Columbia VA's Outpatient Interdisciplinary Pain Program offers comprehensive care for chronic pain

COLUMBIA - The Columbia VA Health Care System's Outpatient Interdisciplinary Pain Program (OIPP) offers a holistic approach to managing chronic pain, addressing not only the physical aspects, but also the emotional and psychological factors. This innovative program empowers veterans with the tools and knowledge they need to manage their pain and improve their quality of life.

Chronic pain can have a significant impact on a veteran's ability to function in daily life, affecting everything from work and social activities to sleep and emotional health. The OIPP provides veterans with a comprehensive treatment plan that goes beyond pain medication to include a combination of education, therapy and support.

"We know that pain is a multifaceted issue, so we approach it from a variety of angles," said Deborah Reyes, OIPP program director. "Each component of the program is designed to help veterans develop lifelong skills to manage their pain, improve their functioning and enhance their overall well-being."

Veterans in the OIPP program will participate in weekly group sessions and individual appointments with various specialists.

- Pain Management Education: Veterans learn about the physiological processes behind pain and how to take an active role in managing it.

- Physical Therapy: Tailored exercise routines are developed to increase strength, mobility and flexibility, helping to reduce pain and improve movement.

- Psychological Support: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques are taught to help veterans cope with the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany chronic pain.

- Whole Health approach: The program treats the entire body with education on nutrition, sleep, medication use and body science. We utilize a variety of treatments that complement traditional approaches to address pain such as adaptive yoga, Tai Chi, acupressure and Battlefield Acupuncture.

Group sessions, which take place weekly, are a key part of the program. "Group settings offer peer support, where veterans can share their experiences and offer advice to one another," Reyes noted. "It's an opportunity for mutual learning in a safe, supportive environment."

To increase access, this comprehensive program is offered to veterans both in person (OIPPf2f) and virtually (OIPPvvc). For OIPPf2f, veterans come to Dorn VA Medical Center to attend a full day (8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.) of treatment every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for six weeks. It is a big commitment. OIPPvvc is a virtual program in which the veteran attends five groups a week, all from the comfort of home.

The OIPP runs in six-week cycles, alternating between the in-person and virtual groups with new groups starting about every three months. Veterans also have one-on-one appointments with a pain social worker throughout the program to help personalize their treatment goals. Group sizes are kept to a small number of six to 10 veterans, ensuring each participant receives personalized attention and care. Veterans in the program will not only engage in education and therapy, but will also practice new strategies, incorporating them into their daily routines. The program encourages consistency and dedication, making it important for participants to commit to the full six weeks.

"I didn't think I had time for a six-week program, but I'm so glad I stuck with it," said Army veteran Juan Lanzot, who participated in the OIPPf2f program. "The tools I've learned have made a real difference in how I manage my pain day to day."

Veterans who complete the OIPP (virtual and in-person programs) report a significant improvement in both their physical and emotional well-being. Army veteran Diane Balog, another participant in the OIPPf2f program, shared her experience: "I had been living with chronic pain for years, and nothing seemed to help. The OIPP was my last hope, and I'm so glad I took the chance. I didn't think I could find a way to deal with my pain, but this program showed me a whole new perspective. It taught me strategies that I still use every day."

Balog emphasized the emotional impact of the program, saying, "The psychological support in the program was life changing. It didn't just focus on the pain; it also helped me handle the emotional side of living with chronic pain. It was the first time in years that I felt like I was in control of my life again."

Lanzot emphasized how the program helped him in ways he didn't anticipate. "At first, I didn't think I could commit to such a long program," he said. "But now that I've completed it, I see how worth it, it was. The program gave me tools that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life."

These testimonials highlight the lasting impact the program has on veterans, not just in managing pain but in improving their overall quality of life. OIPP provides veterans with a new perspective on pain management, one that doesn't rely solely on medications but instead offers strategies for long-term coping and healing.

The OIPP program is available to all enrolled veterans at the Columbia VA Health Care System who experience chronic pain that significantly affects their daily life. Participation is by referral, and veterans can discuss the program with their primary care provider, pain management specialist or another member of their care team to determine if it's right for them.

"It's a program designed to provide lasting solutions, and we encourage veterans to commit to the entire process to see the best results," Reyes said.

Veterans interested in learning more about the program can contact their VA care team or visit the Columbia VA Health Care System website www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/ for more details on the referral process and program schedules.

Chronic pain can often feel overwhelming, but the OIPP is designed to provide veterans with a comprehensive set of tools to take control of their pain. It's a program that focuses not just on alleviating discomfort, but also on improving every aspect of life affected by chronic pain. By offering education, therapy and peer support, the OIPP aims to give veterans a new lease on life despite the challenges that pain brings.

As Balog's and Lanzot's stories demonstrate, the OIPP program has a lasting impact. Veterans leave the program with improved mobility, a better understanding of their pain and a greater sense of confidence in managing it. Whether veterans are struggling with everyday tasks, social interactions or simply coping with the stress of living with pain, the OIPP provides the support needed to move forward.

For more information about what's going on at the veterans medical center, clinic locations and other services available to veterans in and around Columbia, visit www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/ and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, keyword: VAColumbiaSC.

About the Columbia VAHCS:

The Columbia VAHCS comprises the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center and seven community-based outpatient clinics throughout South Carolina in Anderson, Florence, Greenville, Orangeburg, Rock Hill, Spartanburg and Sumter, serving more than 90,000 veterans annually in 36 of 46 counties in South Carolina. The Columbia VA is a level 1b teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology, education and research. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary care, tertiary care and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Sumter Mini Health Fair

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 6, 9:30-11 a.m.

WHERE: Front lobby of Sumter VA Clinic, 245 N. Bultman Drive

WHAT: Join the Veterans Association in a morning focused on health and wellness, tailored just for our veterans. Discover the services and programs available to support your physical and mental health, including: Whole Health; Women's Health; Diabetes & Cancer Screening Information; Telehealth Services; Caregiver Support Program; and Intimate Partner Violence Resources.