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| Pain, as defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain, is “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.” To a chronic pain sufferer, it changes who you are. It’s amazing that a simple four-letter word encompasses so much and has such an impact on life. It takes a toll on physical and mental well-being, affecting overall quality of life. Addressing pain while diagnosing and managing associated conditions is vitally important in overall health. It’s a multi-step process and takes a partnership. No one knows better what hurts than the patient. Physicians must then trace pain to its source, providing both relief and treatment. Dr. Candice Burnette, the newest member of Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic (RBJC), specializes in interventional pain management of spinal and musculoskeletal disorders and is committed to this quest. Fellowship-trained in pain medicine and board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, she brings the latest technology to Fort Bend. “To successfully manage pain, it’s important to examine the whole person, in order to gain an understanding of specific needs - assessing pain as well as the functional, physical, and emotional limitations. A multidisciplinary approach best accomplishes this; a collaborate effort of specialized healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Burnette. Among the valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tools she offers include electromyography, peripheral joint and trigger point injections, fluoroscopic-guided epidural steroid injections, spinal cord stimulators, discography, and nerve blocks. Linda’s Story Linda Tucci, 41, suffered with myofascial pain syndrome and the painful symptoms and related conditions for seven years before meeting Dr. Burnette. Linda received treatment every three months and lived in constant pain until the day she was introduced to Dr. Burnette. “Pain changes you…you know? Dr. Burnette took the time to really figure out what worked. She gave me hope. She gave me my life back,” said Tucci. Dr. Burnette increased the frequency of Linda’s visits to monthly, used injection therapy, and addressed associated conditions. The more frequent treatments produced immediate results. Linda then began Radiofrequency Neuroablation (RFA) for sacroiliac joint-related pain, something no other physician had offered. “This treatment made a huge difference. Dr. Burnette doesn’t just leave you hanging out there. She talked to my other doctors, and she talked to me about everything we were doing. When you deal with pain it can be emotional. You can feel like you have no hope whatsoever. She changed everything for me,” added Tucci. To learn, visit www.rbjc.com or call (281) 238-1313.
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