Chronic Pain Can Be Managed through Treatment

New advances allow patients to get the most out of life

“Chronic pain is a disease in itself — not just a symptom of a disease or condition, or a natural part of aging,” says Dr. Ahmed Sewielam, Department Chief of Interventional Pain Management and Spine at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s Main Campus. “Pain should never be ignored. Today, there are many new ways to manage pain to provide optimal relief and try to restore day-to-day functioning.

Most people have heard that Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injections can help smooth wrinkles and frown lines. Now, Botox injections are being used to help ease the pain of tension headaches and control spasms following brain and spinal cord injuries.

“Botox is just one of the tools at our disposal,” Dr. Sewielam said. “Today, we have many cutting-edge pharmacological and technological ways to help with managing pain.”

Dr. Sewielam has a keen interest in back pain and neck pain. He specializes in interventional pain management, including nerve blocks, neuro-stimulation procedures or implantation of drug delivery systems.

“Chronic pain is the type of pain that lingers for a long time and is hard to treat,” notes Dr. Sewielam. “But with all the new technology at our disposal, we can help improve the quality of life for most sufferers.”

Epidural Steroid injections can help relieve pain due to bulging or herniated discs, as well as offer relief from post-surgical pain or arthritic conditions.

“In addition to new pain medications, we have new ways of delivering pain medication,” notes Dr. Sewielam. “This includes the implantation of pumps and spinal cord stimulators.”

One of the reasons Dr. Sewielam chose to specialize in pain management is that he gets to utilize his special training along with his diagnostic skills.

“What excites me about pain management is that I can try to make a real and noticeable difference in the quality of my patients’ lives,” the doctor noted. “As I diagnose a problem, I can often implement a treatment plan at the same time.”

Dr. Sewielam sees patients at our Main Campus and Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center locations. To schedule a pain assessment or consultation with Dr. Sewielam, call Kelsey-Seybold’s Customer Contact Center at 713-442-0427.