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The Fight-or-Flight Response to Severe Pain: Is Surgery Always the Answer?




The Problem: Severe Pain and the Urge for a Quick Fix


When pain becomes unbearable, it can feel like a crisis that demands immediate action. The sharp, unrelenting agony of a torn rotator cuff or severe joint injury often triggers a fight-or-flight response, convincing us that the most radical,  immediate solution is the only way forward. In the world of mainstream medicine and insurance-driven healthcare, this "solution" frequently means surgery.

If your shoulder feels like it’s on fire or as if it’s falling apart, it’s natural to want it “fixed” immediately. Surgery, with its dramatic precision, can seem like the fiery, violent answer that matches the intensity of your pain. But is surgery truly the fastest or most effective path to recovery?


The Solution: A Less Invasive, More Natural Approach


While surgery can sometimes be necessary, it’s not always the quick fix it appears to be. A surgical solution may address structural issues in the short term, but recovery often involves months of healing, physical therapy, and disruptions to your daily life. What initially feels like a "fast" solution can end up being anything but.

Regenerative treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow concentrate offer a gentler alternative. These treatments leverage your body’s natural repair mechanisms to treat damaged tissues without the slicing and dicing of a scalpel. Using fine needles and guided precision, we can address many joint conditions—even those causing severe pain—with far less disruption to your life.

Under light sedation, PRP and bone marrow concentrate can help repair tendons, ligaments, and other tissues, often resulting in shorter recovery times compared to surgery. And because these treatments work to restore the natural anatomy, they avoid the permanent alterations that surgery can impose.

It’s important to note that not all conditions are amenable to regenerative treatments. There are times when surgery is the best or only option. In such cases, we collaborate with some of the most skilled surgeons to ensure you receive the care you need. However, for many patients, less invasive options can provide significant relief without the long-term consequences of surgery.


What This Means for Patients


For patients in severe pain, this is a reminder to pause and explore all your options before rushing to surgery. The instinct to seek immediate relief is understandable, but considering less invasive alternatives can lead to similar or even better outcomes with fewer long-term impacts on your body and life.

Regenerative treatments like PRP or bone marrow concentrate offer a natural way to address pain and dysfunction. They respect your body’s innate ability to heal while minimizing downtime and disruption to your routine. Remember, it’s your body and your choice. Taking the time to evaluate your options could save you unnecessary discomfort and help you return to your daily activities faster.


What This Means for Doctors


For physicians, this underscores the importance of presenting a full spectrum of treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs. Recognizing the limitations and demands of surgery, doctors can empower patients by offering or referring to physicians who specialize in regenerative treatments that prioritize repairing damaged structures and helping to preserve the natural anatomy.

By referring to physicians who offer these treatments into their practice, physicians can help provide solutions that align with the growing demand for non-invasive, patient-centered care. This approach not only enhances patient outcomes but also fosters trust and collaboration, ensuring that patients feel supported in their journey to recovery.


Discover Your Options at Pain Experts

When severe pain strikes, take a moment to consider your options. At Pain Experts, we specialize in regenerative treatments that help repair your body gently, often with quicker recovery times and fewer disruptions than surgery. Whether it’s your shoulder, knee, or another joint causing discomfort, we’re here to help you find the best path forward. Schedule a consultation today and let us guide you toward relief and recovery with confidence.


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               Deborah Westergaard, MD

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