Managing Chronic Pain Without Surgery — and Without Slowing Down
At 80, Marianna “Cookie” Riutta is still doing what she loves most: traveling, exploring new places and making the most of retirement. This spring, she returned from Copenhagen after a knitting retreat, just one of several international trips she has enjoyed in recent years.
Staying active and independent has always been important to Cookie, who has lived with chronic lower back pain for nearly 20 years while also navigating breast cancer, arthritis and other health issues that can come with age. Over the years, her journey has included two necessary back surgeries, but she has always looked for nonsurgical ways to manage pain and continue living life on her terms.
“I’ve always wanted to avoid surgery, when at all possible,” she says. Instead, Cookie has long preferred working with physiatrists — doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation and help patients improve movement, function and quality of life through nonsurgical care.
"If you find your world is shrinking or your pain is preventing you from doing the things you love, we’re here to help." – Dr. Packia Raj
Through Overlake’s Musculoskeletal Medicine program, she found a care team that aligned with her goals. Together, they developed a personalized treatment plan including non-opioid pain medications, exercise, acupuncture, and physical therapy to help manage her chronic pain and support her long-term mobility.
Llewellyn Packia Raj, MD, who has cared for Cookie for more than 10 years, says successful pain management starts with understanding what matters most to each patient.
“We look at your history, how pain has affected your life, and what your goals are,” says Dr. Packia Raj. “I ask every patient, ‘What is it that you’re not doing that you want to get back to doing?’” At Overlake, Cookie’s care is supported by a team that includes physiatrists, physical therapists, massage therapists, neuropsychologists and psychotherapists.
“We will tailor your team to what you need and where you are in your journey,” says Dr. Packia Raj. “When you’re our patient, you’re not just a number.” When asked why she’s continued seeing Dr. Packia Raj for more than a decade, Cookie says it’s simple — she trusts him and feels heard.
“I cannot praise him enough,” she says. “He’s a caring, thorough doctor who considers the whole person and is always open to anything that can improve my life and movement.”
Supported by her care team and treasured friends, Cookie remains focused on living life to the fullest. And with more travel plans already on her mind — and maybe a Pilates class or two — she looks to the future with optimism.
Whether your goal is to travel more comfortably, stay active as you age, or get back to the activities you love, Overlake’s Musculoskeletal Medicine program offers personalized care for patients of all ages and abilities.
