Dr. Albert Lai

Chronic pain affects millions of individuals worldwide, leading to a decreased quality of life and often driving patients to seek relief through medications. For many, opioid prescriptions have been a go-to solution. However, these medications carry a significant risk of addiction, complicating pain management . In response to this challenge, addiction medicine has emerged as a critical field in helping chronic pain patients manage their symptoms while reducing the potential for addiction. By employing comprehensive strategies, addiction medicine provides a balanced and practical approach to pain management that prioritizes patient safety. Understanding the Intersection of Pain and Addiction Pain is a multifaceted condition that affects not only the body but also the mind and emotions. Chronic pain can result from various underlying health conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or neuropathy, and it often requires long-term management. However, many patients face the dilemma of n...

Chronic pain, affecting millions of people worldwide, often leads to long-term physical, emotional, and social consequences. While medication and physical therapies have been the primary modes of treatment, behavioral therapy has emerged as a valuable tool in managing chronic pain. By addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of pain, behavioral therapy can complement physical treatments and significantly improve patients’ quality of life. This approach aims not just to reduce the sensation of pain but also to alter the way individuals perceive and react to their pain. Behavioral therapy focuses on helping individuals change harmful thought patterns, emotional responses, and behaviors associated with chronic pain. This approach is rooted in the understanding that psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate pain symptoms. By equipping patients with coping strategies and stress-reduction techniques, behavioral therapy can reduce the negative imp...

For decades, traditional pain management relied heavily on oral medications that provided only temporary relief. While these drugs helped patients cope, they often failed to target the underlying cause of pain. Interventional pain management has shifted this narrative by offering treatments that directly address the source of discomfort. Through minimally invasive procedures, specialists now provide long-lasting solutions that enhance mobility and reduce dependence on medication. This transformation marks a new era in patient care experience. Moreover, this approach reflects a broader change in healthcare philosophy. Instead of viewing pain as something to mask, practitioners now aim to resolve it through targeted interventions. Patients benefit not only from reduced discomfort but also from greater independence and improved quality of life. This focus on addressing root causes rather than symptoms demonstrates why interventional pain management is rapidly becoming the preferred optio...

Chronic pain is often described as an invisible condition—something that cannot be seen but can dominate every aspect of a person’s life. Unlike acute pain, which usually fades once an injury heals, chronic pain lingers for months or even years. In the United States alone, tens of millions of people live with ongoing pain that impacts their ability to work, sleep, and enjoy daily activities. Despite its prevalence, myths about chronic pain persist , and these myths can prevent people from getting the help they need. Scientific research has revealed a great deal about why chronic pain happens, how it affects the body and brain, and the most effective ways to manage it. Yet, many people—including healthcare professionals—still hold on to outdated beliefs. By separating fact from fiction, we can help create more awareness, reduce stigma, and provide better support for those living with chronic pain. Chronic Pain Is Just a Symptom of Injury A common misconception is that pain is always tie...