Age Well, Live Better: Integrating Pain Management and Longevity

I’ve had the privilege of training with some of the best in allopathic medicine, and I'm incredibly grateful for that. A few years ago, when I told one of my esteemed mentors that I was shifting my career towards an integrative approach to pain management, he jokingly said, “Oh, so you’re going to do your yoga and breathing stuff.” That does not even scratch the surface.

As an early adopter of integrative medicine and healthy longevity, and one of the first board-certified anesthesiologists in the space, I wanted to share why I made this shift. I always believed that treating pain required more than just needles and pills. This belief solidified after completing a multidisciplinary Interventional Pain Fellowship across three different hospitals, each with a unique focus (cancer, joints, and common spine/musculoskeletal issues).

Pain is complicated, which is why physicians from diverse backgrounds—like anesthesiology, neurology, and PM&R—can all pursue the same Interventional Pain Fellowship. In a traditional setting, patients often see multiple specialists and receive various medications, but this setup rarely addresses the whole system. 

More than a decade later, I’m convinced that treating chronic pain effectively is rooted in systems biology. This approach considers the body as a complex network of interconnected systems. By identifying and addressing underlying issues such as inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances, we can not only alleviate symptoms but also prevent future problems. This integrative nuanced approach not only reduces pain but also enhances overall health, offering a more comprehensive and sustainable solution to chronic pain management.

While acupuncture, mind-body practices, and manual therapy are all important (as noted under one chapter dedicated to “complementary therapies” in academic pain textbooks), I see them as part of a broader goal of healthy longevity. Initiating these practices after chronic pain sets in, can help, but does not resolve underlying issues. We need to think broader and start sooner.

Effective interventional pain management enhances quality of life, maintains physical and mental health, and reduces medication dependency—all of which are essential for promoting healthy aging. However, healthy longevity focuses on prevention and personalization, rather than just treatment. 

It’s hard for me to separate systems biology when helping patients in my current practice. I cannot unsee what I’ve seen, and therefore my practice of medicine will forever change. I am happy that there is a growing awareness about healthy longevity and how to delay or mitigate illness, and I urge my colleagues to start adopting these practices for themselves and their patients. Let's redefine aging as we move forward. A big shout out to those already on this journey with me. Longevity Docs , Casey Kelley , Catherine Johnson, MD DABOM, ABEM, MSCP Nora LaTorre Dr Olivia Ly Lesslar Gautam Gulati, MD, MBA, MPH, CID Bobby Koneru, MD

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