Columbia Pain and Spine Institute

11/13/2025

A new study suggests that self-administered hypnosis significantly reduces hot flash symptoms for women going through menopause. -->

By Crystal Lindell A new study suggests that self-administered hypnosis significantly reduces hot flash symptoms for women going through menopause. While previous research has shown that hypnosis can relieve hot flashes, depression, PTSD and even some types of chronic pain, those studies m

11/12/2025

A combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen works just as well as a low dose of opioids in relieving pain in men and women after wisdom tooth removal, according to a new study in JAMA Network Open. -->

By Pat Anson A combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen works just as well as a low dose of opioids in relieving pain in men and women after wisdom tooth removal, according to a new study in JAMA Network Open .  The research builds on a previous study of over 1,800 patients, wh

11/12/2025

Thank you, Veterans.
Needless to say, our nation is still free because of your sacrifice(s).
We salute your bravery and willingness to stand in the breech for us and our liberties.


Columbia Pain and Spine Institute
689 NW Burnside Rd
Gresham, OR 97030
Phone: (503) 382-8100
New Patient Appointment Line:
(503) 382-8184

11/12/2025

Some 15 years ago, “central sensitization” was a term I first started seeing when I was editor of Practical Pain Management. It was defined as experiencing a pain level above what was normally expected from arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, and other peripheral (outside the brain) pain conditions.

When central sensitization was present, it was an indication to more aggressively treat the pain with opioids and/or other measures. Unfortunately, this simple, well-meaning term has been transformed by some unscrupulous practitioners to imply that patients with central sensitization don’t need opioids or other treatment.-->

By Dr. Forest Tennant Some 15 years ago, “central sensitization” was a term I first started seeing when I was editor of Practical Pain Management. It was defined as experiencing a pain level above what was normally expected from arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, and other peripheral (outside ...

11/09/2025

I first heard the word “arachnoiditis” from the spine surgeon who performed my lumbar fusion. This was a virtual office visit. I leaned into my laptop screen to say: “That sounds like a spider.”

“Yes,” he replied.

He had identified the source of my unexpected post-op pain: arachnoiditis, a chronic inflammatory disease that’s even creepier than it sounds. Its symptoms usually arise after spinal trauma due to surgery, injury or commonly prescribed injections.

More doctors and patients should know about this small chance of a very big problem. -->

By Julie Titone I first heard the word “arachnoiditis” from the spine surgeon who performed my lumbar fusion. This was a virtual office visit. I leaned into my laptop screen to say: “That sounds like a spider.” “Yes,” he replied. He had identified the source of my unexpected post-op pain...

11/07/2025

It’s been happening since I hit puberty, and it never stopped. At every doctor’s appointment I get hit with some version of the infamous question: “Have you thought about trying to lose some weight?”

Sometimes the tone is nice, most of the time it’s condescending.

And my answer is always the same. Yes, I have tried to lose weight.. Of course, I f***ing have. I’m not allowed to exist in our society without constantly thinking about trying to lose weight. -->

By Crystal Lindell It’s been happening since I hit puberty, and it never stopped. At every doctor’s appointment I get hit with some version of the infamous question: “Have you thought about trying to lose some weight?” Sometimes the tone is nice, most of the time it’s condescending. And my...

11/06/2025

Stiff knees, aching hips and the slow grind of chronic joint pain are often accepted as an unavoidable part of getting older. But while osteoarthritis is the world’s most common joint disease, experts say the way we treat and prevent it is badly out of step with the evidence. -->

By Clodagh Toomey Stiff knees, aching hips and the slow grind of chronic joint pain are often accepted as an unavoidable part of getting older. But while osteoarthritis is the world’s most common joint disease, experts say the way we treat and prevent it is badly out of step with the evidence. T

11/04/2025

Rheumatic diseases include autoimmune and inflammatory disorders affecting the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Their early signs frequently resemble common health issues, such as the natural effects of aging, everyday stress, or minor aches and pains. This overlap often leads to the misdiagnosis of symptoms, complicating early detection. Autoimmune diseases don’t follow a script – and vague, shifting symptoms often defy simple explanations. -->

By Tara Bruner Millions of people across the United States experience joint pain, fatigue, or stiffness. These symptoms are commonly associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which affect about 4.6% of the U.S. population . Diagnosing autoimmune conditions remains diff

11/02/2025

Eli Lilly's experimental non-opioid pain medication – named LY3857210 – had lackluster results in clinical trials, the latest setback for Big Pharma in developing alternatives to opioid analgesics.

The pharmaceutical company told Fierce Biotech that the oral medication, which is a P2X7 inhibitor, "did not meet our high internal bar for success and is being removed from the pipeline for pain."

P2X7 inhibitors are being studied for their potential to relieve chronic pain and cancer-related pain by inhibiting inflammation and nerve signaling.

But when Lilly tested LY3857210 in Phase 2 trials on patients with osteoarthritis and diabetic neuropathic pain, it performed no better than a placebo in relieving pain. -->

By Crystal Lindell Eli Lilly's experimental non-opioid pain medication – named LY3857210 – had lackluster results in clinical trials, the latest setback for Big Pharma in developing alternatives to opioid analgesics.   The pharmaceutical company told Fierce Biotech that t

11/01/2025

They deliver it like it’s some kind of mic drop.
“Opioids are not a cure,” they say.
But here’s the important thing: Almost nothing in medicine is a cure. -->

By Neen Monty They deliver it like it’s some kind of mic drop. “Opioids are not a cure,” they say. But here’s the important thing: Almost nothing in medicine is a cure. Insulin doesn’t cure diabetes. But it keeps people alive. Methotrexate and Xeljanz don’t cure rheumatoid arthritis. The...

10/31/2025

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Columbia Pain and Spine Institute
689 NW Burnside Rd
Gresham, OR 97030
Phone: (503) 382-8100
New Patient Appointment Line:
(503) 382-8184

10/30/2025

The only thing worse than chronic pain is chronic pain with hunger.

But that’s exactly the situation we are about to plunge millions of Americans into if SNAP benefits don’t go out in November. -->

By Crystal Lindell The only thing worse than chronic pain is chronic pain with hunger.  But that’s exactly the situation we are about to plunge millions of Americans into if SNAP benefits don’t go out in November.  The food stamp program — more formally called the Supplemental