 Treatment Philosophy
Dr. O'Connell believes that chronic pain is far more effectively treated using a comprehensive approach rather than a single type of treatment. "So-called 'block clinics' are a waste of patient resources and insurance subscriber premiums. To be evaluated by a pain specialist who only knows how to do epidural injections means that, no matter what ails the patient, epidurals will tend to be administered. What the vast majority of pain sufferers require is a blend of options to include possible injections, medications, surgical implants, counseling, physical therapeutic modalities, alternative approaches or a combination of some or all of the above."
He also notes, "Our needles are like extensions of stethoscopes. By gently infiltrating local anesthetic into the offending tissue (joint, nerve sheath, disc, muscle), we are often able to specifically identify the primary source of pain. This is an immensely important though still underutilitzed tool that can be accomplished while a patient is under conscious sedation, an option that is offered whenever possible at PainCare."
Read about the various types diagnostic injections used at PainCare.
What has sustained my passion through the years is the realization that we practitioners of pain not only have access to stimulating and increasingly effective techno-gadgets, but we are also the pain patient's last best hope… a huge responsibility that both humbles and inspires.
Special Interests
The challenge of diagnosing a specific pain problem and then controlling the severe, unrelenting chronic pain safely, effectively and free of side effects through regular anesthetic/steroid/Botox injection of the pain generators.
Professional Journey
Dr. O'Connell was born and raised in the tri-city area. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth Medical School, he served honorably for seven years in the US Army to include residency training at the Presidio of San Francisco. Last stationed at Ft Bragg, NC, he achieved the rank of Major, was airborne trained and was listed for Lieutenant Colonel. In 1992, Dr. O'Connell founded PainCare (formerly Northeast Pain Consultation) where he continues as CEO, practicing as a full-time physician in both Somersworth and Merrimack, NH.
Professional Certifications & Associations
Dr. O'Connell is a past or present member in good standing of numerous professional organizations including the American Academy of Pain Management, the American Pain Society, the International Spine Injection Society, the Society for Pain Practice Management, the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Academy of Pain Medicine, and the American Medical Association.
Education
- B.A. in Biochemistry from University of New Hampshire
- M.D. from Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH
- Internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington DC
- Residency in Anesthesiology and Pain Management at Letterman Army Medical Center/University of California, San Francisco
- Master's degree in Health Administration (MHA), UNH
"When not with my patients, I enjoy... tennis, racquetball, alpine skiing, sailboarding, mountain climbing, basketball, softball and golf. My favorite charities are Cocheco Valley Humane Society and St. Charles Home for Children."
Can be seen in: Somersworth & Merrimack, NH
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