Dr. Todd E. Lininger's Schools

• Wayne State University School of Medicine , Class of 1985 Received a in Medicine

Dr. Todd E. Lininger's Publications

• What is Chronic Pain? February, 2011 by Dr. Todd Lininger Due to the complex nature and unclear origins of chronic pain, no firm definition exists for the condition. Some researchers consider pain chronic if it lasts beyond a certain period time, usually six months. Others use the label “chronic” if the pain lasts longer than one would reasonably expect given the cause. By definition, chronic pain responds poorly to traditional treatment options. The best outcomes are achieved through a combination of therapies, both traditional and complementary. Chronic pain may occur due to an injury or for no apparent reason whatsoever. It is generally understood that chronic pain exists as a disorder of the nervous system. Pain receptors continue to fire, with or without stimulation, and magnetic resonance studies demonstrate that some individuals with chronic pain display abnormal brain activity. Chronic pain may remain localized in a specific area or system of the body or it may appear generally throughout the body. Generalized, neuropathic pain may produce a sensation of burning, shivering, or tingling across the body. On the other hand, localized pain may simply affect one joint or organ. Some individuals also experience referred pain, in which an injury in one part of the body is felt in another part. In more pronounced cases, chronic pain often leads to secondary complications. Individuals with chronic pain frequently experience trouble sleeping and the resulting fatigue contributes to their pain symptoms. They also often develop depression or anxiety, which further exacerbates the situation. A comprehensive range of treatments exist to alleviate chronic pain and different combinations are utilized until the patient begins to respond. Physical and occupational therapy prove effective in the treatment of chronic pain. It has been observed that a return to normalcy in other areas of life increases the probability of recovery from chronic pain. Psychological counseling also helps patients to overcome chronic pain when a personality disorder plays a role in etiology. A variety of medical interventions may also be applied, ranging from nerve blocks and morphine pumps to spinal cord stimulation and the administration of opioid medication. In addition, complementary treatments such as acupuncture or chiropractic prove useful for certain patients. About the Author: Dr. Todd Lininger serves as a founding partner and physician at Pain Care Associates, based in Bloomfield Township, Michigan. An expert in pain management, he holds a particular interest in complementary medicine.

• About the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine March, 2011 Bloomfield, Michigan-based Dr. Todd Lininger practices pain management at Pain Care Associates, a multidisciplinary clinic focused on diagnosing and treating pain with medicine, physical and occupational therapy, counseling, acupuncture, and other methodologies. Educated at Wayne State University School of Medicine and trained in the Department of Anesthesiology at Detroit Medical Center’s Sinai-Grace Hospital, Dr. Todd Lininger networks through and shares his expertise with several professional groups, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. Founded in 1923, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine currently serves 5,500 physicians and researchers located around the globe. The mission of the Society encompasses educating professionals, encouraging scientific research, and maintaining standards of patient care. The trade group’s continuing medical education programs include general sessions, intensive workshops, and the Annual Regional Anesthesia Meeting, where doctors and scientists learn about the accomplishments and activities in pain medicine around the world. The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine supports research efforts in regional and local anesthesiology, obstetrics, pain control, and other areas. The Society finances $75,000 biennially in clinical and lab studies, funding grants between $500 and $75,000 in size. Past recipients include the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management at Toronto General Hospital in Ontario and the University of California, San Francisco’s Department of Anesthesia. The bimonthly Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, the official publication of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, features peer-reviewed studies related to chronic and perioperative pain, obstetric and pediatric anesthesia, and intraoperative techniques. Read more about the Society at www.asra.com Read more about Dr. Todd E. Lininger

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