IASP North American Pain School Enjoys Successful First Week

Anesthesiologist Dr. Ezekiel Akande cares for patients at the Somerset Regional Pain Center in Somerset, Kentucky. As medical director of pain management, he contributes to patient care at the multi-modal pain center. As part of his professional interest in pain and pain management, Dr. Ezekiel Akande is a member of the International Association for the Study of Pain. 

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) brings together physicians and researchers from all over the world to further the study of pain. The group's efforts facilitate research in its discipline, relying on science to change the way that medicine deals with pain.

In June 2016, IASP partnered with other leading pain-focused organizations in order to create the pioneering program, North American Pain School (NAPS). Based in Montebello, Quebec, NAPS offers a week-long exploration of important topics in pain. The school's inaugural program centered on translational pain research and the ways that researchers can make real changes through their work.

The program received attention in 68 countries during its first week, largely thanks to enthusiastic participants on social media. Though NAPS was limited to 30 attendees, updates from the event reached one million interested followers throughout the week.

NIH Report Recommends Complementary Health Approaches to Pain

Dr. Ezekiel Akande leads the Somerset Regional Pain Center and provides a full range of services to patients across eastern Kentucky. A longstanding member of the American Academy of Pain Management, Dr. Ezekiel Akande stays current on the latest developments in his area of specialization.

A recently published survey by scientists at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), proposes that medications should be only part of the equation in treating chronic pain. Complementary health approaches, including acupuncture, yoga, and tai chi, are also recommended as helping to relieve chronic pain.

The study took in the results of more than 100 randomized controlled trials undertaken throughout the United States over the past half-century. Acupuncture was recommended as useful in treating back pain and knee osteoarthritis, while massage therapy was useful in reducing neck pain. The authors noted that these results help broaden the discussion that primary care providers can have with patients when discussing wellness options.