Attending Physician at the Adult Pain Clinic at Sidra Medicine, Dr. Mohammed Al-Hejji
Doha, Qatar: Persistent pain is often dismissed as something to “push through,” but specialists warn that waiting too long can allow a manageable condition to become debilitating. According to Attending Physician at the Adult Pain Clinic at Sidra Medicine, Dr. Mohammed Al-Hejji early intervention plays a critical role in preventing chronic pain from taking a lasting toll on both physical and mental health.
“If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain for more than three months and haven’t seen significant improvement with over-the-counter medications or at-home remedies, it’s a good idea to consult with a specialist,” he told The Peninsula.
“Early intervention often leads to better long-term outcomes.” At Sidra Medicine, the Adult Pain Clinic provides expert, compassionate care for women and men living with chronic or complex pain conditions. The clinic adopts a multidisciplinary team approach, creating individualized treatment plans that combine interventional and non-invasive therapies to address each patient’s specific needs.
Dr. Al-Hejji noted that some of the most common cases seen at the clinic include chronic back pain, pelvic pain, knee pain and shoulder pain. These conditions may stem from injury, arthritis, post-surgical complications, fibromyalgia or nerve damage.
“Chronic pain can significantly impact both your physical and mental health,” he explained. “We take a comprehensive approach to each case, understanding that pain affects every patient differently. Our goal is to tailor treatment to the individual needs of each patient, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain.”
Determining the right course of treatment, he emphasised, is never a one-size-fits-all process. “Choosing the right treatment plan is highly individualised. We start by thoroughly reviewing a patient’s medical history, diagnostic results, and specific pain triggers,” he said.
Patients are actively involved in the decision-making process, with discussions focusing on personal preferences, lifestyle and long-term goals. Depending on the case, recommendations may include physiotherapy, medication management, lifestyle adjustments, or advanced therapies such as injections or nerve blocks. “Our goal is always to provide a holistic approach that is designed to improve both the function and quality of life for our patients,” he added.
While treatment options are broadly similar for men and women, Dr. Al-Hejji observed that some therapies may yield different responses. “We’ve found that women often respond better to physiotherapy,” he said, attributing this in part to hormonal factors, differences in pain perception, and the way certain conditions manifest. Pelvic pain and specific musculoskeletal disorders, for example, may be more prevalent among women and benefit from targeted physiotherapy or pelvic floor therapy. Nevertheless, he stressed that treatment plans remain personalized, regardless of gender.
Beyond clinical interventions, lifestyle changes form a cornerstone of effective pain management. “Managing chronic pain isn’t just about medical treatments, but it also involves making healthy lifestyle choices,” Dr. Al-Hejji said. Regular low-impact exercise such as walking or swimming can help strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, while a balanced diet may reduce inflammation and support overall health. Stress management techniques, including mindfulness and deep breathing exercises, along with adequate sleep, are also key components of long-term relief.
