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An Evening with Dr. Venger of TriState Pain Institute

Did you know? Dr. Benjamin Venger of TriState Pain Institute will be hosting an educational event on Monday, March 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM! During the event, Dr. Venger will discuss the challenges that can arise from taking opioids and the risks that come with children and teens misusing and abusing prescription medications. As a leader in pain management for the Fort Mohave community, Dr. Venger encourages anyone and everyone to stop by the event.

For those who are unfamiliar with opioids, this class of drug includes prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and more, as well as the illicit drug known as heroin. Opioids interact with receptors in the brain and nervous system to... Read more

TSPI Attends Substance Abuse Coalition Meeting to Support MATForce Mission

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 23.5 million people over the age of 12 sought treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol abuse in 2009. Over the years, that number has fluctuated – seeing increases and decreases as laws have changed and other drugs have either become legal or illegal (i.e. medical marijuana and prescription medication restrictions). 

Regardless, the pain management specialists at TriState Pain Institute (TSPI) have witnessed it all, and they understand the impact substance abuse has on members of the Fort Mohave community. Individuals subjected to substance abuse often experience financials struggles, loss... Read more

Which Sport Is The Toughest On Your Knees?

 

You’ve probably overheard your running friends complain about how much their joints (knees, especially) hurt after jogging a few miles on the treadmill or rugged terrain. Therefore, you probably think you’ve got the above-mentioned question (i.e. which sport is the toughest on your knees?) answered. Well, we’re here to tell you running is not the toughest on your knees, although it comes relatively close. Ready for the answer? Drum roll, please…

According to Health Magazine’s June 2012 issue, skiing is the toughest sport/recreational activity on your knees! Makes sense now that you think about it, huh? Nevertheless, the team at TriState Pain Institute is sharing information on some of the other sports that can be... Read more

We Live In a Medically Underserved Region

By: Benjamin H. Venger, MD, FAANS (L), Medical Director, The TriState Pain Institute 

A medically underserved area is where local residents face a relative or absolute lack of medical resources, including providers, staffed hospital beds, and equipment. Within Mohave County a fragile economy, contractual issues between patients, providers and facilities, as well as a frequent lack of communication between medical shareholders, have exacerbated this shortfall. A dearth of available medical specialties and specialists has also lead to many reguarly seeking care outside of our community. Some are denied access to non-emergent care outright. Potential income for reinvestment is diverted from our hospitals, worsening... Read more

Researchers Look to Improve Treatment For Patients Who Can't Speak

In a study from the University of Maryland in collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University started on April 28, 2014, researchers are testing a new method for managing pain in patients who are hospitalized and unable to report their pain verbally to their doctors. Titled, “Managing Acute Pain in Critically Ill Non-communicative Palliative Care Patients,” the study applies Pain Assessment and interventions; various pain medications, and management of side effects.

At TriState Pain Institute, Dr. Benjamin Venger and the talented TSPI team work with patients to identify the source(s) of pain and a recommend a variety of pain management techniques that can be applied for the most effective pain relief. Located in Fort Mohave... Read more

FDA Opioid Regulations

In the continuous battle against opioid misuse, the FDA is starting to uncover the origins of the problem and is attempting to implement new solutions. Opioids being the strongest pain killers, dependency affects around 5 million people in the U.S. Approximately 22,134 deaths occurred in 2010 resulting from opioids, which calls for action considering the percentage of patients prescribed opioids in the last 10 years has doubled and continues to grow.

A recent reinforcement of the effort has been the approval of the opioid Zohydro ER. This new pain management prescription is suitable for long-term treatment and does not include acetaminophen, the liver toxin in the majority of hydrocodone prescriptions. Zohydro is also an... Read more

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