptom of many medical conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy.
  3. Nerve Damage: Nerve damage can result in chronic pain, such as in the case of neuropathic pain.
  4. Surgery: Chronic pain can develop after surgery, particularly in cases where nerves have been damaged.
  5. Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle factors such as poor posture, lack of exercise, and stress can contribute to chronic pain.

 

Treatment of Chronic Pain

man in wheelchair using physical therapy to help with chronic pain
Physical Therapy is one way to help manage the symptoms of chronic pain.

There is no single treatment for chronic pain, and treatment options can vary depending on the cause and severity of the pain. However, there are several treatment options available that can help manage chronic pain, including:

  1. Medications: Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and antidepressants can be used to manage chronic pain.
  2. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help manage chronic pain by improving mobility, strength, and flexibility.
  3. Mind-Body Techniques: Mind-body techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help manage chronic pain by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
  4. Alternative Therapies: Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care can be used to manage chronic pain.
  5. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat chronic pain, particularly in cases where nerves have been damaged.

 

Living with Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain can be challenging, and it is important for people with chronic pain to take steps to manage their pain and improve their quality of life. Some tips for living with chronic pain include:

  1. Establishing a Support System: It is important for people with chronic pain to have a support system of friends, family, and healthcare professionals who can provide emotional and physical support.
  2. Practicing Self-Care: Practicing self-care activities such as taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and engaging in relaxing activities can help manage chronic pain
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Neurovations, a patient care and innovation company, was founded in 1992 by CEO Dr. Eric Grigsby. We are a national leader in medical device and pharmaceutical innovation, clinical research, and a world-class education program focusing on pain and neuroscience. Dr. Grigsby is deeply connected to the healthcare community through our non-profit HealthRoots Foundation.

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DR. MELANIE D. JOHANSSON, MD, FACEP

Dr. Johansson comes to us as a fellowship-trained and board-certified pain management specialist with nearly a decade of experience. She completed her fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD where she then became the associate program director of the pain medicine fellowship and an assistant professor of military and emergency medicine. She graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia, was Pre-medicine at San Diego State University, and received her BSN from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Her breadth of experience comes from a full career of serving in the United States Navy where she was the recipient of multiple academic and military service awards including a Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, and numerous other individual, unit, and campaign awards. She has multiple published works and is the founding member of a military Pain Medicine Special Interest Group with the American Society of Regional Anesthesia.

In her free time, Dr. Johansson enjoys traveling, is newly married, loves dogs, and enjoys cooking and baking, as well as other creative pursuits. She has a particular interest in advanced procedural techniques for chronic pain relief and the effects of lifestyle on pain and healing. She looks forward to continuing our mission of providing our patients with the best care, every day.

Eric Grigsby, MD, MBA

CEO & Founder of Neurovations

Dr. Eric Grigsby enjoys a national reputation for excellence in the field of Pain Management. He has a background as a researcher, teacher and clinician and brings over 30 years of clinical experience to the Napa Pain Institute. Dr. Grigsby attended elementary and secondary school in his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Economics from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He formed an interest in Pain Management as a career while working at Boston Children’s Hospital in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.

After graduating from Boston University Medical School in 1984, Dr. Grigsby trained in General Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Pain Management at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He was invited to join the Medical Staff and teach at the Mayo Medical School until moving to California in 1989. The Dean of the University of California at Davis Medical Center then invited Dr. Grigsby to establish their first Pain Management Center, where he served as Medical Director until 1992. Following his post at UC Davis, Dr. Grigsby established his private Pain Management practice in Napa, California.

Today, he and his staff of over 50 professionals consult with patients throughout Northern California and the western United States.  More recently, Dr Grigsby completed his Masters in Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He speaks nationally on topics such as non-operative treatment of spinal disorders, the safe use of medications for the treatment of pain, and the legal and regulatory issues relating to the proper treatment of patients with chronic illness.