by Alan R. Tait, Ph.D.
The Multidisciplinary Pain Center was borne as a result of the realization that chronic pain is a multifaceted condition requiring specialized care and expertise of the individual components. This approach not only involves the combined efforts of anesthesiologists, nurses, psychologists, social workers and physiotherapists, but also provides a unified and effective means of patient care, and a fertile arena for collaborative research initiatives.
To date, research efforts have been directed at developing new pain treatment modalities, evaluating drug therapies and examining the social and psychological profiles of the patient with pain. Realizing the difficulties of performing research in a busy clinic environment, the Pain Center has recently hired a part-time Research Nurse and Research Associate to help develop research protocols, and be involved in data collection and analysis. Connie Kinder Kerr has taken the position as Research Nurse and will be funded through a grant obtained by Dr. Carmen Green from the Medical School. Helen Ristic, Ph.D. will act as the new Research Associate and brings a wealth of research experience to the position. Dr. Jack Rosenberg, the newly appointed Director of Pain Research together with the Center Director, Dr. Michael de Rosayro will coordinate the research efforts of the group.
The success of such a research group is heavily dependent on good communication and collaboration. At present, the group meets regularly to evaluate progress, discuss any difficulties and to review new ideas or proposals. This forum provides a continual assessment of progress and many new ideas. A number of projects are now underway. Jack Rosenberg, M.D., is involved with several projects including studies to assure localization of sacroiliac joint injections using CT visualization, evaluation of the effect of ECT on chronic pain and the effect of Gabapentin on neuropathic pain. Dr. Green is presently examining variations in the depth of the epidural space in the cervical region and also the effect of superior hypogastric block on chronic pelvic pain and interstitial cystitis. Dr. Green is also starting a project with myself and social worker Lee Rosenblum to examine the social history and health utilization profile of the chronic pain patient. Fellow Dr. Sayuri Pearson is involved in a project to examine the efficacy of chronic opioid therapy in pain patients and Dr. Vildan Mullin is embarking on a study to evaluate the effect of intra-arterial phentolamine on patients with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.
Although, given the limitations of space afforded here, it is impossible to relate all the research activities that are presently underway in the Multidisciplinary Pain Center, it is easy to see that the study of pain provides an intriguing and relatively untapped area of research. The development of a dedicated group of researchers with the appropriate research support system bodes well for the academic success of this group.