Today, many individuals suffer from persistent pain resulting from post-surgical complications, postherpetic neuralgia (shingles), or chronic conditions. This ongoing discomfort is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and psychological distress, significantly impacting both work and overall quality of life. Fortunately, with the development of more advanced and targeted treatment techniques, such pain can now be managed more effectively.

At two recent high-profile medical conferences, doctors from FV Hospital presented innovative pain management methods that offer renewed hope for patients with chronic pain.

Comprehensive Pain Management: A Multidimensional Approach Beyond Medication

At the 2025 CISE Scientific Conference, Dr Nguyen Nam Binh, Specialist Level I, Pain Clinic – FV Hospital, shared how FV has established a specialised pain management department, developed in alignment with international standards set by International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP).

What sets this model apart is its holistic approach, it goes beyond medication or surgery to address patients’ emotional health, psychological well-being, and living conditions. Each patient is supported by a multidisciplinary team, comprising physicians, physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers, all working toward a common goal: helping patients live more comfortably with less pain every day.

This “Comprehensive Pain Management” model is particularly effective for patients experiencing:

• Persistent pain lasting months after surgery
• Chronic back, neck, or musculoskeletal pain with no identifiable cause despite long-term treatment
• Neuropathic pain, such as post-stroke pain, sciatica, and postherpetic neuralgia
• Chronic pain accompanied by depression, anxiety, or prolonged insomnia

Dr Nam Binh emphasised: “Unlike traditional approaches that rely solely on medication or surgery, FV Hospital’s multidisciplinary pain management model offers a wide range of benefits to patients.” In addition to effective pain relief, the approach enhances sleep, mood, mobility, and overall quality of life through personalised treatment plans tailored to each individual’s condition.

Regional Anaesthesia: Targeted Pain Relief for Postherpetic Neuralgia Without Heavy Medication

Meanwhile, at the AOSRA-PM international webinar, Dr Pham Hoang Manh, Specialist Level I, Pain Clinic – FV Hospital, presented a technique that provides significant relief for patients suffering from postherpetic neuralgia – a common complication of shingles, particularly among older adults.

The technique, known as regional anaesthesia, involves injecting a local anaesthetic directly into the affected nerve region. This targeted approach quickly alleviates pain, reduces the need for high-dose painkillers, and minimises side effects. Widely used in many developed countries, it is now routinely performed at FV Hospital.

Patients who may benefit from this technique include:

• Individuals who have had shingles and continue to experience burning, stabbing, or lingering pain on the skin even after the rash has healed
• Those whose pain disrupts daily activities, sleep, work, or mental health
• Older adults with severe post-shingles pain, who are at high risk of developing chronic pain if left untreated

Regional anaesthesia blocks pain at its source, providing rapid relief without the need for excessive medication. It is considered a safe technique with minimal complications and can significantly reduce the risk of long-term pain when performed early. Dr Manh advises  patients who have had shingles consult a pain specialist as early as possible for proper assessment and timely intervention.

Both of these techniques exemplify FV Hospital’s modern, patient-centred approach – one that combines clinical expertise with compassion and reflects global best practices in pain management.

For patients, the results can be life-changing. Chronic pain no longer has to be accepted as a part of daily life. With the right treatment and support from experienced specialists, patients can regain restful sleep, emotional well-being, and the freedom to move with greater ease and confidence.