What Does a Pain Specialist Do Beyond Prescribing Pills?

Many people living with chronic back pain (or caring for loved ones who are) misunderstand what modern pain management really means. Maybe you’ve heard it is about opioids, pills, or quick fixes. But that is only part of the story.

At the Deuk Spine Institute, under the care of Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, we believe in a different approach that focuses on long-term relief, functional improvement, and restoring your life, not just masking pain. We specialize in effective chronic spine pain relief using advanced techniques.

If you or someone you love is struggling with persistent back or neck pain that makes everyday activities, hobbies, or even simple movement difficult, a free consultation and MRI review for back pain at Deuk Spine Institute could be the first step toward living life without limitations.

When many people hear “pain management doctor,” they may automatically think of pills. But many pain specialists, especially those trained in interventional pain management and spine-focused care, offer a much broader toolbox of non-opioid pain therapy.

We view pain management as part of a comprehensive strategy tailored to your spine health, functional goals, and lifestyle, rather than a quick pill fix. This comprehensive approach includes:

• Spine injections for pain and nerve blocks that target and reduce nerve irritation and pain.
• Advanced therapies, such as spinal implants or neurostimulation for chronic pain, are used for select patients to modulate pain signaling.
• Collaborative treatment plans that combine non-surgical care, physical therapy, and, when appropriate, minimally invasive surgical options with expert spine surgeons like Dr. Deukmedjian.

While options like these can work for a time, they rarely are a permanent fix and often come with potential complications and side effects.

It may be time to call a Florida spine doctor specializing in pain management for your back pain if:

• You have tried first-line treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and rest without relief (failed conservative treatment back pain).
• Back or neck pain interferes with your daily life, work, hobbies, family, and overall comfort (back pain interferes with your daily life).
• You want to explore all possible non-surgical spine treatment options before or instead of surgery. These may include injections, non-opioid therapies, or interdisciplinary care (pain management vs. surgery).

For chronic spine problems like herniated discs, chronic degenerative disc disease treatment, or spinal stenosis, pain specialists can team up with you and your spine surgeon to craft a plan that works well, is safe, and helps you enjoy life more.

Interventional pain management at Deuk Spine Institute is focused on achieving permanent, curative solutions rather than temporary fixes. We combine the latest techniques to offer long-term relief and are committed to avoiding the need for fusion, metal implants, or prolonged reliance on medication.

Patients at Deuk Spine Institute may benefit from a combination of non-opioid pain therapy and advanced procedures, including:

• Targeted injections and blocks: Procedures like epidural injections, facet joint injections, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can precisely target and stop pain signals transmitted by irritated nerves.
• Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy®: This specialized, minimally invasive technique uses plasma energy to treat chronic pain originating from arthritic facet joints, providing lasting relief.
• Deuk Laser Disc Repair®: When a condition requires surgical intervention, Dr. Deukmedjian offers the Deuk Laser Disc Repair® (DLDR), the world's most advanced laser spine surgery. This procedure is a minimally invasive alternative that removes the pain source (herniated disc material) without fusion or implants, allowing patients to achieve a 95% success rate in pain elimination without complications or side effects.

Pain management at Deuk Spine Institute is not one size fits all. Each patient receives a personalized pain treatment plan based on their spine condition, pain history, lifestyle, and goals.

Ready For Lasting Relief Instead of Short-Term Pain Management?

Fill out the form today to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward a pain free life.

In the past few decades, pain management often centered on prescribing opioids and other potentially harmful drugs like gabapentin. As the risks of addiction, dependence, and overdose became clear, the field shifted toward opioid-free pain management.

Why the Conversation Around Opioids Has Changed

At Deuk Spine Institute, we embrace a modern multidisciplinary pain approach that prioritizes therapies that reduce reliance on long-term opioids whenever possible. Our goal is to help you regain function, reduce pain, and avoid the long-term opioid risks chronic pain patients face when safer alternatives are available.

What Florida Law Actually Says About Opioid Prescriptions

Because you are in Florida, it is helpful to understand how prescription guidelines may affect your care. We follow all best practices and adhere strictly to the Florida opioid prescription law (HB 21).

• Under House Bill 21, for acute pain, doctors prescribing a Schedule II opioid can generally issue a maximum three-day supply, which can be extended to seven days only with specific documentation (Florida HB 21 chronic pain).
• These limits apply only to acute pain. They do not apply to chronic non-acute pain, such as long-term spine conditions.
• Under HB 21, practitioners must check the Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program database before prescribing controlled substances to ensure safe and accountable prescribing.

When medically appropriate, opioids can still be used for chronic or severe pain, but with careful documentation and oversight. However, many patients benefit significantly from non-opioid or interventional options first.

Pain-Free, Medication-Free

Watch how Dr. Deukmedjian helped this patient finally live pain-free after years of pain management. 

If you are ready to walk a new path, schedule a free consultation and MRI review. You can prepare for your first pain management appointment at Deuk Spine Institute by:

• Bringing any imaging you have, such as MRI scans, in digital or hard copy form.
• Keeping a pain journal, noting where it hurts and how the pain changes with movement or certain positions.
• Bringing a list of all medications, including prescription and over-the-counter.
• Being ready to share what matters most to you (e.g., walk comfortably, return to hobbies, or sleep through the night).

During this visit, you and the doctor will discuss your pain history, goals, and potential therapies. Bringing a friend or family member can also help you feel supported.

Living with chronic back or neck pain does not have to be your forever. Dr. Deuk and the team at Deuk Spine Institute are committed to listening to your concerns, understanding your pain, and helping you find real and lasting relief.

If you are ready to take the next step, schedule a free consultation and MRI review. Tell us your story, your pain challenges, and your goals. Together, we can explore what is possible and help you return to living life without limitations.

Make Your First Pain-Free Move

If you’re seeking relief from lumbar pain, have been recommended for a TLIF spinal fusion, or are still dealing with chronic neck pain after a failed fusion surgery, we can help improve your quality of life and enable you to live pain-free. 

Upload your latest MRI for a free review and a personal consultation with myself. Ara Deukmedjian, M.D., founder of Deuk Spine Institute and creator of the Deuk Laser Disc Repair® procedure.

DLDR® In Action

Learn more about our revolutionary DLDR® procedure.

Q:  Does pain management actually help chronic back pain?

A: Yes. Modern pain management can significantly reduce chronic back pain and improve quality of life. Treatment often includes targeted injections, nerve blocks, physical therapy, non opioid medications, and advanced therapies such as neurostimulation. At Deuk Spine Institute, each plan is personalized, so your treatment is tailored to the root cause of your pain rather than simply masking symptoms.​

Q: Will I be prescribed opioids if I see a pain management doctor?

A: Not necessarily. Many patients never need opioid medications. Request to focus on safe, effective, and long-term solutions. Opioids should only be used when medically appropriate and after safer options have been considered. If opioids are part of your plan, they should be monitored carefully to ensure you receive the lowest effective dose with the highest level of safety.

Q: How do I know if I need surgery or if pain management can help first?

A: Many spine conditions can be treated without surgery. Pain management is often the first step if conservative measures have not helped. If your MRI shows a condition that may require surgical correction, Dr. Deukmedjian, a world-renowned spine surgeon, will review your imaging for free and explain whether surgery or non-surgical options are most appropriate. The goal is always to choose the least invasive and most effective solution for your specific condition.