BGH welcomes pain specialist

We so often hear the reasons that newcomers have relocated to our area. It’s about four seasons, the lake, the mountain, raising children and our quality of life. In the case of Dr. J. Sorin Ispirescu, Selkirk Interventional Pain Specialists, the quality of life isn’t about either his or his family’s, it’s about those in our community who suffer extreme chronic pain.

That’s not to say that Ispirescu hasn’t come here to enjoy the amenities, he admits that he has, but his motivation is to alleviate debilitating discomfort so that his patients can live better lives.

The first step in effective treatment, Ispirescu said, is to accurately diagnose the source of the pain. Often pain is disassociated from its origin and patients are unaware of its cause. Diagnostic blocks help pinpoint the exact cause of pain and therapeutic procedures such as epidural injections combined with a physical therapy regimen can provide long-term relief.

“We employ minimally invasive techniques to help reduce pain and minimize reliance on medications,” Ispirescu added. “Everybody wants drugs for a quick fix, but narcotics are not the solution for long-term care.”

Often it’s necessary to look at the patient’s lifestyle to determine what treatments will be effective. Lifestyle changes may include losing weight, quitting smoking, getting more exercise, and although those changes sound like the mantra of all physicians, Ispirescu is adamant that the best results will happen for a totally motivated patient.

“”Genetics load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger’, is a familiar quote,” Ispirescu said, “but on a personal level, I’m passionate about people making better choices.”

For the senior citizen who suffers from debilitating arthritis pain, an injured youth, for anyone who isn’t a candidate for surgery, or one who is undergoing cancer therapy, Ispirescu can develop a multidisciplinary care plan.

“We have a lot of options, to try,” he said and in some cases he will coordinate additional treatment including massage or physical therapy, psychology, chiropractic and acupuncture if the need is indicated.

Dr. Ispirescu received his doctorate of medicine at Loma Linda University, School of Medicine. He did his residency in anesthesia at the University of California at San Diego where he also received his fellowship in interventional pain. He comes to Sandpoint after practicing medicine in the small California desert town of El Centro and lives here with his wife, Alyce, and their 14-month old son, Lucas.

While looking for permanent accommodations, Ispirescu is practicing at the Pine Grove Medical Center. Patients will require a referral from their primary physician. For more information call (208) 965-8118 or go online to selkirkpain.com.