Top

Pain Management Consultation

As many as 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. If you suffer from daily spinal or neurological pain, you may be one of them. Pain is your body’s way of alerting you to a problem. If your pain persists after rest and over-the-counter treatments, our team of neurologists has the experience needed to develop an interventional pain management treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Find out what to expect during your pain management consultation at Brain & Spine Specialists.

What Causes Spinal and Neurological Pain?

Degenerative conditions, spinal injuries and inflammation can compress and damage your nerves, resulting in pain, numbness or weakness in your back and radiating throughout your body. The following conditions are common causes of spinal and neurological pain:

  • Arthritis
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Herniated discs
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal Stenosis

What Is Pain Management?

This medical specialty focuses on relieving pain by combining pain blocking techniques with procedures to repair the underlying conditions responsible for your pain. Our specialists provide a comprehensive selection of treatments to alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life.

Spinal Injections

Treatments such as an Epidural Steroid Injection or a Facet Joint Block work by injecting a corticosteroid and local anesthetic into the affected area for both immediate and long-lasting pain relief combined with anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling. For arthritis, your provider may also include collagen or hyaluronic acid to replace missing cartilage and lubricate the damaged joint.

Botox®

When administered in small doses, Botox® works by blocking nerve signals for muscles to contract, forcing the targeted muscles to relax. Because Botox® targets and reduces muscle spasms, it’s often used in the treatment of strokes and cerebral palsy. It has also been effective in treating blepharospasm, a condition marked by abnormal, involuntary blinking and eyelid spasms.

Botox® and Your Insurance

Before scheduling an appointment to receive Botox® injections, please verify that your insurance is accepted by our specialty pharmacy. After authorization is granted, the pharmacy can ship the medication to our Brain and Spine office where it is stored until your appointment.

Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is an innovative treatment that targets mild, repetitive magnetic pulses to the part of your brain that processes your pain. This non-invasive procedure regulates your pain by stimulating healthy neurotransmitter activity.

FAQS

What happens at your first pain management appointment?

At your first appointment with a pain management doctor at Brain & Spine, a comprehensive assessment will be conducted to understand your pain and its impact on your life. This usually involves a detailed medical history, a physical examination, and a review of any previous diagnostic tests. After this, your pain management doctor will discuss your pain in detail – whether it’s uncontrolled pain or generalized pain – and outline a plan for specialty pain management tailored to your needs.

What is interventional pain management?

Interventional pain management is a sub-specialty of pain management that focuses on using minimally invasive procedures and techniques to directly address the source of pain. This might include nerve blocks, injections, or radiofrequency procedures, which can provide significant relief from chronic pain.

How to prepare for a pain management appointment?

Before your pain management appointment, it’s helpful to keep a record of your pain symptoms – what triggers them, their intensity, their frequency, and any associated symptoms. Also, gather all relevant medical records and diagnostic test results related to your condition. Don’t forget to list down any medications you’re currently taking, including non-narcotic pain meds, if any.

Is pain management covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans do cover pain management services, though the extent of coverage can vary depending on the specific treatment plan and your insurance policy. You may need to get a referral from your primary care physician for some services. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider beforehand to understand what is covered.

Do you need a referral for pain management?

This largely depends on your insurance plan. Some plans may require a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialty pain management doctor.

What is generalized pain?

Generalized pain refers to pain that is felt throughout the entire body rather than localized to one specific area. This type of pain can be challenging to manage due to its widespread nature. If you’re experiencing generalized pain, our pain management doctors at Brain & Spine can provide an expert evaluation and develop an effective treatment plan.

Are there non-pharmacological treatments for pain?

Yes, there are several non-pharmacological interventions for pain, which can be effective in providing relief from both acute and chronic pain. These might include physical therapy, psychological therapies, acupuncture, massage, and lifestyle changes.

Will I be drug tested at my first pain management appointment?

It’s not uncommon for pain management clinics to conduct a drug test at your first appointment. This is part of the comprehensive evaluation process and helps your pain management doctor to create the safest and most effective treatment plan. This process is carried out with utmost respect to your privacy and is integral to ensuring your safety throughout the pain management process at Brain & Spine.