Perham Health’s Pain Clinic Helped Sally Stay Active at 84

For many seniors, chronic pain can feel like an unavoidable part of aging. But for Sally Nyberg, 84, relief was closer than she imagined—right here in Perham.

“I’m still very active,” Sally says. “I work part-time, and I enjoy doing a lot of different things outside and inside.” That active lifestyle was threatened when neck and back pain began interfering with her daily life. “I suffered with pain for about a year,” she recalls.

The Challenge

It started in her neck. “I have arthritis, and I started getting numb and tingling going from my shoulder down,” she explains. Her primary care provider, Dr. Illene Reed, suggested she visit Perham Health’s new pain clinic. “That’s how this all started,” Sally says.

Finding Help

From her first appointment, Sally felt confident in the clinic’s care. “I have nothing but praise,” she says. “Every single person I’ve had contact with is so professional. They listen, they talk you through the options, and they really care about the pain you have.”

Her first visit was with Kelsey Dockendorf, nurse practitioner. “She asked how long I’d had the pain, what kind of pain it was, where it was, and what I hoped to feel after treatment,” Sally explains. “They prepared me for everything and talked about side effects.”

Kelsey recommended steroid injections for Sally’s neck pain, which provided significant relief. “They don’t last forever—maybe three months—and then you can have another one,” Sally says. Physical therapy was also part of her plan, helping her manage both neck and low back pain.

Tackling Back Pain

Once her neck improved, Sally began struggling with lower back pain. Her care team suggested a nerve ablation—a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to interrupt pain signals. “Ablation provides longer-term relief compared to just using steroids,” explains Kelsey. “Typically, we see six months to a year and a half worth of pain relief.”

After two successful trial injections, Sally underwent ablation in July. “The ablation was just amazing,” she says. “The pain was gone. The doctor said it deadens the nerves, but they’ll come back again, and then I can have another one.”

Back to an Active Life

Sally walked out of the pain clinic and returned to her active schedule with no restrictions other than avoiding heavy lifting for the rest of that day. Today, she works part-time as a job coach with Productive Alternatives, helping adults with disabilities succeed in the workplace. “In my heart, I am young,” she says. “I just enjoy life as if I weren’t as old as I am, and I’m grateful for that.”

Professional Care, Personal Touch

Sally credits her success not only to the treatments but to the clinic’s compassionate team. “They tell you exactly what’s happening,” she says. “You always stay informed. Everything has been good.”

Encouraging Others

Sally shares her experience with friends: “I tell them to check out the pain clinic and see what they can do to help you. They really made a difference for me.” She’s especially thankful to have this care close by. “I don’t have to go to Fargo. The staff is knowledgeable and caring, and the doctor is personable and professional. There are just so many pluses that I’m benefiting from.”

For Sally, the pain clinic has helped her stay active and engaged. “It’s terrible to have pain,” she says. “But it’s wonderful to know there’s help for it right here in Perham.”

If you’re living with chronic pain, Perham Health’s Pain Clinic offers personalized care and advanced treatments – right in your community. Learn more about our Pain Clinic.