In an effort to curb the widespread abuse of opioids, the Centers for Disease Control released a recommendation to doctors on Tuesday to find non-opioid alternatives before turning to narcotics for chronic pain.

A local pain specialist tells NewsChannel 13’s Benita Zahn it's about time the CDC took action.

Dr. Edward Apicella is a pain management specialist and many of his patients, like Chad Burr, suffer with chronic back pain.

“They're doing everything they can to give me the best treatment possible for what I have now rather than just filling script from another doctor,” explained Burr.

Dr. Apicella says not relying on narcotic pain relievers is key to long term relief.

“There are many other medications, other modalities of treatment that are effective and studies have shown that long term narcotic use is of no benefit whatsoever and actually may be harmful,” Apicella noted.

ALBANY & SARATOGA CENTERS FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT – JAN 2014 – JUDY GOPPERT

According to the National Institutes of Health, back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. In fact, Americans see their doctors for low back pain more than any other reason except the common cold and flu.

Dr. Edward Apicella, Anesthesiologist and Pain Management physician is the founder of the Albany & Saratoga Centers for Pain Management. He has treated thousands of patients with back pain since opening his practice in 1997. “Although women and men experience overall pain at similar rates, women more often seek treatment for their painful conditions including back pain. Women also play the role of care coordinators for family members more than their male counterparts,” noted Dr. Apicella.

Saratoga Springs, NY - March 22, 2011

The Albany and Saratoga Centers for Pain Management are proud to announce the addition of Dr. Priti Vohra to its Saratoga office. A graduate of The New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYCOM), Dr. Vohra completed her residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Nassau University Medical Center with a Fellowship in Interventional Pain Medicine at UMDNJ – Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Newark, NJ.

Dr. Vohra will be seeing patients at the office located at 3 Care Lane in Saratoga Springs. She will be providing a full range of diagnostic and treatment options for patients with chronic pain. Patients like those suffering from back and neck pain, failed back surgery pain, joint pain, complex regional pain syndrome/RSD, headaches and neuropathic pain may benefit from Dr. Vohra’s services.

“Our goal is to not only to decrease a patient’s pain level but also to enhance their quality of life by increasing their daily functioning. After proper diagnosis and treatment, many patients are able to return to their normal leisure activities, resume work with less pain and improve their overall psychological and physical wellness.”

The Albany Center for Pain Management Opens New Office and Expands Practice in Albany, New York To Provide Advanced Pain Treatments for Patients

Local physicians offer comprehensive approach to pain management for area residents

Albany, New York – December 20, 2010 – The Albany Center for Pain Management is opening its new location in the Greater Capital area. Recognized for their multi-disciplinary approach, the physicians with The Albany Center for Pain Management provides patients who suffer from chronic pain conditions a broad spectrum of care. Therapy options range from minimally invasive pain care to advanced treatments such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS).

The Albany Center for Pain Management are moving on the 23rd and will start seeing patients on the 27th.