Columbia Pain and Spine Institute is a comprehensive medical center specializing in the treatment of
10/29/2025
A recent study that found tramadol was only slightly effective in relieving chronic pain – but not worth the side effects – is stirring some debate.
The Danish study analyzed findings from 19 clinical trials of tramadol involving over 6,500 patients, and found that the synthetic opioid was not only ineffective for many patients, it may raise the risk of heart disease and perhaps even cancer. -->
By Pat Anson A recent study that found tramadol was only slightly effective in relieving chronic pain – but not worth the side effects – is stirring some debate. The Danish study analyzed findings from 19 clinical trials of tramadol involving over 6,500 patients, and found that the synthetic op
10/27/2025
The number of patients prescribed opioids for pain in Canada has fallen over 11% in recent years, according to a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). The decline reflects trends in the U.S. and other Western nations, which adopted stronger guidelines to discourage opioid prescribing nearly a decade ago. -->
By Pat Anson The number of patients prescribed opioids for pain in Canada has fallen over 11% in recent years, according to a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). The decline reflects trends in the U.S. and other Western nations, which adopted stronger guide
10/25/2025
This morning I got news that someone I knew had passed away.
I describe him as “someone I knew” because my connection to Rich is difficult to explain. He was my fiancé’s, late-mom’s, long-time boyfriend. Basically, my step-father-in-law. Ish.
After battling a bad cold, which may or may not have been COVID, he had an aneurysm and then spent a couple weeks in the ICU before passing away last night.
It’s the kind of news that’s both expected and painfully shocking. -->
By Crystal Lindell This morning I got news that someone I knew had passed away. I describe him as “someone I knew” because my connection to Rich is difficult to explain. He was my fiancé’s, late-mom’s, long-time boyfriend. Basically, my step-father-in-law. Ish. After battling a bad cold, wh...
10/24/2025
It’s not uncommon for someone with chronic pain to reduce their physical activity and become more sedentary. Believing that movement will make pain worse can even lead to kinesiophobia – an irrational fear of physical activity.
But some people with chronic pain are able to remain physically active and cope with their pain – what’s known as pain resilience. Is that because they have less pain or more resilience? -->
By Pat Anson It’s not uncommon for someone with chronic pain to reduce their physical activity and become more sedentary. Believing that movement will make pain worse can even lead to kinesiophobia – an irrational fear of physical activity. But some people with chronic pain are able to remain ph
10/23/2025
Walking offers both physical and mental health benefits.
Columbia Pain and Spine Institute
689 NW Burnside Rd
Gresham, OR 97030
Phone: (503) 382-8100
New Patient Appointment Line:
(503) 382-8184
Ronald Klein was biking around his neighborhood in North Wales, Pennsylvania, in 2006 and tried to jump a curb. “But I was going too slow — I didn’t have enough momentum,” he recalled.
As the bike toppled, he thrust out his left arm to break the fall. It didn’t seem like a serious accident, yet “I couldn’t get up,” he said.-->
By Paula Span, KFF Health News Ronald Klein was biking around his neighborhood in North Wales, Pennsylvania, in 2006 and tried to jump a curb. “But I was going too slow — I didn’t have enough momentum,” he recalled. As the bike toppled, he thrust out his left arm to break the fall. It didn.....
10/20/2025
If you want to enjoy life again while also living with chronic pain, you need just three things.
1. An effective pain medication.
2. The ability to pace your activity level
3. Supportive loved ones
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By Crystal Lindell If you want to enjoy life again while also living with chronic pain, you need just three things. 1. An effective pain medication. 2. The ability to pace your activity level 3. Supportive loved ones If you have all three of those things, it’s very possible to enjoy life while al
10/19/2025
And if you’re the person in pain reading this, perhaps you can pass this on to your friends, family, and other loved ones. After all, sometimes getting advice from a third party can help it land better. -->
By Crystal Lindell Recently I wrote that one of the most important things you need to enjoy life with chronic pain is supportive loved ones. But what does that look like in practice? Below are some tips on how to realistically help loved ones who deal with chronic pain. And if you’re the per
10/19/2025
If you live with pain, you’ve probably heard promises that “something better is coming.” At this month’s Pain Therapeutics Summit in San Diego, you could see that promise taking shape. For two days, clinicians, scientists, companies and advocates compared notes on what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next. -->
By Dr. Lynn Webster If you live with pain, you’ve probably heard promises that “something better is coming.” At this month’s Pain Therapeutics Summit in San Diego, you could see that promise taking shape. For two days, clinicians, scientists, companies and advocates compared notes on what’...
10/17/2025
While plowing a wheat field in rural Washington state in the 1990s, William Wallace spotted a gray plane overhead that he believed was releasing chemicals to make him sick. The rancher began to suspect that all white vapor trails from aircraft might be dangerous. -->
By Stephanie Armour While plowing a wheat field in rural Washington state in the 1990s, William Wallace spotted a gray plane overhead that he believed was releasing chemicals to make him sick. The rancher began to suspect that all white vapor trails from aircraft might be dangerous. He share
10/15/2025
A slice of apple pie or a bowl of ice cream are comfort foods to many people, giving us a mood boost (not to mention a sugar rush) during times of stress, loneliness or anxiety. -->
By Pat Anson A slice of apple pie or a bowl of ice cream are comfort foods to many people, giving us a mood boost (not to mention a sugar rush) during times of stress, loneliness or anxiety. For many people with chronic pain, comfort foods are also a way to cope and distract during pain flare-ups.
10/15/2025
There are many different treatments and therapies here at Columbia Pain and Spine Institute that we can use to help you recover the quality of life if you are in pain, especially chronic pain.
Columbia Pain and Spine Institute
689 NW Burnside Rd
Gresham, OR 97030
Phone: (503) 382-8100
New Patient Appointment Line:
(503) 382-8184
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Comprehensive Medical Treatment for Neck, Low Back & Painful Conditions
The Columbia Pain and Spine Institute is a comprehensive medical center specializing in the treatment of neck, low back, and a variety of painful conditions. Our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation board certified physicians are fellowship trained and up to date on all innovations and recent developments in the fields of Interventional Spine and Pain Management.
We specialize in expert level diagnosis and treatment of spinal pathology. This is our primary area of interest and our strength! Back and neck pain are very elusive and difficult to treat. With our specialized training, we are able to diagnose and find the source of the pain and achieve control over suffering, by means of minimally invasive procedures and medication management.
Pain can influence life on multiple levels. Physical suffering limits your functional status and affects your work, exercise, family, and social activities. Prolonged experience of pain will cause sleep deprivation, leading to depression, isolation, frustration and constant fatigue. Chronic pain can be a very debilitating condition. If you have chronic pain, you would want to do everything to alleviate it. You don’t have to feel alone. We are here to help you achieve this goal!
At Columbia Pain and Spine Institute...
...our goal is to break down the pain cycle using expert level minimally invasive treatments, medications, psychological interventions, and physical medicine modalities. You will enjoy compassionate and personal care provided by our cheerful clinical team. We strive to see all new patients in a few days after referral - we understand that suffering is an emergency!
We also treat a variety of other painful conditions such as knee/hip/shoulder pain, face pain, sciatica, abdominal/pelvic pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, chronic postoperative pain, and motor vehicle injuries. We work closely with many other specialists (including neurologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, psychologists, orthopedic and spine surgeons, psychiatrists, oncologists, and physical therapists) to optimally coordinate the care of our patients.
Proudly serving Greater Metropolitan Portland area since 2011.
