From Pain to Prevention: Valleywise Health Spotlights Opioid-Free Pain Management Solutions for Pain Awareness Month

PHOENIX, Ariz. (September 2026) - As Arizona continues to face a worsening overdose crisis, Valleywise Health is highlighting how rethinking pain management can help patients explore safer, evidence-based alternatives to opioid medications during National Pain Awareness Month.

A recent New York Times analysis found Arizona's overdose death rate has climbed to nearly twice the national average, as overdose deaths have declined across much of the country. The findings underscore the importance of looking upstream at how pain is treated and helping patients manage it effectively while reducing reliance on opioids when appropriate.

"Pain is a subjective experience, and our first responsibility is to listen to the patient and understand how pain is affecting their life," said Dr. Shirin Ghanavatian, double board-certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain management at Valleywise Health. "Pain care has evolved beyond simply relying on medication or surgery. For many patients, targeted, minimally invasive treatments can address the source of pain while supporting their overall health and quality of life."

The Pain Management Clinic, operated out of Valleywise Comprehensive Health Center - Peoria, provides access to safe, evidence-based interventional pain treatments for chronic pain conditions, including targeted steroid injections, nerve blocks and other image-guided procedures. These approaches can help treat a range of conditions, including back and neck pain, sciatica, joint pain and other musculoskeletal related conditions, neuropathy as well as headache disorders. Treatment is tailored to each patient, often using a combination of approaches to reduce pain, improve function and enhance overall quality of life.

"Effective pain management is more than just reducing a pain score, it's about helping patients regain function and return to the activities that matter to them," said Dr. Samrath Singh, a double board-certified pain management physician at Valleywise Health. "Our goal is to give patients options and empower them to take an active role in their recovery, using minimally invasive treatments when appropriate to achieve safe, lasting results."

Since launching in 2023, appointments have increased year-over-year with more than 1,600 appointments already complete this year, compared to a total of 1,789 in 2025. Valleywise Health encourages patients to have open conversations with their providers about the cause of their pain and the full range of treatment options available.

Valleywise Health's Pain Management program at Valleywise Comprehensive Health Center - Peoria, is accepting new patients. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 1-833-VLLYWSE or visit ValleywiseHealth.org.