On this week's episode of Premier Pain Talk, Dr. Michael Danko answers questions submitted by our patients in honor of Pain Awareness Month! We cover how to differentiate between chronic and acute pain, explain the purpose behind pain contracts, dive into what makes cancer pain different, and many more questions!

If you have a question that you'd like to submit, email us at [email protected] . You might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode!

In this episode of Premier Pain Talk, we explore the evolving trends in pain medication prescribing and how they’ve shaped modern pain management. We start by looking back at the history of opioids and the circumstances that gave rise to dedicated pain clinics. Listeners will gain insight into why these clinics became a crucial resource for patients, as well as the challenges that arose along the way. This episode is designed for both patients and their loved ones, providing a clear, accessible explanation of a complex topic that affects millions.

From the factors that fueled the opioid crisis to the regulations that now govern prescribing, we break down the events that led to today’s highly monitored environment. We also address the controversial history of “pill mills” and how they contributed to sweeping changes in law, policy, and medical practice. Whether you’re seeking to better understand your own treatment journey or support someone you care about, this conversation sheds light on the past, present, and future of safe, effective pain care.

In this episode of Premier Pain Talk, Dr. Michael Danko sits down with Jennifer Craft, Director of Nursing for Premier Surgical Institute, to take you behind the scenes of what it really takes to open and operate an ambulatory surgery center. From regulatory hurdles and staffing challenges to building workflows and patient safety protocols, Jennifer shares valuable insight into the complex process of launching a high-functioning surgical facility.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a student, or simply curious about the world of outpatient surgery, this episode offers a candid look at the dedication, planning, and teamwork behind the scenes of an ASC.

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In this episode of Premier Pain Talk, Dr. Michael Danko dives into the sacroiliac (SI) joint - a commonly overlooked but critical source of low back and pelvic pain. If you've been dealing with chronic discomfort and other treatments haven't helped, the SI joint might be the missing piece of your pain puzzle.

Dr. Danko explains how SI joint dysfunction is diagnosed, the limitations of conservative treatments, and when surgical intervention becomes the best option. We'll walk through the sacroiliac joint fusion procedure itself -- what it involves, how it works, and what recovery looks like -- and discuss who makes a good candidate.

Whether you're a patient exploring your options or a provider seeking deeper insight into interventional pain solutions, this episode offers clear, expert guidance on a procedure that can restore stability and improve quality of life.

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In this week’s episode, Dr. Michael Danko dives into one of the most common, and misunderstood, complaints in pain management: low back pain.

While it may sound straightforward, “low back pain” can be the surface symptom of many different underlying issues. Dr. Danko unpacks the complexity behind this diagnosis, exploring how detailed physical exams, imaging, and a thorough understanding of each patient's symptoms work together to uncover the true source of the pain.

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In this episode of Premier Pain Talk, we dive into the world of neuromodulation and advanced pain procedures that are changing the game in pain management. Dr. Danko breaks down spinal cord stimulators, peripheral nerve stimulators, and intrathecal pain pumps—explaining how these cutting-edge therapies help patients regain control over their pain. We also explore minimally invasive procedures like the MILD procedure and the Vertaflex procedure, along with other innovative techniques designed to provide long-term relief.

Whether you're a patient seeking options or a provider looking to stay informed, this episode is packed with valuable insights on the latest advancements in pain treatment. Tune in to learn how these technologies are transforming lives!

In this episode of Premier Pain Talk, Dr. Michael Danko breaks down the seven most common pain management procedures, including epidural steroid injections, medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablations, SI joint injections, small and large joint injections, and trigger point injections.

Whether you're a new or experienced provider looking to refine your knowledge or a pain patient wanting to better understand your treatment options, this episode offers valuable insights into how these procedures work and who they can help. Tune in for a clear and practical guide to the most frequently performed interventions in pain management!

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In this episode of Premier Pain Talk, host Dr. Michael Danko is joined by April Egbert, DNP, APRN, and special guest Lindsay Link, PA-C, a newer provider in the field of pain management. Together, they pull back the curtain on what it’s really like stepping into this specialty — from the challenges of treating complex pain conditions to the rewarding moments of helping patients regain their quality of life. Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone curious about the behind-the-scenes of pain care, this episode offers a candid look at the journey of a new provider and the dedication it takes to make a difference.

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In this eye-opening episode of Premier Pain Talk, Dr. Michael Danko sits down with special guests April Egbert, DNP, APRN, and Lindsay Link, PA-C, to tackle the many misperceptions surrounding pain management. They dive into the myths patients often believe, the realities of modern pain care, and even share what surprised them about the specialty before becoming providers in the field themselves. If you’ve ever wondered what pain management truly involves — and what it doesn’t — this candid conversation is a must-listen. Tune in for expert insights, thoughtful discussions, and a fresh perspective on an often-misunderstood field.

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It's the return of Premier Pain Talk!

Dr. Michael Danko is joined by April Egbert, DNP, APRN to discuss how patients are selected who may be good candidates for Intrathecal Pain Pumps, how patients are prepared for their pain pump trial period, expectations of insurance companies, and what to expect in the months that follow a patient's pump implant.

Premier Pain Treatment Institute is a pain management clinic with locations in Hillsboro, Loveland, Middletown, and Mount Orab, Ohio. Visit us online for more information! 

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