Healthy Living
Advanced Spine and Joint Center of Nebraska
Lasting Hope For Chronic Pain
By Linda Sutherland
We’ve all experienced pain, but not everyone has experienced chronic pain. This is a special type of discomfort—one that is never far away and causes much physical and psychological suffering. Many people think chronic pain is something they just “have to live with” because they’ve tried treatments that didn’t work. The compassionate pain management professionals at Advanced Spine and Joint Center of Nebraska want us to know that chronic pain doesn’t have to be simply endured. They specialize in helping people whose lives have been affected by chronic pain.
Chronic pain has the ability to change your life on a daily basis by curbing your participation in activities that you want to enjoy (or just need to get done). And if you have ever sought help for chronic pain, you know it can be a slow process to find results. The dedicated team at Advanced Spine and Joint Center of Nebraska recognizes that fact and can offer cutting-edge treatments as potential solutions to your struggle.
One of these pain management pros is James Devney, DO. Dr. Devney grew up right here in Omaha. He taught at Creighton for just over two years but has been practicing collectively in Omaha for more than 20 years. He moved on to the Nebraska Spine Center, where he started the practice’s pain management section. He ran a solo medical practice for more than a decade before coming to Advanced Spine and Joint Center of Nebraska. Dr. Devney is the clinic’s newest staff physician, and he works every day to find pain management solutions for his patients.
Dr. Devney greatly enjoys the day-to-day interaction with his patients, who may have acute or chronic pain. Initially, he consults with his patients to begin the thorough process of reviewing their past medical records, completing a medical examination, and ordering or obtaining appropriate diagnostic testing. Once he has all the available information on a patient, he can initiate a treatment plan.
Advanced Spine and Joint Center of Nebraska offer pain medicine therapeutics, which can include appropriate and mindful medication management, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and patient education. All the physicians at Advanced Spine and Joint Center of Nebraska have added board certification in pain management to their education. Their combined experience is more than 65 years.
Advanced Spine and Joint Center of Nebraska can help patients dealing with many types of pain, including back pain, joint pain, and neck pain. They do not seek to mask the problem; they strive to find and address the root cause of pain. They specialize in minimally invasive, non-surgical procedures. Dr. Devney’s goals are always to get his patients back to their family, to their work, and to living their best life.
Dr. Devney developed his love for the medical field when he was in the military as a physical therapy technician/field medic. While he was enlisted, he met an orthopedic surgeon who mentored him and encouraged him to pursue a career in medicine. He attended medical school at the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center. He then completed a four-year residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation through Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He followed that up with fellowship training at the Virginia Spine Institute.
When asked if there is any one person who has most influenced his life and career, Dr. Devney quickly answers, “my wife, Susie. We married at a very young age, and she has been my best friend, confidant, and strong motivator along this journey. Without her, the dream of becoming a physician undoubtedly would have never materialized. We now have two wonderful grown children and one grandson.”
The greatest reward of working in pain management, he says, is the satisfaction he feels when he knows his work has had a significantly positive impact on someone else’s life. “I have been privileged beyond belief as a physician and continually strive to grow and evolve as medicine changes.” He is proud to work in the medical community in Omaha, which he describes as “chock full of extraordinary healthcare providers.”
Dr. Devney understands that people who have tried treatment for chronic pain but have not experienced relief can begin to feel hopeless and helpless. He advises us to “be patient and have confidence in our medical system, which is the best in the world. Seek out passionate doctors, and don’t be afraid of getting a second opinion.” He reminds us that we have the right to request cost estimates or shop around for the best facility fees. “And by all means, never give up when pursuing answers that may not be immediately forthcoming.” That is some excellent advice!
Don’t let chronic pain steal your quality of life. Reach out to Advanced Spine and Joint Center of Nebraska! They are located at 9850 Nicholas Street, Suite 310. Call 402-391-7246 or visit spinejointnebraska.com to learn more.
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Dr. James Devney