This Monday’s 6:30 p.m. meeting of the Rogers City area Chronic Pain Support Group will feature a special guest speaker, Lynn M. Bekkering.

She is a medical assistant to Dr. Eugene P. Wang, D.O., President of Harborside Spine and Sports Center of Petoskey. Bekkering will offer information regarding treatment that goes beyond traditionally-offered pain reduction prescriptions.

Radio Frequency Ablation is a procedure where a radio wave heats up a small amount of nerve tissue, thereby decreasing the pain signals from that area. A quick and effective outpatient treatment, many have found temporary relief from chronic pain, particularly in the neck and/or spinal areas.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a minimally invasive non-surgical treatment that lessens pain by promoting long-lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions. While PRP has been used for decades (primarily for professional athletes), its application in the treatment of pain is relatively new and is therefore not currently covered by most insurance companies.

Another innovative chronic pain treatment is HF10, a medical implant device that provides spinal cord stimulation and doesn’t require major surgery.

To learn more about these alternatives to medications in treating chronic pain, plan to attend this Monday evening. The Chronic Pain Support Group meets the second Monday of each month at Peace Lutheran Church on M-68 Highway in Rogers City, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

If you have questions about this particular meeting, contact Dianne Darga, MA, LPC, at 989-734-4721.