New Physician Sets Target On Pain Management

Honghui Feng, M.D. a new pain management specialist at Middlesex Hospital, is helping patients target the sources of their chronic pain and develop the most appropriate treatment.

According to the Institute of Medicine1, chronic pain in patients in the United States is responsible for $700 billion annually in medical expenses, lost income and lost productivity. Between 54 and 80 percent of the population have low back pain in their lifetime, with as many as 60 percent experiencing chronic pain more than five years after their initial episode2. Chronic pain most commonly includes low back pain, pain caused from arthritis or diabetes, headache pain or cancer-related related pain.

Dr. Feng feels that the first step in helping patients manage their chronic pain is by focusing on the whole patient, both the physical and emotional aspects, in order to decrease pain and improve how the patient functions.

“We take a multidimensional approach to treatment,” says Dr. Feng, “including interventional techniques; physical and functional activity; psychological approaches such as cognitive and/or behavior therapy; family and social support; and medication.”

In terms of treatments, Dr. Feng and his multidisciplinary team can provide a wide array of the latest treatment techniques that are tailored to the individual patient’s needs. The team can also provide consultation and management of pain medications; psychological counseling, rehabilitation services and alternative therapies, if appropriate.

Cancer patients, in particular, experience chronic pain, according to Dr. Feng. Often, this pain is primarily controlled through the use of opioid medications, but certain patients may require additional assistance to manage their pain. Dr. Feng’s team can provide a number of interventional techniques, such as nerve blocks and other nerve treatments, as well as implantable devices, to provide more effective and extended relief to those dealing with chronic cancer pain.

“Our overall goal is to provide comprehensive pain management for our patients to help them improve their ability to function on a daily basis, using the techniques and treatments that are best suited to their individual situation,” added Dr. Feng.

Dr. Feng, and his medical practice partner, Dr. Sudhir Kadian, are part of the Shoreline Interventional Pain Management Center, and see patients in Essex and New London. They can be reached at 860-444-5117.

For a complete listing of all of the pain management specialists at Middlesex Hospital, go to www.middlesexhospital.org and click on “Find a Healthcare Provider.”

References:
1. “Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education, and Research.” Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Advancing Pain Research, Care, and Education. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2011.
2. Pain Physician 2005;8:1-47