...
Deuk Spine Full Logo
Free MRI Review

26 Best Pain Management Doctors & Clinics In the United States [2024]

Author:  
Dr. Deuk
An expert in all things spine, Dr. Deukmedjain is a board certified neurosurgeon who has performed thousands of minimally invasive surgeries and procedures including the revolutionary Deuk Laser Disc Repair and the Deuk Spinal Fusion. 

Many people suffering from back and neck pain in the United States find it difficult to perform their everyday activities. They find it difficult to go to work, play around with their pets, and even enjoy an evening stroll around the neighborhood. 

If you’re suffering from chronic back and neck pain, you may consider seeing a pain management doctor or going to a pain management clinic. 

A pain management doctor, also known as a pain medicine physician or a pain specialist, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic pain conditions. Chronic pain is a persistent pain that lasts for more than three to six months and can interfere with a person’s daily activities and quality of life.This article contains everything you need to know about the best pain management doctors and clinics in the United States. It is important to be incredibly careful when choosing your doctor or clinic, given the prevalence of bad or unsafe options out there. The right choice can make a significant difference in your health and quality of life, while the wrong one can lead to further complications or ineffective treatments.

What is a pain management doctor?

A pain management doctor specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of pain. This includes acute pain and chronic pain. Pain management doctors have specialized training that helps them understand the complex physiology of pain, evaluate patients with complicated pain problems, prescribe the appropriate medications, and perform procedures such as nerve blocks or spinal injections to manage pain.

Pain management doctors work in a variety of settings, including pain clinics, hospitals, and private practices. They often work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as primary care physicians, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual needs of each patient. 

What is a pain management clinic? 

A pain management clinic is a specialized healthcare facility that diagnoses and manages chronic pain. Staffed by healthcare professionals from various disciplines, these clinics offer a comprehensive approach to pain relief that may not be available in a general healthcare setting. The team typically includes pain management doctors, functional medicine doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and sometimes alternative therapy providers like acupuncturists or massage therapists.

The goal of the best pain clinics is to provide patients with a multifaceted treatment plan that addresses not only the physical aspects of pain but also the psychological, social, and emotional factors contributing to the patient’s overall well-being. 

Treatment options can range from medication management and physical therapy to more advanced interventional techniques such as nerve blocks, spinal injections, and, in some cases, surgical procedures.

The Best Pain Management Doctors And Clinics In United States

Here are some of the highest-qualified pain management doctors in the country. 

1. Dr. Bharat Patel

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-dr-bharat-patel

Location: Brevard County, Florida

Clinic: Deuk Spine Institute

Dr. Bharat Patel is a pain management and physical medicine specialist. He is also an expert in musculoskeletal ultrasound diagnosis and injections and is board-certified in sports medicine, physiatry, pain medicine, electrodiagnostic medicine, and interventional pain management. Fewer than one in 10,000 physicians nationwide are quintuple board certified. 

Dr. Patel received his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College in Ahmedabad, India. The degree is the equivalent of a Doctor of Medicine degree in the United States. He then went on to an internship in the surgery department at Sound Shore Medical Center of Westchester in New Rochelle, New York, a residency at the New York University School of Medicine, and a fellowship in interventional pain management in Clearwater, Florida. 

Dr. Patel performs both non-interventional and interventional spine pain management therapies. He uses a wide range of tests to determine the cause of spinal pain, such as discography tests. Once the cause of pain is determined and pain management procedures are deemed appropriate, Dr. Patel provides injections to block the transmission of pain signals and a variety of other therapies to help reduce or eliminate pain.

He founded the Regenerative and Aesthetic Institute, which focuses on Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem-Cell therapies. He has performed over 30,000 procedures under fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance and consistently receives superior patient satisfaction survey ratings.

Learn more about Dr. Patel

2. Dr. David C. Pires

Location: Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo, California 

Clinic: Pacific Pain Physicians

The American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology has certified Dr. Pires in the field of pain management. He was a licensed personal trainer passionate about assisting top athletes in regaining function and strength following surgery or an injury.

Following his undergraduate studies at the University of California, he received his medical doctorate. After that, he did an internship rotation at San Bernardino County Medical Center and postdoctoral clinical training at The Riverside University Health System – Medical Center in Moreno Valley, California. Dr. Pires completed his postdoctoral clinical training at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, completing a pain medicine anesthesiology fellowship.

He is a member of several professional organizations and now serves as an educator for residents and fellows at Cedars-Sinai, grooming the next generation of physicians.

3. Dr. Andrew H. Morchower

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-dr-andrew-morchower

Location: Frisco, Texas

Clinic: OmniSpine Pain Management Clinic

Dr. Andrew H. Morchower is a fellowship-trained interventional spine and pain management specialist board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and hails from Dallas, Texas. 

Dr. Morchower completed his interventional spine and pain fellowship at Pennsylvania Orthopaedic and Spine Specialists. He finished his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center before beginning his fellowship. He graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans with a medical degree and a master’s degree in public health. He has lectured on themes relating to pain management both nationally and internationally, and he continues to keep up with the most up-to-date techniques for pain management.

Dr. Morchower has a unique approach to pain management because his background encompasses both physical medicine and interventional pain management training. He recognizes that each patient’s chronic pain experience is unique. He aims to establish a relationship with his patients by teaching them the best treatment alternatives and ensuring that they receive the best care.

4. Dr. Jason Krutsch

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-dr-jason-krutsch

Location: Golden, Colorado

Clinic: Colorado Pain Care

Dr. Jason Krutsch is the co-founder of Colorado Pain Care and a board-certified pain specialist. He is mainly responsible for formulating and implementing the clinical policies of the practice.

Dr. Jason received high honors in his undergraduate studies and graduated first in his class in medical school and anesthesiology residency. He was the fellowship director for the pain fellowship at the University of Colorado, where he trained aspiring pain specialists to become board-certified in pain management.

Dr. Krutsch has had extensive training and has become one of the most well-known physicians in Colorado. He is also regarded as one of our community’s most respected physicians by his peers.

5. Dr. Carlos “Fernando” Bazoberry

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-dr-bazoberry

Location: Waltham, Massachusetts

Clinic: Boston PainCare 

Dr. Bazoberry is a skilled physician whose primary goal is to improve your quality of life by assisting in managing pain and getting people back to the activities they like.

Dr. Bazoberry traveled to the United States after getting his medical degree from Universidad Mayor de San Andrés and finished his residency in internal medicine and anesthesia in Boston.

The National Committee recognized Dr. Bazoberry and Boston PainCare colleagues for Quality Assurance for improving patient care and quality. He is committed to supporting people in times of need, such as during civil disturbances and violent conflicts in the Andes and Amazon. He volunteered with various health projects and was a founding member of Children Without Borders, an organization that assists poor children throughout the world with intricate medical programs.

6. Dr. Steven Gershon

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-dr-steven-gershon

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia 

Clinic: Gershon Pain Specialists

Dr. Steven Gershon is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, specializing in pain management and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. He earned his medical degree from Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, providing compassionate care that combines orthodox and alternative therapies.

He has lectured in over 40 states and is well-liked by his patients and colleagues locally and nationally. He also speaks about low back pain, musculoskeletal medicine, and myofascial pain syndrome at national conferences.

He’s also a clinical assistant professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he works with both medical students and residents out of a strong desire to give back. He also enjoys teaching and has worked as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Eastern Virginia Medical School for over 25 years.

7. Dr. Robert Bowers

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-dr-robert-bowers

Location: Bellevue, Washington

Clinic: Bellevue Pain and Wellness PLLC

Dr. Bowers is a fellowship-trained, double-board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician and offers patient-centered treatment strategies for different types of chronic pain. 

Dr. Bowers graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, served his anesthesiology residency and completed his fellowship training in pain medicine at West Hospital Center in New York City.

Dr. Bowers is dedicated to providing his patients with the best possible treatment options. He stays up to date on new treatments. He has contributed to several peer-reviewed medical journal publications on pain management.

8. Dr. Jin Yuk

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-dr-yuk

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

Clinic: Not Affiliated

Dr. Yuk is double board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management and has been practicing in Arizona since 2005. He attended medical school at Rush Medical College in Chicago, Illinois. He was accepted into Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, for his residency program in the field of Anesthesiology. He received his fellowship studies in Pain Management at Johns Hopkins Hospital as well.

He is dedicated to providing the most outstanding level of care to all of his patients and specializes in disorders of the spine and joints.

Dr. Yuk spends his free time with his wife and kids, playing tennis, reading history, and biographies.

9. Dr. D. David Ezeanolue

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-dr-david-ezeanolue

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Clinic: Apex Medical Center

Dr. D. David Ezeanolue is a certified board pain management physician with more than 25 years of experience and a wide range of expertise that he uses to treat patients in and around Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada.

Dr. Ezeanolue received his medical and surgical education at the prominent University of Nigeria College of Medicine. Afterward, he did an internship at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, finishing his internal medicine internship.

He has a lifelong passion for learning and has taken advantage of several opportunities to expand his knowledge. His role as chief resident in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Rochester Medical Center provided him with one of these opportunities and further experience.

Dr. Ezeanolue belongs to several organizations, and his patients are devoted and trust him due to his skill and friendly personality.

10. Dr. Henry Achampong

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-dr-henry-achampong

Location: Delmar, Crisfield, Princess Ann, Pocomoke, Berlin, Ocean City, Cambridge, Easton  Crofton, Prince Frederick, and Salisbury, Maryland

Clinic: Maryland Pain & Wellness Center

Dr. Henry Achampong is a board-certified pain management specialist in anesthesiology and pain medicine with professional experience of over ten years.

He received his undergraduate education at Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky, where he majored in biology and minored in chemistry, and graduated summa cum laude. He received his master’s degree in pharmacology from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, where his thesis on the role of B-amyloid in neuroapoptosis was successfully defended.

Dr. Achampong specializes in the treatment of pharmacological and interventional pain disorders. He is well-versed in all forms of interventional pain management. He treats a variety of chronic and acute pain disorders, specializing in cancer pain, complex regional pain syndrome, and spine disorders.

11. Dr. Amol Soin

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-dr-amol-soin

Location: Centerville, Ohio

Clinic: Ohio Pain Clinic 

Dr. Amol Soin is a board-certified anesthesiologist and a triple-board-certified pain management specialist. He has been named one of America’s Top Doctors on several occasions and has received the Patient’s Choice Award, which is presented to only the top 1% of physicians in the country.

To improve each patient’s total health and wellness, Dr. Soin employs an integrated approach to uncover the sources of pain and other symptoms. Dr. Soin was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, and received his medical degree from the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. He did an anesthesiology residency at Rush University in Chicago and then a pain management fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, the country’s oldest and biggest academic pain management department. Throughout his training, Dr. Soin stayed active in research projects and produced numerous publications and textbook chapters on pain management.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Soin published a book focusing on the 40 million Americans living without health insurance in a country that boasts the world’s largest economy.

12. Dr. Chad Metzger

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-dr-chris-metzger

Location: Horsham, Langhorne, Chalfont, and Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania

Clinic: SEPA Pain & Spine

Dr. Chad Metzger works as an experienced pain management physician in Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Penn State University. He subsequently went on to Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine to get his medical degree. Dr. Metzger completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Temple University Hospital. He also served as chief resident and then went to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center for a fellowship in pain medicine.

His goal is to use his expertise and interventional skill set to provide his patients the best chance at returning to normal functional life by employing a variety of multi-modal disciplines, drugs, current technologies, and cutting-edge surgeries. For ultimate long-term success and increased quality of life, he encourages his patients to take an active role in their health care and treatment programs.

Dr. Metzger enjoys spending time with his family, and participating in local races and triathlons when he is not working. He also enjoys cooking and discovering all of Philadelphia’s distinct cuisines and delectable delicacies.

13. Dr. Charles Buzzanell

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-dr-buzzanell

Location: Asheville, North Carolina

Clinic: Blue Ridge Pain Management

Dr. Buzzanell is board certified in Pain Management and Anesthesiology and has a viewpoint based on the idea that chronic pain management necessitates a holistic approach, which makes him examine all areas of pain to come up with a long-term solution.

He received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed his anesthesiology residency at the National Naval Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in pain management at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. 

Dr. Buzz has worked at different prestigious hospitals holding reputable positions, gaining several years of experience, and leaving behind positive reviews about his works and methods.

14. Dr. Didier Demesmin

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-didier-demesmin

Location: Somerset, Monroe Township, Freehold, Clarke, Englewood Cliffs, and Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Clinic: University Pain Medicine Center

Didier Demesmin is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist who specializes in interventional pain management. He acquired his medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, honored with the Academic Excellence in Anesthesiology Award. In New York City, he completed a residency in interventional pain medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons/Mount Sinai Morningside.

He is a member of several organizations and is associated with some of Central New Jersey’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Demesmin has lectured around the world and served as a mentor for college students, medical students, residents, and pain medicine fellows. With his commitment to excellence, he also makes an effort to give back to his communities and contribute to community health.

15. Soo Kim, MD

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-soo-kim

Location: 309 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011, USA

Clinic: Mount Sinai 

Dr. Soo Kim is the director of pain medicine and interventional spine at Mount Sinai. She is a pain management specialist with clinical expertise in spine-related pain, degenerative joint disease, and others. She uses neuromodulation and minimally invasive techniques to treat chronic pain. 

Dr. Kim completed her medical degree at the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, her physical medicine and rehabilitation residency, and a fellowship in anesthesiology and pain medicine at Montefiore Medical Center. 

16. Dr. Kevin Wong 

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-kevin-wong

Location: 415 S Palm Canyon Dr, Suite 200, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Clinic: Hi-Desert Medical Center

Dr. Kevin Wong is an anesthesiologist with certification in pain medicine and expertise in spinal stenosis, cervical spondylosis, sciatica, and sacroiliac joint disease. 

He finished his medical degree in Osteopathic medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his anesthesiology residency at Geisinger Medical Center, and a fellowship in pain medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. 

17. Dr. Wade McCulloch

dr-wade-mcculloh

Location: 7100 SW Hampton St Ste 111 Tigard, OR 97223

Clinic: Portland Pain Management Clinic 

Dr. Wade McCulloh specializes in pain management for professional athletes using acupuncture. He received his doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental medicine at Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Portland, and completed his Master’s at Southwest Acupuncture College, Colorado, where he interned in sports medicine. 

Dr. McCulloh uses alternative pain treatment methods like acupuncture, electrical stimulation, herbal medicine, and dietary recommendations to treat patients. 

18. Dr. Hazmer. H. Kazeem 

dr-hazmer-kazeem

Location: Desert Orthopedic Center Rancho Mirage, CA

Clinic: Desert Orthopedic Center 

Dr. Hazmer Kazeem is a pain medicine specialist practicing interventional pain management. His expertise lies in chronic pain, spinal stenosis, sacroiliac joint disease, and cervical spondylosis.

Dr. Kazeem completed his medical degree at NOVA Southeastern Medical School, Florida, and his residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Minnesota, where he also finished his fellowship training in pain and interventional management. 

19. Dr. Mehul Desai 

dr-mehul-desai

Location: International Spine, Pain & Performance Center, Washington, DC

Clinic: International Spine Pain and Performance Center

Dr. Mehul Desai is a physician with experience in pain medicine, physical medicine, and rehabilitation. He specializes in treating musculoskeletal pain and diseases and treats discogenic pain, tendon injuries, pelvic pain, and osteoarthritis. 

He finished his residency at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, and a research fellowship in muscle pain at the National Institutes of Health. He also completed a fellowship in pain medicine at Thomas Jefferson Hospital, Pennsylvania. 

20. Dr. Jing Liang

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-jing-liang

Location: 27401 W. Highway 22 Suite 125 Barrington, IL 60010

Clinic: Northwestern Medicine Mchenry

Dr. Jing Liang is a pain management doctor and physiatrist. Her areas of expertise include cervical spondylosis, herniated disc, Wallerian degeneration, and axonal neuropathy. She has co-authored three peer-reviewed articles and participated in clinical research concerning reflex pathways for post-stroke patients. 

Dr. Liang completed her medical degree at the State University of NY,  her residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and her fellowship in pain medicine at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, Edison, NJ. 

21. Salahadin Abdi, MD

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-salahadin-abdi

Location: 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX

Clinic: University of Texas McAnderson Cancer Center 

Dr. Salahadin Abdi is a pain specialist with clinical interest in anesthesiology, critical care medicine, and pain medicine. He treats neck and spine problems, amongst other conditions. 

Dr. Abdi completed his first residency in anesthesiology and intensive care medicine at the University of Munster Medical Center, Munster, and his research fellowship in anesthesiology and critical care at the University of Texas Medical Branch and Shriners Burn Institute, Galveston TX. 

22. Ray Baker, MD

Dr-Ray-baker

Location: 8500 Normandale Lake Blvd, Bloomington, MN

Clinic: UW Medicine-University of Washington Medical Center

Dr. Ray Baker is an anesthesiologist with expertise in interventional pain medicine and non-surgical spine care. His research interests lie in pain medicine and he has contributed to medical textbooks and research on epidural steroid and corticosteroid injections. 

Dr. Baker completed his BA in Biochemistry at the University of California. He finished his MD and residency in anesthesiology from the University of California Irvine School of Medicine. He then went on to do a pain medicine fellowship at the University of Washington. 

23. James D. Tang, MD

dr-James-tang

Location: 259 First Street, Mineola, NY 11501

Clinic: NYU Langone Health

Dr. James Tang is a pain medicine specialist focusing on adult anesthesiology. He is the Adjunct Assistant Professor of the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care, and Pain Medicine at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine.

Dr. Tang completed his medical degree at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. He completed his pain management fellowship and anesthesiology residency at the New York School of Medicine. He also finished a residency in internal medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine.

24. Dr. Christopher Winfree, MD

Dr-christopher-winfree

Location: 710 W 168th St Fl 4 New York, NY 10032

Clinic: Castle Conolly Top Doctors

Dr. Christopher Winfree is a neurosurgeon with a clinical focus on peripheral nerve surgery, pain-chronic, brachial plexus injury, and microsurgery. He also specializes in pain management and his research interests involve the use of neurostimulation to treat chronic pain disorders. 

He completed his first residency in neurological surgery at the Columbus Institute and his first fellowship in peripheral nerve surgery at LSU Medical Centre. He also did a fellowship in stereotactic neurological surgery at OR Health and Sci University Hospital. 

25. Christopher Sikorski, MD

christopher-sikorski-md

Location: 888 7th Avenue, 200 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019, USA

Clinic: Mount Sinai 

Christopher Sikorski, MD, is experienced in pain medicine, anesthesiology, and lifestyle medicine. He treats pain from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis, and other conditions using non-narcotic pain medications and pain-relieving injections/procedures.

Dr. Sikorski completed his degree at the New York University School of Medicine and did an internal medicine internship and an anesthesiology residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He finished his anesthesiology and pain medicine fellowship at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center.  

26. Dr. Hussein. M. Abdulhadi

best-pain-management-doctors-and-clinics-hussein-abdulhadi

Location: 5965 Severin Dr, La Mesa, CA

Clinic: Sharp Grossmont Hospital

Dr. Hussein Abdulhadi is a pain medicine specialist and psychiatrist with expertise in treating neck and spine pain, lower back pain, and other conditions. 

Dr. Abdulhadi finished medical school at the American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine. He has completed two residencies: physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and internal medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus.

Conditions Pain Management Doctors Treat at Clinics

Pain management doctors specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing pain. They help patients with a wide range of conditions, focusing on reducing pain and improving quality of life. 

Here’s a detailed bulleted list covering why some people may go to a pain management doctor:

  • Chronic Pain: For ongoing pain that persists beyond the usual course of an acute illness or healing of an injury, often lasting longer than six months. This includes pain without a clear cause.
  • Back and Neck Pain: Including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and chronic low back or neck pain.
  • Nerve Pain: Such as neuropathies, including diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia (after shingles), trigeminal neuralgia, and nerve damage from injuries or surgeries.
  • Headaches: Migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches, and headaches that are not relieved by over-the-counter medications or primary care treatments.
  • Arthritis Pain: Including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other types of inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases.
  • Sports Injuries: Chronic pain resulting from sports injuries that have not improved with time or through conventional treatment.

How to Find the Best Pain Management Doctor Near You

There are various factors to consider when choosing the best pain management doctors or best pain management clinics They include:

1. Fellowship Training

One of the things to watch out for when choosing a pain management doctor is to ensure that the doctor is fellowship-trained. Doctors are generally divided into two categories.

  • General Physicians
  • Specialists

If you’re suffering from chronic pain, your best option is to see a specialist. A specialist spends several years of training and education focusing on a particular aspect of medicine.

To become a specialist, fellowship training is essential. The fellowship training involves the learning physician (known as the fellow) following a specialist closely to train in a subspecialty.

Being a specialist is a highly coveted route in the medical field, and many medical students want to be specialists, but only a few are chosen.

Typically, only the best and the brightest are picked from each medical program to be fellowship-trained. 

So if you need a pain management doctor to treat your chronic back and neck pain, or you need to go to a center for pain management, make sure that the doctor is a fellowship-trained specialist.

2. Pain Management Experience

The level of experience is essential when choosing good pain management doctors or clinics for several reasons:

  • An extensive background in interventional pain management is vital when dealing with chronic back and neck pain.
  • A qualified and experienced pain management doctor or center will increase your chances of getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your chronic back and neck pain.

When choosing a pain management doctor or center, ensure that they’ve performed the various procedures for an extensive amount of time, which has resulted in:

  • Low infection/complication rates
  • Faster recovery

3. Board Certification

Another factor to consider when choosing a pain management doctor is board certification. While Board Certification isn’t compulsory for doctors, some doctors choose to get board certified to prove that they know the latest developments in their field. This is usually taken by doctors who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their field and lifelong learning.

ABIPP (The American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians) is one of the bodies responsible for providing board certification to pain management doctors.

If you want to choose a pain management doctor, you have to ensure that they are board-certified because it proves that they attended training and assessments beyond what is required of them and their peers.

Pain management doctors who are board-certified attend training and assessment beyond what is required of them or their peers. They also work to improve the care they deliver to their patients. 

4. Your Personal Comfort

If you’re suffering from chronic back or neck pain, you need to ensure that you feel comfortable in the pain management center you’re visiting and with the pain management doctor who is attending to you.

When choosing a pain management doctor, you need someone who gives you their full attention and answers every question you ask in the simplest and most straightforward way possible.

The following questions would help you know if you’re comfortable with your doctor:

  • On a scale of 1-10, how good is your relationship with your doctor?
  • Do you feel uneasy when you go into your doctor’s office?
  • How willing is your doctor to answer your questions?
  • Are your questions being answered in words you understand?
  • Do you have your doctor’s undivided attention?

5. Patient Reviews of the Pain Management Doctor & Clinic

When choosing a pain management doctor and clinic, it is crucial to look up the different patient reviews about both the doctor and the clinic. Patient reviews on the internet will help you figure out if the doctor and clinic offer excellent service or not. 

To ensure you get an authentic review about a pain management clinic and its doctors, avoid their websites (as most website reviews are carefully curated). Instead, you should go on Google and YouTube and do a simple search on the clinic and the doctor, and various reviews from independent sources would pop out.

This approach helps in making a more informed decision by considering both the individual experiences with the doctor and the overall service quality of the clinic.

6. Ask Your Pain Management Doctor Questions 

When consulting with a pain management doctor, asking a variety of questions can help you understand more about the treatment options, what to expect, and how to plan for your care. Here’s a list of questions that might be helpful during your consultation:

  1. Can you explain the cause of my pain based on my symptoms and history?
  • Understanding the root cause of your pain is crucial for effective treatment.
  1. What treatment options do you recommend for my condition?
  • This allows you to understand the various approaches the doctor might take to manage your pain.
  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of each treatment option?
  • Knowing the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision about your care.
  1. How do you measure the success of treatment?
  • This question helps set realistic expectations for your treatment outcomes.
  1. Can you provide any patient education materials on my condition and the recommended treatments?
  • Education materials can help you better understand your condition and treatment plan.
  1. What types of insurance are accepted?
  • This is crucial for understanding the financial aspects of your treatment and ensuring it fits within your budget. Clinics such as Deuk Spine Institute are in-network with most major insurance carriers including Aetna, Anthem, Assurant(Cigna), Blue Cross Blue Shield, GEHA, Medicare, Multiplan, Health First Medicare Classic, United Health Care, WEBTPA, Workers’ Compensation.
  1. Are there any lifestyle changes or non-medical interventions that could help with my pain?
  • Lifestyle adjustments or alternative therapies might be beneficial alongside medical treatment.
  1. What is your approach to prescribing and managing pain medication?
  • Given the complexities of pain medication, it’s important to understand the doctor’s philosophy and management strategies.
  1. If the initial treatment plan does not work, what are the next steps?
  • It’s helpful to know how your doctor plans to adjust the treatment if your pain does not improve.
  1. Do you coordinate care with other specialists if needed?
  • For comprehensive care, it may be necessary to involve other healthcare professionals.

Surgical Alternatives to Interventional Pain Management

When it comes to managing chronic back and neck pain, many patients turn to pain management doctors for treatment. While these doctors can provide relief through various interventions, it’s important to understand that pain management is a treatment, not a cure.

For some types of pain, such as disc-related pain, surgical intervention may be necessary to achieve permanent relief. At Deuk Spine, we specialize in advanced surgical techniques such as Deuk Laser Disc Repair, which is the only permanent cure for disc pain in the world. Our expertise also extends to facet joint pain, for which we offer Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy, the only other cure for facet pain in the world.

We understand that some patients may prefer to try non-surgical options first and we respect that decision. However, it’s important to recognize that pain management may only provide temporary relief and can be a costly and ongoing expense for patients. We encourage patients to consider all options and make an informed decision about their care.

While pain management doctors can provide valuable relief for chronic back and neck pain, it’s important to understand the limitations of these treatments. At Deuk Spine, we offer surgical alternatives that can provide permanent relief for certain types of pain, and we encourage patients to explore all options before making a decision about their care.

Deuk Laser Disc Repair

Deuk Laser Disc Repair is the most advanced laser spine surgery in the world. It is used as an alternative to dangerous invasive surgeries like total disc replacement and spinal fusion. It is also a great alternative to pain management. 

While pain management can be the right recourse for some patients, at Deuk Spine we value curing our patients from pain–not just treating them. For example, facet joint pain accounts for 10% of back and neck pain cases. 

While pain management doctors often resort to nerve-burning procedures, such as radiofrequency ablation, Deuk Spine offers Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy–the only true cure for facet pain. While radiofrequency ablation treatments mean patients must burn their nerves over and over again for years, Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy is a final solution for face joint pain. 

The other 90% of back and neck pain is often caused by disc problems, such as bulging, ruptured, herniated, or flipped discs, which perturb the disc and cause pain. Deuk Laser Disc Repair is the only permanent cure for disc pain in the world. 

The Deuk Laser Disc Repair procedure was developed by Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, a renowned neuro-spine surgeon and a true pioneer in minimally invasive, laser, and endoscopic back and neck pain treatment.  

Deuk Laser Disc Repair is a form of endoscopic spine surgery performed in a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center under sedation while the patient relaxes. This procedure does not compromise or weaken the health and integrity of the spine.

In over 15 years of performing this procedure and with over 2,000 patients treated, there has been a 99.6% success rate with no complications in any patient.

How Deuk Laser Disk Repair Works

To get started, Deuk Laser Disc Repair requires a very small incision, less than a quarter inch long. A cylindrical rod called a dilator is inserted in the small opening to gently spread the muscle to create a small passage and guide through which the surgery is performed endoscopically. 

The tip of the dilator is advanced into the symptomatic disc through the tear in the annulus where the herniation originates, and a tube called the retractor slides over the dilator and is carefully positioned into the painful disc. The rest of the entire Deuk Laser Disc Repair surgery will occur inside this narrow tube.

To access the spine, an endoscopic camera is inserted into the tubular retractor to allow the surgeon to guide the laser inside each symptomatic disc. This process ensures that bones and surrounding tissues are not damaged, unlike traditional spinal fusions, microdiscectomy,  and artificial discs.

The Holmium YAG laser used in the Deuk Laser Disc Repair is manipulated accurately with millimeter precision under endoscopic visualization to remove only painful inflammatory tissue from the disc. The laser is precisely used to remove damaged disc material that is causing the pain. 

Once the laser has removed the inflamed painful part of the annular tear and the herniated nucleus pulposus, the endoscope and tubular retractor are removed, leaving less than one-quarter inch incision in the skin, which can be closed with a single stitch and a band-aid. 

The total time for the Deuk Laser Disc Repair surgery is one hour, and the patient is in recovery for about 45 to 60 minutes before being released to go home. Hospitalization is not needed, and the risks of hospital-based surgery are avoided. 

Also, with the Deuk Laser Disc Repair, there’s no loss of normal movement, and the flexibility of the disc and joint is preserved. With endoscopic Deuk Laser Disc Repair, there is no fusion, metal implants, or biological material added to the spine. The procedure is all-natural, allowing your body to heal the herniated or bulging disc itself.

After the surgery, the Deuk Laser Disc Repair patient is back home, enjoying life with a speedy recovery allowing normal activities without pain. Another advantage of Deuk Laser Disc Repair is that no opioids or powerful narcotic painkillers are needed after surgery. 

Open spine surgeries like microdiscectomy, laminectomy, artificial disc replacement, and fusion all cause so much internal trauma that patients are in severe pain after surgery and must take painkillers for weeks after their surgery but not with Deuk Laser Disc Repair.

More About Pain Management Doctors & Clinics

Here’s additional information on pain management doctors and clinics:

How do I know if I should see a pain management doctor?

You should see a pain management doctor if pain or discomfort is affecting your quality of life, if it lasts more than 3-6 months, isn’t improving with other treatments, if you struggle to perform day-to-day movements, and more. A pain management doctor like Dr. Deuk will help relieve your pain and get you back to living without discomfort. 

What is another name for a pain management doctor?

Pain management doctors are also called doctors of osteopathy (D.O), pain specialists, or pain management specialists. They are doctors with specialized training and qualifications to evaluate, diagnose, and treat various types of pain in patients of all ages. 

How do I find a good pain management doctor?

Patient reviews on authentic review websites like Vital.com are the best way to find a good pain management doctor. You can search Google for the doctors and clinics they’re associated with, then search for their information on review websites. This approach helps make a more informed decision by considering both the individual experiences with the doctor and the overall service quality of the clinic.

What are the 5 A’s of chronic pain?

The 5 A’s of pain management is a comprehensive framework designed to help pain doctors manage patients’ conditions. It is analgesia, activities of living, adverse effects, affect, and aberrant drug-related behaviors. Certain changes in the 5 A’s during treatment indicate complications. 

What is the safest pain medication for long-term use?

Acetaminophen is generally considered the safest pain medication for long-term use because it doesn’t cause side effects like bleeding and stomach pain. However, people respond differently to medications, and before you start using any drug, you should visit a pain specialist to confirm if it’s the right medication for you. 

What do you do when your chronic pain is unbearable?

When chronic pain becomes unbearable, you can try getting a gentle massage or exercise, but chances are that might not work if the pain is already affecting your movement. You should try seeing a pain management doctor. 

You might be given an X-ray, prescription anti-inflammatory medicine, or physical therapy when you visit the hospital. If those options don’t work, you will be referred to a surgeon for further examination. 

When it comes to curing chronic pain, the best surgeon is Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, also known as Dr. Deuk. He has performed over 5,000 cervical decompressive discectomies and treated over 2,000 herniated or degenerated lumbar discs with no major complications, in addition to hundreds of laser spine surgeries with a 99.6% success rate in the elimination of pain.

What not to say to pain management?

To receive the best care from a pain specialist, you should avoid doing anything that will make the specialist misdiagnose you. Avoid:

  • Downplaying or exaggerating your pain
  • Requesting specific medications 
  • Not mentioning previous treatments
  • Lying about smoking, taking alcohol or drugs 

Every bit of information is important for you to be properly diagnosed and treated, so answer all questions honestly. 

Get a Free MRI Review For Neck and Back Pain

At Deuk Spine, we understand the physical and emotional toll that chronic back and neck pain can take on your life. While pain management doctors may provide temporary relief, it’s important to note that this approach often comes with a hefty cost. Patients may end up paying over $100k out of pocket over 20 years without ever addressing the underlying issue.

But at Deuk Spine, we offer something different. We provide a permanent solution to back and neck pain through our innovative procedures: Deuk Laser Disc Repair and Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy. These procedures have been developed and perfected by our team of world-class spine specialists and are the only permanent cures for disc and facet pain in the world.

We understand that surgery may not be the first choice for many individuals, but our minimally invasive procedures ensure a faster recovery and less downtime. We want our patients to be able to get back to the activities they love without the constant burden of pain.

We offer a range of treatment options, including pain management, but we strongly suggest that patients consider our permanent solutions. If you are suffering from back or neck pain, we encourage you to send us your MRI scan for a free review.  Our team of top pain management doctors will review it and provide a customized plan on how to eliminate your pain. 

Let us help you take the first step toward a pain-free life.

Cure your back and neck pain once and for all.

Deuk Laser Disc Repair has patients back on their feet within an hour, feeling zero pain
Speak With a Surgeon
Want A Free 
MRI Review?
Our world-class surgeons at Deuk Spine Institute are standing by to review your MRI and provide a recommendation on the best way to get you out of pain, permanently. 
Start Your Free MRI Review
Dr. Deuk on a transparent background
About Deuk Spine Institute
World leader in Laser Spine Surgery
With world-class physicians on staff, the newest and most advanced technology, and a patient experience pathway that is unrivaled in it’s efficiency and and pedagogy of care, Deuk Spine Institute has performed thousands of procedures and achieves a 95% success rate in elimination of pain.

 The services we offer are not offered anywhere else in the world, and the treatments are curative, not palliative.  On top of that, Dr. Deukmedjian is personally invested in the well-being of each and every patient, and has spared no expense to guarantee the best possible outcomes.
Viera: 7955 Spyglass Hill Rd Melbourne, FL 32940

Titusville: 494 N Washington Ave Titusville, FL 32796
© 2021 Deuk Spine Institute