BR A N D AV E. ST U DIOS CON T EN T Chronic pain treatment has changed: Today's therapies offer hope where nothing worked before Sponsored content by Mary McHugh, Brand Ave. Studios contributing writer Learn to live with the pain -- there's nothing more that can be done. "How many patients hear those words and then try to do just that? They feel their only option is to live with it," said Dr. Thomas Brooks, interventional pain specialist at MD West ONE. "But let's say you were given that diagnosis five or even two years ago, a patient should still periodically reevaluate and check in with their doctor regarding their pain. Advanced technologies and therapies have changed the treatment landscape, providing us with a new set of tools in the fight against pain." Dr. Brooks said some of the treatments being done today weren't available even two years ago. Five years ago, for example, an MRI of a patient suffering from unrelenting vertebrogenic pain in the lower back might only show swelling and degenerative changes in the bony structures that form the top and bottom of the affected vertebra. Doctors never considered the area a source of pain. Over time, as the research data improved, vertebrogenic pain was indeed identified as a pain source that could be, and is now, treated efficiently and effectively. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MD WEST ONE Dr. Christopher Price PHOTO PROVIDED BY MD WEST ONE Dr. Thomas Brooks Doctors now perform a basivertebral nerve ablation treatment that can stop the affected nerve from sending out pain signals. This, in turn, allows the patients to reduce their need for opioids or injections, Dr. Brooks said. Dr. Brooks has more than 30 years of expertise in the field of pain management and anesthesiology. He joined MD West ONE, the most comprehensive orthopedic, neurosurgery and spine practice in the region, in March of 2025. He and his partners will work with patients experiencing chronic pain, using innovative, evidence-based treatments tailored to their specific needs. Dr. Christopher Price, an interventional pain management specialist, joined him shortly after in March of 2025. "Joining with the physicians at MD West ONE will be beneficial to the patients moving forward," he said. "All of their data will be captured in one place, allowing for a preauthorization process that can proceed quickly. This will ensure they can get their procedures in a timely fashion and get back to their lives," said Dr. Price. "Many patients with chronic pain might have multiple different sources of pain causing overlapping patterns of pain. We focus on addressing these multiple pain generators in order to provide the patient with a better long-term outcome," Dr. Brooks said. "And while pain management can be a long-term fix for many, it can also be used to provide the patient with additional time for rehab or muscle strengthening so they are sufficiently prepared for a surgery." MD West ONE recommends patients experiencing chronic pain make an appointment with Dr. Brooks or Dr. Price via mdwestone.com or by calling 402.390.4111. Patients will then meet with one of the physicians to pinpoint the pain origin and determine if interventional pain procedures are recommended or if surgery is the only option. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. Any views, thoughts or opinions in this content belong solely to the writer and do not represent the views of Brand Ave. Studios or its parent company. This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact [email protected].