Everyone has experienced pain at some point in their lives. In fact, it's the most common reason people seek medical attention. In response to a growing demand in the community for pain management services, McLaren-Lapeer Region (McLaren-Lapeer Region) has announced the opening of the multidisciplinary McLaren-Lapeer Region Pain Center to treat and manage pain "in a convenient setting that is close to home."

"It is estimated that the majority of doctor visits are primarily due to some sort of pain problem,"said McLaren-Lapeer Region Vice President of Operations Tom Mee. "In Lapeer, we have identified that the need for a multidisciplinary pain center is very real. Our new facility, located on our Medical Center campus, will bring together a team of caring, compassionate interdisciplinary medical specialists and other non-physician health care providers to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with most types of pain."

The Pain Center team will include physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, anesthesiology, internal medicine/addiction medicine, neurosurgery, and psychiatry/psychology, as well as health care providers representing nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy. McLaren-Lapeer Region Outpatient Services Manager Victoria Cardwell will provide administrative oversight for the Pain Center.

"Feelings of pain can include unpleasant sensations such as aching, tightness, burning and numbness. These feelings can range from mild to severe, can be acute or chronic, and many times are persistent," said Cardwell. "Pain is complex and there are many treatment options. Pain management depends on both the type and severity; effective treatment should result in improved functional activity and a higher quality of life.

"Today's most highly regarded and successful pain management centers are composed of multiple specialty areas that provide comprehensive program offerings," she adds. "That's the clinical model we're bringing to Lapeer."

Key services provided through the Pain Center will include:

• Medical consultation
• Psychological evaluation
• Interventional pain services (injections, nerve blocks)
• Physical and occupational therapy

When the referral is received, a nurse will contact the patient to schedule the initial visit. During this visit, a complete history and physical will be performed that includes a review of any prior diagnostic studies and current medications being taken by the patient. Once the intake process is complete, the patient will be referred to the appropriate physician where a treatment plan will be developed and future appointments scheduled. In some instances, the patient's care will be coordinated utilizing multi-discipline modalities.

If you are suffering from pain and want more information or would like to schedule a consultation, please call the McLaren-Lapeer Region Pain Center at 810-667-5574.

Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m.