Living every day in pain can be debilitating. Imagine waking up each morning already exhausted—not because you didn't sleep, but because your pain kept you tossing and turning all night. Your back aches the moment your feet hit the floor. You grip the bathroom sink for support while brushing your teeth, and getting dressed feels like running a marathon. Driving to work takes every ounce of concentration, not just because of traffic but because your joints throb with every turn. Meetings blur as you shift in your seat, trying to find a less painful position. By the time you get home, you're too sore to cook dinner, too drained to enjoy time with family, and overwhelmed by the idea of another night spent battling discomfort.
This is what daily life can feel like if you're living with chronic pain but it doesn't have to stay this way.
The Serious Impact of Living With Chronic Pain
Chronic pain doesn't just hurt your body. It reshapes your life in ways most people never see.
Physical Decline from Chronic Pain
Pain discourages movement, leading to muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and reduced endurance.
Emotional Strain from Chronic Pain
Constant discomfort takes a toll on mental health, often triggering depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.
Sleep Disruption from Chronic Pain
Pain can make it difficult for you to fall asleep or stay asleep, leaving you fatigued and foggy during the day.
Career Limitations from Chronic Pain
Reduced mobility, frequent doctor visits, and cognitive distraction can affect work performance and job retention.
Strained Relationships from Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can make you less active, irritable, or dependent on others, placing stress on personal and family dynamics.
Meet our Physiatry Experts
Top 5 Most Common Chronic Pain Conditions
1. Chronic Back Pain
Lower back pain can stem from degenerative disc disease, where the discs between vertebrae lose their cushioning, or herniated discs that press on nerves. Strains, poor posture, or conditions like arthritis and spinal stenosis also contribute.
Symptoms of Chronic Back Pain:
Dull or Sharp Pain in Your Lower Back
This can feel like a constant ache or a sudden stabbing pain that worsens with movement.
Stiffness or Reduced Flexibility
You may struggle to bend, twist, or stand upright after sitting or sleeping.
Radiating Pain into the Buttocks or Legs
This often signals nerve involvement, such as sciatica.
Pain That Worsens With Activity or Prolonged Sitting
Common with desk jobs or long commutes, even mild activity may worsen discomfort.
Muscle Spasms
Sudden tightening of muscles may occur, making movement painful or unpredictable.
How a Pain Management Doctor Can Help:
At POA, we begin with diagnostic imaging and a detailed physical assessment to determine the exact cause of lower back pain. Treatment plans are individualized and may include physical therapy to strengthen core muscles, medication management, and targeted injections. For persistent cases, minimally invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation can provide long-term relief.
Options may include:
Epidural steroid injections
Facet joint injections
Core stabilization therapy
Radiofrequency nerve ablation
2. Chronic Pain Because of Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA is primarily due to the gradual breakdown of cartilage in joints over time. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include age, obesity, prior joint injuries, and repetitive stress from work or sports.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis (OA):
Joint Pain, Especially After Movement
Pain that worsens with activity and improves after rest.
Swelling and Tenderness
Inflammation causes visible swelling and sensitivity in the joint.
Reduced Range of Motion
Stiff joints limit how far or freely you can move.
Joint Stiffness, Particularly in the Morning
It may take 30 minutes or more before joints "loosen up."
Grating Sensation or Bone Spurs
A grinding feeling can occur as bone rubs against bone due to lost cartilage.
How a Pain Management Doctor Can Help Your Osteoarthritis:
Managing osteoarthritis means improving function and reducing inflammation without excessive reliance on medications. We may use image-guided joint injections, bracing, and regenerative treatments. Pain doctors also help patients adapt with assistive devices and lifestyle modifications.
Common treatments include:
Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid joint injections
Physical and occupational therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications
Assistive supports like canes or orthotics
3. Chronic Neck Pain and Cervical Radiculopathy
Often caused by cervical disc herniation or arthritis that compresses spinal nerves. Poor posture, especially with prolonged screen time, is a growing cause in younger adults.
Symptoms of Chronic Neck Pain and Cervical Radiculopathy:
Localized Neck Pain
This may feel like soreness or burning pain that worsens with movement.
Radiating Pain Down the Arms
Indicates nerve root irritation in the cervical spine.
Numbness or Tingling in the Hands or Fingers
This is a sign of nerve compression or inflammation.
Muscle Weakness
You may have difficulty gripping objects or experience arm fatigue.
Headaches Originating From the Neck
Tension and nerve irritation can cause referred pain into the skull.
How a Pain Management Doctor Can Help :
Our team focuses on identifying the source of the nerve compression. We use imaging-guided cervical injections, therapeutic exercises, and posture correction strategies. Nerve blocks or ablation may be used for stubborn pain.
Possible interventions include:
Cervical epidural steroid injections
Neuromuscular re-education
Postural therapy
Targeted pain medications
4. Chronic Pain from Sciatica
Sciatica is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve which can often be caused by a herniated disc or bone spur. Spinal stenosis or pelvic trauma may also contribute.
Symptoms of Chronic Pain from Sciatica:
Shooting Pain From the Lower Back Down One Leg
Often described as electric or burning, it can worsen with prolonged sitting.
Burning or Tingling Sensations
Typically felt along the sciatic nerve path.
Weakness in the Leg or Foot
May affect balance, walking, or climbing stairs.
Pain That Worsens When Sitting or Standing for Long Periods
Certain positions increase pressure on the nerve root.
Difficulty Walking
Pain may become sharp or radiate with movement.
How a Pain Management Doctor Can Help:
Treatment focuses on reducing nerve inflammation and preventing flare-ups. POA specialists use targeted injections, movement re-education, and sometimes minimally invasive procedures to decompress the nerve.
Treatment strategies may include:
Lumbar epidural injections
Sciatic nerve blocks
Decompression exercises
Anti-neuropathic medications
5. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
CRPS can develop after surgery, fracture, or sprain. It involves abnormal nerve responses and inflammation that affect the central nervous system's pain regulation.
Symptoms of CRPS:
Severe, Ongoing Pain in One Limb
Pain that is often disproportionate to what would be expected from the initial injury.
Swelling and Skin Color Changes
The limb may appear red, blue, or blotchy.
Sensitivity to Touch (Allodynia)
Even light brushing or temperature changes cause significant pain.
Decreased Mobility or Joint Stiffness
The affected area may become hard to move or hypersensitive.
Temperature or Sweating Irregularities
One limb may feel noticeably warmer or colder.
How a Pain Management Doctor Can Help:
CRPS is complex and requires early, aggressive treatment. Our physicians often use sympathetic nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and desensitization therapy to restore mobility and decrease hypersensitivity.
Interventions may include:
Sympathetic nerve blocks
Spinal cord stimulation
Desensitization therapy
Multidisciplinary rehab
Other Common Chronic Pain Conditions
Fibromyalgia
A widespread chronic pain condition that affects muscles and soft tissues, often accompanied by fatigue, memory issues ("fibro fog"), and sleep disturbances.
Symptoms include:
Constant, dull body aches
Tender points across the body
Extreme fatigue and non-restorative sleep
Heightened sensitivity to pain and temperature
Chronic Headaches and Migraines
Recurring, often debilitating head pain that can last hours to days. Migraines that are frequently accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and aura.
Symptoms can include:
Experiencing throbbing or pulsing pain, typically on one side
Having sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
Feelings of nausea or vomiting
Having visual disturbances or aura (flashes, blind spots)
Pain stemming from wear and tear, inflammation, or stiffness of the shoulder joint or tendons. It can severely limit arm function.
Symptoms include:
Dull or sharp pain in the shoulder or upper arm
Stiffness or "locking" in the joint
Weakness with lifting or overhead movement
Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
Post-Surgical or Post-Traumatic Pain Syndromes
Pain that persists beyond normal healing after surgery or injury, often involving nerve damage or tissue hypersensitivity.
Symptoms include:
Persistent pain at the surgical or injury site
Burning, tingling, or stabbing sensations
Increased pain with touch or movement
Limited function in the affected area
Why See a POA Pain Management Specialist?
Seeing a pain management doctor at POA isn't just about getting medication or another procedure—it's about reclaiming your life. Our physicians take a whole-person approach to your care. That means listening closely, examining thoroughly, and crafting a treatment plan to meet your needs, lifestyle, and goals.
Whether your pain has lasted months or years, our team is equipped with the tools and experience to make a difference. We blend advanced medical technologies with human compassion. Our goal is to help you move better, sleep longer, work easier, and engage in life again—on your terms.
Pain doesn't need to define who you are or what you can do. With the right care, you can get your life back—and it starts with a conversation at POA.
This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.
Welcoming Dr. Sedhom: Your Specialist in Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Pain Management
We are delighted to introduce the newest addition to our esteemed medical team, Dr. Sedhom, a dedicated expert in Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Interventional Pain Management. Dr. Sedhom's impressive background and commitment to patient well-being make her a valuable asset to our practice. If you're seeking compassionate care and effective pain management solutions, Dr. Sedhom is here to help.
Educational Excellence
Dr. Sedhom's journey to becoming a leading specialist began with her academic prowess. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from New York University, a testament to her dedication to understanding the complexities of patient care on both physical and psychological levels.
She continued her educational journey at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she earned her DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree. Her commitment to advancing her medical knowledge led her to a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency at the renowned Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. During her time at Mount Sinai, Dr. Sedhom served as the Chief Resident for the Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performances, showcasing her leadership and dedication to her field.
Expertise in Pain Management
To further refine her skills and expertise, Dr. Sedhom completed an Interventional Pain Management Fellowship at Northwell/Hofstra School of Medicine. This specialized training equips her with advanced techniques and strategies for effectively managing and alleviating pain, ensuring that her patients receive the best possible care.
Dedicated to Research and Excellence
Dr. Sedhom's commitment to excellence extends to her contributions to the medical field. She has multiple peer-reviewed publications and presentations, reflecting her dedication to advancing the knowledge and practice of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Pain Management.
Affiliations and Specializations
Dr. Sedhom is affiliated with prestigious medical organizations, including the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The New York Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, and the North American Neuromodulation Society.
Your Path to Relief and Recovery
If you're seeking compassionate care and effective pain management solutions, Dr. Sedhom is here to provide you with exceptional treatment. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, rehabilitation needs, or a desire for enhanced physical well-being, Dr. Sedhom's expertise can help you on your path to relief and recovery.
You can learn more about Dr. Sedhom here. Don't hesitate to contact our office today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Sedhom. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health and well-being.
