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Why Multifidus Stimulation May Help Chronic Back Pain When Nothing Else Works

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Chronic low back pain is one of the most challenging conditions we treat in Melbourne. Many patients spend years trying physiotherapy, injections, medications, or even surgery, with little or no lasting relief. At Pain Specialists Australia, we hear stories like: 

“I’ve tried everything, and nothing worked.” 

“Every scan says nothing serious, but I can’t sit, walk, or even sleep without pain.” 

“If I could wake up and not plan my day around pain, that would be life-changing.” 

This blog explains why standard care often fails, and how multifidus restorative stimulation offers a unique, evidence-based solution that targets the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms. As national, as well as international, leaders in advanced interventional pain medicine, we aim to provide clear education and reassurance for patients who feel they have run out of options. 

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WATCH: The Pain Diaries Podcast: Where Can CRPS Develop in the Body? Doctors Answer Your Questions

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Watch our pain specialists answer real patient questions in this new mini episode of The Pain Diaries Podcast.

CRPS doesn’t only affect the arms and legs. It can also develop in areas like the abdomen, pelvis, or trunk.

We explain how CRPS is recognised, why early diagnosis matters, and what treatments may help.

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WATCH: The Pain Diaries Podcast - Episode 4: Why You Still Have Back Pain | 15 Causes Explained by Specialists

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We’re back with a new episode of The Pain Diaries Podcast!

If you’re still struggling with back pain despite normal MRI results or ineffective physiotherapy, this episode is for you.

Join our Melbourne-based pain specialists as they reveal 15 potential causes of chronic back pain - including disc issues, joint pain, nerve irritation, muscle dysfunction, and central sensitisation.

This expert-led video breaks down the complexities behind persistent back pain and offers clear guidance on diagnosis and treatment approaches.

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WATCH: The Pain Diaries Podcast - Episode 3: Dietitian Reveals the Power of Anti-inflammatory Diet

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We’re back with a new episode of The Pain Diaries Podcast!

This time, we’re diving into the connection between food, inflammation, and chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Join pain specialist Dr Nick Christelis and accredited dietitian Sherie Alexander as they unpack the science behind the anti-inflammatory diet - including what to eat, what to avoid, and why small changes can make a big difference.

Learn how nutrition affects pain, the role of the Mediterranean diet, and how to make realistic food choices that support long-term relief.

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The Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Chronic Pain: What to Eat and What to Avoid – and Why It Works

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If you live with chronic pain, your food choices matter more than you think. Certain foods can help calm your immune system and nervous system, while others may worsen inflammation and increase pain.

This blog explores how diet can influence chronic pain, with practical tips to help you start today. 

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WATCH: The Pain Diaries Podcast - Episode 2: Nerve Pain Meds Explained by Experts: What Actually Works

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We’re back with a new episode of The Pain Diaries Podcast!

This time, we’re tackling one of the most common and confusing questions in pain care: what medications actually help with nerve pain?

Join pain specialists Dr Nick Christelis and Dr Bradley Lewinsohn as they break down the latest evidence behind medications for neuropathic pain - including gabapentinoids, antidepressants, topical agents, and more.

This expert-led conversation explores how medications fit into a broader pain management plan, what patients should know about side effects and effectiveness, and how to make informed decisions with your care team.

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Non-Surgical Treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease: Can Injections Help?

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Degenerative disc disease is a common source of chronic back pain, but effective relief doesn’t always require surgery. Learn what causes this condition, how it affects your spine, and explore non-surgical treatment options such as physiotherapy, targeted injections, and lifestyle changes to help you return to daily life with less pain.

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WATCH: Understanding Sciatica | When Is It Time to Seek Help?

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If you’ve ever experienced sharp pain, numbness, or weakness in the leg and wondered if it might be sciatica, you’re not alone.

Sciatica is a common condition, but it is often misunderstood.

Watch our new video, Understanding Sciatica: When Is It Time to Seek Help? for answers to questions like:

  • What are the signs?

  • What causes it?

  • When is it time to seek medical advice?

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WATCH: The Pain Diaries Podcast - Episode 1: 5 CRPS Myths That Delay Diagnosis & Treatment | CRPS Explained

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We’re excited to announce the launch of The Pain Diaries Podcast. Our first video episode is now live!

Watch Dr Nick Christelis and Dr Bradley Lewinsohn debunk 5 common myths about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), one of the most misunderstood chronic pain conditions.

Learn why early diagnosis matters, what imaging can and can't show, and why patients often feel dismissed or misdiagnosed. This expert-led conversation sheds light on real CRPS stories and explores treatment options to support recovery and reduce stigma.

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Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) for Nerve Pain: How It Works and Its Benefits

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Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, is a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. Whether caused by diabetic neuropathy, sciatica, post-surgical nerve pain, or chronic inflammatory conditions, effective treatment options can be limited.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is gaining attention as a natural supplement for nerve pain relief. But does it really work? In this blog, we’ll explore how PEA interacts with the body, its benefits for chronic pain management, and whether it could be the right option for you.

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5 Best Stretches for Back Pain Relief: Easy and Effective Ways to Loosen Tight Muscles

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5 Best Stretches for Back Pain Relief: Easy and Effective Ways to Loosen Tight Muscles

Back pain can significantly disrupt your daily life but incorporating the right exercises and stretches into your routine can provide effective relief. Whether you’re dealing with stiffness, tension, or chronic discomfort, gentle movements that strengthen and stretch your back can make a big difference.

In this article, we’ll explore simple, at-home exercises and stretches designed to ease back pain, improve flexibility, and support spinal health.

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Why is Back Pain Such a Pain?

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Why is Back Pain Such a Pain?

Almost everyone experiences back pain at some point in their life. It affects about 80% of adults, making it one of the most common causes of disability and sick days. Back pain can appear suddenly or develop gradually, affecting a small area or spreading widely across the back. While some cases are easily resolved, others can be persistent and difficult to treat.

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Pain Facts: Why Am I Still in Pain After Surgery? Understanding Post-Surgical Pain

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Have you ever found yourself asking these questions?

  • “Why do I still have pain after surgery? I thought it was supposed to stop it.”

  •  “Why is my pain worse, or different, than it was before surgery?”

  •  “If my surgery was successful, why haven’t I felt any relief?”

These are questions we hear often, and they point to a complicated issue: Persistent Post-Surgical Pain (PPSP), also known as Chronic Pain After Surgery.

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Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia: When Pain Medications Make Pain Worse

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Opioids are widely used, and strong medications used to manage pain, especially in cases of severe or chronic pain. However, these drugs come with a range of side effects, and one of the more perplexing and troubling phenomena is called opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH).

This condition describes a paradoxical response where long-term opioid use can actually increase sensitivity to pain, leading to a worsened pain state rather than pain reduction, for which it was intended.

In this blog, we'll explore what opioid-induced hyperalgesia is, who is at risk, and how it can be managed effectively.

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❔ Is a Pain Specialist the Right Choice for Managing Your Chronic Pain?

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Dealing with relentless, chronic pain can be disheartening, especially when it feels like no one has the right solution or someone suggests you simply have to live with it.

You might find yourself asking: "Is this really my life now? This pain is draining me. Nerve pain is unbearable. Shouldn't there be more modern solutions to manage my pain?"

The good news is, yes, there are ways to manage pain effectively, even if you haven't found the right approach yet. It could be that you need to look in new places or that your healthcare providers haven't pointed you in the right direction yet.

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🎙️ Dr Bradley Lewinsohn on the Victorian Saturday Mornings with Matt Preston

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🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

Our very own Pain Specialist, Dr Bradley Lewinsohn, joined Dr Sally Cockburn on the Victorian Saturday Mornings with Matt Preston - ABC Radio Show on Saturday 27 July 2024!

They delved into chronic pain topics, discussing pain medications like opioids and advanced therapies such as nerve stimulators for neuropathic pain.

Dr Lewinsohn’s segment begins at approx. 2 hours 40 minutes into the program.

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National Pain Week 2024 - Day 5: Chronic Shoulder Pain - Radiofrequency Ablation of the Articular Branch Nerves

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This video focuses on how Pain Specialists can treat chronic shoulder pain using radiofrequency ablation of the nerves surrounding the shoulder joint.

Our other videos this week will include:

  • Defining Chronic Pain: What you need to know

  • The Effects of Chronic Pain: Exploring its far-reaching Consequences

  • Can Chronic Pain Be Fatal? Understanding the Risks

  • Decoding Your Chronic Pain: The Power of Curiosity & Actively Understanding Pain

And more. 


Join us this National Pain Week to raise awareness and support the chronic pain community. Together, we can make a difference.

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National Pain Week 2024 - Day 4: Decoding Chronic Pain: Nociception vs Pain

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Understanding your chronic pain is one of the important steps to managing chronic pain.

There are many parts of pain to understand which we will elaborate on over time.

This presentation discusses the significant difference between nociception and pain.

Our other videos this week will include:

  • The Effects of Chronic Pain: Exploring its far-reaching Consequences

  • Chronic Shoulder Pain – Radiofrequency Ablation of the Articular Branch Nerves

  • Can Chronic Pain Be Fatal? Understanding the Risks

  • Decoding Your Chronic Pain: The Power of Curiosity & Actively Understanding Pain

And more. 


Join us this National Pain Week to raise awareness and support the chronic pain community. Together, we can make a difference.

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National Pain Week 2024 - Day 3: Defining Chronic Pain: What you need to know

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This video focuses on how we define the different types of pain. This is a vital subject because if the definition of the pain syndrome is correct, the correct treatment can be used.

We look at acute pain vs. chronic pain as well as all the different sub-types of chronic pain.

Our other videos this week will include:

  • The Effects of Chronic Pain: Exploring its far-reaching Consequences

  • Decoding Your Chronic Pain: Nociception vs Pain

  • Chronic Shoulder Pain – Radiofrequency Ablation of the Articular Branch Nerves

  • Can Chronic Pain Be Fatal? Understanding the Risks

  • Decoding Your Chronic Pain: The Power of Curiosity & Actively Understanding Pain

And more. 


Join us this National Pain Week to raise awareness and support the chronic pain community. Together, we can make a difference.

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National Pain Week 2024 - Day 2: The Effects of Chronic Pain: Exploring its far-reaching Consequences

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Chronic pain has far reaching consequences. It affects not only the patient but the family, and even our wider society.

Learn more about the far reaching consequences of chronic pain, which may also be a higher mortality.

Our other videos this week will include:

  • The First Consultation with a Pain Specialist – Why it Matters

  • Defining Chronic Pain: What you need to know

  • Decoding Your Chronic Pain: Nociception vs Pain

  • Chronic Shoulder Pain – Radiofrequency Ablation of the Articular Branch Nerves

  • Can Chronic Pain Be Fatal? Understanding the Risks

  • Decoding Your Chronic Pain: The Power of Curiosity & Actively Understanding Pain

And more. 


Join us this National Pain Week to raise awareness and support the chronic pain community. Together, we can make a difference.

 

COPING TIPS EBOOK

Pain Specialists Australia eBook iPad.png

As one of Australia's leading multidisciplinary pain specialist clinics, we'll explain what chronic pain is and why it occurs. We'll also explain that chronic pain should be managed as a chronic illness and not just a symptom of an illness.

We will provide you with coping tips and practical guidance to help you take the first steps to getting yourself on the road to recovery.