Summary:

In this episode of Let’s Talk Chronic Pelvic Pain, we’re joined by Dr. Ryan McGowan, Assistant Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, to explore the complex world of chronic pain and central sensitization. Together, we break down how pain is processed in the body, why it can persist even after an injury heals, and what treatment options are available including medications, acupuncture, nerve blocks, and even spinal cord stimulation.

Outline:

• How do we measure pain
• What is central sensitization
• Common triggers for central sensitization including endometriosis, IC, vulvodynia, childbirth
• Signs of central sensitization such as an amplified pain response to something that was not previously painful
• What are treatment options that interventional pain can offer?
  • Medications (multimodal approach, the role for opioids and non opioid pain medicines)
  • Topicals (lidocaine patches, TENS units)
  • Nerve blocks
  • Acupuncture
  • Cryoablation/Radiofrequency ablation
  • Nerve stimulators
• Reframing goals of treatment - not "pain free" but improved quality of life
• Importance of finding a specialist team with experience in chronic pain and validation of pain experiences