G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA hosted its first-ever Pain Management Summit on Sept. 24 for more than 100 health care providers from across the main facility and its community-based outpatient clinics.
This event focused on equipping VA health care professionals with the latest knowledge, tools and strategies for treating pain—a critical issue faced by Veterans.
Experts from a wide range of disciplines came together to provide attendees with essential clinical information. These insights were designed to be directly applicable in the diverse clinical settings where Veterans receive pain care. The interdisciplinary approach allowed for a comprehensive exploration of pain management, considering both traditional treatments and emerging therapies.
Model emphasizes integrative approach to pain care
At the heart of the summit was VA’s Stepped Care Model for Pain Management, a framework designed to ensure that Veterans receive personalized care that escalates as necessary. This model emphasizes an integrative approach to pain care, combining medication management, therapy, complementary treatments and lifestyle modifications. The goal is to provide Veterans with holistic, effective pain management that addresses not only physical symptoms but also mental and emotional well-being.
Deputy Chief of Staff Dr. Rita Harvey highlighted the importance of this collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach when she noted that “This summit marks a significant step forward in our mission to deliver comprehensive, compassionate care for Veterans. By bringing together experts from across disciplines, we’re building stronger, more effective strategies for managing pain. It’s not just about treatment, it’s about improving Veterans’ quality of life and addressing their physical, emotional and mental well-being.”
The summit also served as an opportunity to address gaps in current pain care practices and to reinforce the need for collaboration across various medical fields. The clinical insights shared by experts underscored the importance of a patient-centered, team-based approach to pain management, ensuring Veterans receive the best possible care, no matter where they are treated.
The Pain Management Summit represents not just an event but a movement toward more effective, compassionate care for Veterans experiencing pain. With more educational opportunities like this on the horizon, VA continues to lead the way in advancing Veteran health care.
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The pot thing isn’t going away. The federal level is still implied since these doctors work for a government agency. If the doctor prescribed meds while you are using cannabis the DEA would snap them up so quick.
The biggest help to me has been Ketamine treatment by the VA. I have hanging on by a mere thread. It requires a commitment by vet to get any lasting benefit.
I’ve been trying to get the proper pain management for about 11 years now!!!! It took 10 years to finally get my 50% disability. And I feel like I’m not being treated as a disabled vet!!! They keep scheduling these BS appts just so they can report the numbers. Not really helping at all. I want to address the comments about “Mary Jane”? yes if you smoke marijuanna they treat you like you use crack, meth etc!!!!!! Why is it I’m disabled with chronic pain and PTSD but all I can get is muscle relaxers and Zoloft??!!!Clearly that treatment isn’t working!!!! But then they wanna down the vets that take it upon themselves to self medicate!!! If we got the proper treatment and medications there would be a lot less suicidal vets!!!! We wouldn’t have to continuously be told to go see mental health. Most of our problems could be solved with more money more support and better medications!! And let’s not get started on the homelessness crisis in the veteran community smh
I see the VA attempt to avoid narcotics at all costs despite when taken as prescribed can be one of the best tools to mitigate not totally eliminate chronic pain.
But how about veterans’ pain management when the vet uses legal marijuana
He or she gets NO pain meds for a 100% disability he or she gets aspirin, Tylenol and muscle relaxers
Someone should TELL THE TRUTH .
Pain meds are crucial in a chronic pain patients tool box. We aren’t stupid. Opiates have been used for severe pain since 4000 BC. All of a sudden the government pulls them. So many hopeless souls tortured and “unaliving” themselves.
There is no reason for keeping people bed-bound and depressed. Hoping not to wake up the next day. Something nefarious is going on. I just want my life back.
Should the ignorance/stupidity of the Fed “DEA” outlawing ganja ever end the use of it and derivative hashish would be a great step forward in pain control, sleep, wasting among other conditions.
I recently ran into a response that perplexed me I asked that a certain procedure be performed to both alleviate pain and in so doing allow me to perform physically ie to walk.
The response was that the clinic could treat the pain but not heal me. Somehow this is not so. If I could use my legs without pain I could walk. What about that?
Excellent Read….Very informative & much needed
I think this sounds like a lot of sparkles and confetti thrown aroun, without an actual approach to achieve any set goal. Meanwhile, we suffer the indignity of trying to conform (once again) to a new regimand. If we make one mistake, you’re FIRED. A
and now no more ‘help’ or (pain) medications.
I look forward for the VA to explain this new approach to pain care ASAP.
Why is the VA not giving Veterans pain medicine ?
And why has the veteran suicide rate increased? Imagine the hell of PTSD, severe injuries incurred while fighting for their country. Then, imagine no pain control. The government promised to take care of vets – shame on us for believing them.
There is something nefarious going on. Not only within the VA, but the country at large.
My pain just gets worse. They do nothing but give less pain meds.I did so much better when I had pain relief with higher doses. Why would you make people worse .
All the va wants to do is give you more pills and shots. Yoga helps but only 3 appts and it takes month for another appt. No one really cares about you as a person. Last name ssn please. More drugs and shot … caused me to become diabetic, depression, can’t get a job.