In this month’s AARP Bulletin, world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta shared a powerful story about his mother’s struggle with chronic back pain — and the broader stigma that still surrounds long-term pain conditions. He underscored how far pain management has come over the past 25 years yet noted that many still associate it primarily with prescription opioids.
Today, we know there are far more effective and sustainable options — including many that harness the body’s own healing abilities. Dr. Gupta’s “pain management toolbox” illustrates this shift. Rather than relying on medications alone, he highlights a wide range of evidence-based therapies designed to stimulate the body’s natural pain-relief systems, especially the release of endorphins — our built-in, feel-good chemicals.
His 10 Tools to Help with Pain:
- Endorphins: Your body’s natural painkillers
- Healing with ‘MEAT’
- Temperature therapy
- Supplements
- Nonopioid analgesic medications
- Nonopioid prescriptions
- Medical interventions and medication management
- Psychological approaches
- Cannabis and ketamine
- Acupuncture, yoga, meditation and more
If you have been a patient of ours before, several of these modalities may look familiar. We have been utilizing a nonopioid approach to pain management for over 30 years, which includes several of these tools. We believe that effective pain relief isn’t just about masking symptoms — it’s about restoring balance, function, and long-term wellbeing.
Our expert musculoskeletal care also includes a specialized technique not mentioned in the article, perineural injection therapy, a targeted technique used to treat chronic pain resulting from trauma, arthritis, sports injuries, overuse, repetitive strain, or past surgeries. We are one of only a handful of experts trained in this technique in the country. This gentle, non-opioid therapy works by reducing inflammation around irritated nerves and activating the body’s natural healing response in the treated area. More than 85% of patients respond positively; it is minimally painful, and the treatment involves no steroids or opioid medications. Side effects are rare, making it a safe and effective option for many.
Our care model blends lifestyle medicine with advanced musculoskeletal support. We also develop personalized exercise and nutrition programs, carefully designed for each patient’s specific condition and physical capacity. Proper instruction ensures that movement heals rather than harms.
In addition, we provide:
- Targeted nutritional and supplement guidance
- The Pain Elimination® Nutrition Program, written by Dr. Sutter
- Supported with 398 research citations
- Behavioral strategies to reduce inflammation and stress
- Education on the science of pain — so patients understand how these therapies work together to enhance their body’s natural healing mechanisms
Because ultimately, pain relief isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a complex, multi-system process — but with the right support and a few key daily habits, the results can be life-changing.
We see it every day: patients who regain mobility, reduce or eliminate medications, and return to the activities they love. When individuals are empowered with the right tools, healing is not just possible — it’s expected.
Read the AARP article here https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/tips-for-chronic-pain-management/
By Kevin Asonglefac, MSN, FNP-C, IFMCP