Premier Pain Talk

New Procedures in Pain Management

In this episode of Premier Pain Talk, Dr. Michael Danko explores some of the newest advancements in pain management now available at Premier Pain Treatment Institute and Premier Surgical Institute. 
Dr. Danko discusses three innovative procedures designed to help patients find long-term relief when conservative treatments are no longer enough: Basivertebral Nerve Ablation, a breakthrough option for chronic vertebrogenic low back pain; RF Blade, an advanced approach to targeted nerve treatment; and LIFT, a minimally invasive procedure offering new hope for patients suffering from spinal stenosis. 
Learn how these cutting-edge techniques work, which patients may benefit most, and how modern pain management continues to evolve to improve mobility, function, and quality of life.
Whether you're a patient exploring treatment options, a healthcare professional interested in emerging procedures, or simply curious about the future of pain management, this episode provides valuable insight into the next generation of spine care.

Spinal Cord Stimulators for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

This week, Dr. Danko partnered with Medtronic to discuss Spinal Cord Stimulators for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. This was originally an in-person lecture that was also live-streamed which we're releasing as a special episode of Premier Pain Talk.
If you have any questions about any of the topics discussed in this week's episode, please send us a message at premierpaintreatment.com!

Dr. Danko Talks Pain Pumps

Premier Pain went a bit viral this week on TikTok with a video of a wonderful patient having her pain pump refilled! Along with all the attention came plenty of questions from people interested in the procedure. On this week's episode of Premier Pain Talk, Dr. Michael Danko addresses the most common questions that we received in the comments on our viral video!

From Fellowship to Private Practice

In this episode of Premier Pain Talk, Dr. Michael Danko sits down with Dr. Wesley Youngblood to discuss his journey from fellowship to joining Premier Pain Treatment Institute in July 2025. Dr. Youngblood reflects on his decision-making process when choosing between private practice, academics, and hospital-based medicine, and shares what ultimately led him to pursue private practice.
Dr. Youngblood offers insight into what it’s like building a patient base from the ground up, how he’s worked with the internal marketing team to introduce himself to the community, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Whether you’re a physician in training, a new provider entering practice, or simply curious about life after fellowship, this episode provides an honest look at the transition into private practice and the professional growth that comes with it.
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Is Tramadol Still Worth Prescribing? Dr. Danko Responds to the Latest Study

A recent CNN article and BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine study questioned whether tramadol is effective, or even safe, for chronic pain. In this episode, Dr. Michael Danko, founder of Premier Pain Treatment Institute, offers and informed perspective on the research, its limitations, and what it really means for patients living with chronic pain.
Dr. Danko breaks down the difference between short-term clinical trials and long-term patient outcomes, discusses when tramadol has a role in treatment, and emphasizes the importance of individualized care. 
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Tune in to hear how evidence-based medicine, real-world experience, and patient-centered approaches come together in responsible pain management.

Dr. Danko Answers Your Questions!

On this week's episode of Premier Pain Talk, Dr. Michael Danko answers questions submitted by our patients in honor of Pain Awareness Month! We cover how to differentiate between chronic and acute pain, explain the purpose behind pain contracts, dive into what makes cancer pain different, and many more questions!
If you have a question that you'd like to submit, email us at info@premierpaintreatment.com . You might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode!

Evolving Prescribing Trends

In this episode of Premier Pain Talk, we explore the evolving trends in pain medication prescribing and how they’ve shaped modern pain management. We start by looking back at the history of opioids and the circumstances that gave rise to dedicated pain clinics. Listeners will gain insight into why these clinics became a crucial resource for patients, as well as the challenges that arose along the way. This episode is designed for both patients and their loved ones, providing a clear, accessible explanation of a complex topic that affects millions.
From the factors that fueled the opioid crisis to the regulations that now govern prescribing, we break down the events that led to today’s highly monitored environment. We also address the controversial history of “pill mills” and how they contributed to sweeping changes in law, policy, and medical practice. Whether you’re seeking to better understand your own treatment journey or support someone you care about, this conversation sheds light on the past, present, and future of safe, effective pain care.

Opening an Ambulatory Surgery Center - The Do's and Don'ts

In this episode of Premier Pain Talk, Dr. Michael Danko sits down with Jennifer Craft, Director of Nursing for Premier Surgical Institute, to take you behind the scenes of what it really takes to open and operate an ambulatory surgery center. From regulatory hurdles and staffing challenges to building workflows and patient safety protocols, Jennifer shares valuable insight into the complex process of launching a high-functioning surgical facility.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a student, or simply curious about the world of outpatient surgery, this episode offers a candid look at the dedication, planning, and teamwork behind the scenes of an ASC.
 
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Stabilizing the Source - Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

In this episode of Premier Pain Talk, Dr. Michael Danko dives into the sacroiliac (SI) joint - a commonly overlooked but critical source of low back and pelvic pain. If you've been dealing with chronic discomfort and other treatments haven't helped, the SI joint might be the missing piece of your pain puzzle.
Dr. Danko explains how SI joint dysfunction is diagnosed, the limitations of conservative treatments, and when surgical intervention becomes the best option. We'll walk through the sacroiliac joint fusion procedure itself -- what it involves, how it works, and what recovery looks like -- and discuss who makes a good candidate.
Whether you're a patient exploring your options or a provider seeking deeper insight into interventional pain solutions, this episode offers clear, expert guidance on a procedure that can restore stability and improve quality of life.
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Low Back Pain is the Tip of the Iceberg

In this week’s episode, Dr. Michael Danko dives into one of the most common, and misunderstood, complaints in pain management: low back pain.
While it may sound straightforward, “low back pain” can be the surface symptom of many different underlying issues. Dr. Danko unpacks the complexity behind this diagnosis, exploring how detailed physical exams, imaging, and a thorough understanding of each patient's symptoms work together to uncover the true source of the pain.
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