Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health providers offer hope for healing. Our team uses a holistic approach to quiet symptoms so you can return to your busy life.

You receive services from pain medicine doctors, physiatrists (physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors) and other providers as needed. We work to stop pain where it starts using approaches that lower the risk of recurrence. Even if other therapies have not been successful, we can help improve your quality of life. 

You have access to a broad range of chronic pain treatments, giving you the best chances for achieving your goals. Your personalized care plan may include medications, physical therapy, nonmedication approaches and interventional pain procedures that provide lasting relief. 

Services are available in locations throughout the region, so you won’t have to travel far for care. We coordinate chronic pain assessments and treatments, enabling you to focus on healing. Many patients report notable symptom relief in fewer visits.

Using pain medications like opioids for a long time may interfere with your body’s natural healing abilities. If you are not getting relief from current treatments, come talk to us.

There are many types of chronic pain, and it’s common to experience more than one at a time. They include:

• Inflammatory pain occurs when tissue damage and inflammation increase pain sensitivity. 
• Mechanical pain is due to unusual stress on muscles and soft tissue supporting your joints. Arthritis and low back pain are common causes.
• Musculoskeletal pain happens when an injury affects a bone, muscle, ligament or tendon. Fractures, poor posture and sports injuries may cause this type of pain.
• Neuropathic pain happens when there is damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral neuropathy).
• Nociceptive pain occurs when tiny nerves (nociceptors) are activated. Headaches, arthritis, irritated nerve roots and internal injuries cause this type of pain.

There are many ways you may experience pain, including mild to severe bouts of:

• Aching
• Burning
• Pinching
• Stabbing pain
• Soreness
• Stinging
• Throbbing

We perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine what is causing your pain. Even if symptoms are difficult to describe, our providers can pinpoint the issue so that you receive appropriate care.  

After performing a physical exam, we may recommend additional chronic pain assessments, including blood tests, imaging studies like X-rays and MRI or advanced studies such as electromyography (available through our neurodiagnostic lab).

Treatment recommendations depend on the location and type of pain, as well as your personal preferences. We develop a personalized plan that may include multiple therapies. 

You may benefit from:

• Interventional procedures: These services include in-office, image-guided procedures, like steroid injections and nerve blocks. 
• Physical therapy: Highly skilled therapists use various techniques to relieve discomfort and lower the risk of recurrence. 
• Pain psychology services: Some locations offer classes that help you learn to manage the psychological and behavioral aspects of chronic pain. 
• Integrative medicine services: We offer complementary options, such as mind-body techniques, massage therapy and more. Find out more about integrative medicine.
• Lifestyle changes: We may recommend gentle activities like walking or yoga. Eating a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and getting plenty of rest may also help.

Our specialists care for patients across the Puget Sound area and beyond. Find a pain medicine specialist near you.