32 The Courier sun • SENIOR LIVING • APRIL 18, 2013 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com senior living s When a person is in pain, he or she will seek options to attempt to reduce or eliminate the pain. For minor pains like headaches, muscle aches and small wounds, often over-the-counter drugs can help reduce suffering. But people with chronic pain may have to search for other solutions. More than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, at a cost of $600 billion a year in medical treatments and lost productivity, according to a 2011 Institute of Medicine report. As of January 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) started paying providers without formal training in pain medicine to diagnose and treat chronic pain. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) advises against receiving care from providers without training in treating chronic pain because patient safety can be seriously compromised. In addition to jeopardizing patient safety, untrained providers lower the quality of health care and can increase the risk for fraud and prescription drug abuse. Untrained providers lack the sufficient education and training needed to properly prescribe BWwoman):Layout 1 2/10/11 12:27 PM Page 1 opioids, according to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Clifton Phillips, 44, of Bowie, Md., has pain throughout his body. He suffers from osteoarthritis, migraine headaches, a herniated disc and a pinched nerve in his lower back, which causes discomfort and burning in his foot. For three years Phillips worked through the pain before he sought help from an orthopedic doctor who prescribed opioid pain medications for him. However, Phillips soon became dependent upon the medication and suffered significant side effects. Treatment of chronic pain is complex and can be associated with significant complications. This is due to the potential for severe side effects from some of the medications used to treat pain and the anatomy and delicate structure of the spine and nerves upon which many chronic pain interventions are performed. Knowing that he couldn’t sustain a successful lifestyle while taking the highly addictive opioid meds, Phillips looked for alternative treatment options through his neurologist who referred him to a highly trained anesthesiologist pain medicine physician. Specialized pain physicians have the education and training to accurately diagnose, evaluate and treat chronic pain patients using a comprehensive approach including medications and pain procedures. Treatments can range from medical management, physical therapy and psychological therapy, to interventional therapies and other alternative medical treatments. These therapies can be risky and require the skill of anesthesiologists or other physicians who possess the training and knowledge to provide safe, competent and appropriate care. These physicians complete a one-year multidisciplinary pain fellowship in addition to their post-doctoral training, according to ASA. A pain physician, like an anesthesiologist, is a patient’s best solution to finding a well-trained provider to treat chronic pain conditions, similar to what Phillips was experiencing. Courtesy BPT Living with chronic pain? FIND THE RIGHT HELP Ready to enjoy, a richer, safer, independent lifestyle? For the best value in senior independent living, take a closer look at Flushing House! Not-for-Profit Flushing House 38-20 Bowne Street Flushing, New York 11354 freedom, friendship support in a lively, congenial atmosphere at Flushing House, the dedicated, not-for-profit senior community in the heart of Queens. It's everything you could ask for in a quality, affordable senior residence. Private apartments with kitchenettes and services from $2250/month. hour Continental breakfast, lunch, dinner Weekly linen Onsite home health agency • Ongoing recreation/activity programs • Computer learning & fitness centers • Frequent trips in our own van Flushing House celebrate living every day™ For the best value in senior living, call us today! www.flushinghouse.com 718-762-3198 Seniors enjoy freedom, friendship and support in a lively, congenial atmosphere at Flushing House, the dedicated, not-for-profit senior community in the heart of Queens. It's everything you could ask for in a quality, affordable senior residence. Private apartments with kitchenettes and services from $2400/month. • 24-hour security • Continental breakfast, lunch, dinner • Weekly housekeeping/linen services • Onsite home health agency & clinic Ongoing activity Computer learning & fitness centers Frequent trips in our own van • Call 800-345-4571 to learn about United Lifeline -- our personal emergency response service gives seniors independence and safety VIDEOgraphErs WantED! The Queens Courier is looking for a talented pair of eyes to join our team. Experienced, knowledgeable Videographers should contact tonia Cimino at editorial@queenscourier.com
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