How early clinical experiences and mentorship shaped my approach to treating chronic pain
My journey into the field of chronic pain management began during my regional anesthesia fellowship. I, Rani Pashani, vividly remember a patient who arrived with a fracture, crying out in unbearable pain. After administering an ultrasound-guided nerve block, his pain reduced instantly, and he soon fell asleep. That moment revealed the profound impact effective pain relief can have on a patient’s life and marked my first realization of its importance.
Around the same time, a deeply personal experience further shaped my perspective. My father suffered a fall from his bed that resulted in a vertebral fracture. Watching pain alter his behavior, mood, and mental well-being made me understand that pain is not just a physical symptom—it can deeply affect a person’s emotional and psychological state. This was when I truly recognized the power of pain and decided to dedicate myself to treating chronic pain.
When I joined Ashirvad Institute, my understanding of pain management was largely centered on nerve blocks. However, working under the guidance of Dr. Lakshmi Vas ma’am transformed my approach. I learned the critical role muscles play in generating and sustaining pain—an aspect often overlooked in conventional teaching. While nerves transmit pain, it is often the muscles that act as the source. This insight continues to guide my practice, as I constantly learn about the wide range of conditions that can be effectively treated by addressing muscular causes of pain.
