September is Pain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding about chronic pain and helping individuals find the support and treatment they need. While many people think pain is simply something to endure, ongoing pain is not a normal part of life and should not prevent you from enjoying daily activities, spending time with family, or doing the things you love.
At Great Falls Clinic, our Pain Management team helps patients throughout Montana find solutions for chronic pain through personalized treatment plans designed to address the root cause of discomfort, not just the symptoms.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Pain becomes chronic when it persists for three months or longer. It may develop after an injury or surgery, or it can occur as a result of underlying conditions affecting the spine, joints, or nervous system.
Common conditions treated by the Great Falls Clinic Pain Management team include:
- Chronic lower back pain
- Herniated discs
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
- Chronic neck pain
- Joint pain affecting the shoulder, hip, and knee
- Neuropathic nerve pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Cancer-related pain
- Post-surgical pain
- Post-herpetic neuralgia following shingles
Many patients live with these conditions for years before seeking specialized care, often believing surgery or long-term medication are their only options.
Signs It May Be Time to See a Pain Management Specialist
You may benefit from an evaluation if:
- Pain has lasted more than three months.
- Symptoms interfere with work, sleep, or daily activities.
- Physical therapy or medications have not provided lasting relief.
- Pain radiates into the arms or legs.
- You experience numbness, tingling, or burning sensations.
- You are recovering from surgery but continue to have persistent pain.
Early intervention can often improve outcomes and help prevent pain from becoming more disabling over time.
Modern Pain Management Offers More Options Than Many People Realize
Today’s pain management treatments extend far beyond medication alone. At Great Falls Clinic, treatment plans are individualized and may include:
Interventional Procedures
Advanced minimally invasive treatments can target specific pain sources, including:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Sacroiliac joint injections
- Facet joint injections
- Medial branch blocks
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Nerve blocks for shoulder, knee, hip, and rib pain
Using fluoroscopy-guided technology, these procedures are performed with precision to maximize effectiveness and improve patient comfort.
Medication Management
For some patients, carefully tailored medication management remains an important part of treatment. Dr. Craig Sweeney works closely with patients to identify the safest and most effective approach based on their condition and goals.
Whole-Person Care
Pain affects more than the body. It can impact emotional health, sleep, relationships, and overall quality of life. That’s why Great Falls Clinic takes a multidisciplinary approach that may incorporate physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, behavioral health support, and coordination with primary care providers and specialists.
Why Local Access to Specialized Pain Care Matters
Many Montanans delay treatment because they assume specialty care requires travel to larger metropolitan areas. Great Falls Clinic provides comprehensive pain management services right here in Great Falls, allowing patients to receive advanced care close to home.
The clinic’s integrated healthcare model ensures communication between your pain management specialist, primary care provider, and other specialists involved in your care. This coordinated approach helps create more effective treatment plans and better long-term outcomes.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Pain Awareness Month reminds us that chronic pain is real, common, and treatable. If pain is limiting your ability to work, stay active, or enjoy life, you do not have to navigate it alone.
Under the leadership of Dr. Craig Sweeney, DO, the Great Falls Clinic Pain Management team provides comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.
This September, make your health a priority. Relief may be closer than you think.
Ready to learn more about Pain Management at Great Falls Clinic? Ask your provider about a referral or call (406) 454-2171 to learn more about available services at the Great Falls Clinic Specialty Center, located at 3000 15th Ave South, Great Falls, Montana, 59405.
Sources
- American Academy of Pain Medicine. “Chronic Pain.” https://painmed.org
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). “Pain.” https://www.ninds.nih.gov
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). “Chronic Pain.” https://www.niams.nih.gov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Chronic Pain.” https://www.cdc.gov
Disclaimer: This article was clinically reviewed and approved by Dr. Craig Sweeney, D.O., of Great Falls Clinic Pain Management. The content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual medical needs vary. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition.