To begin, we need to know as much about your medical history as possible. Before we meet, we ask you to
complete a comprehensive medical and surgical history questionnaire. You are welcome to do this in the comfort
of your home. The form is available in a PDF download by CLICKING HERE or from our staff.
Your first office visit is a comprehensive pain evaluation based on your history and a thorough
physical examination.
Next, your pain specialist, nurse and you together determine the best treatment plan for you based on your diagnosis. We together will set realistic, achievable goals for your pain care.
When you complete your first visit, you will understand the source of your pain and the details of your treatment
plan including the rationale for the recommended medications and therapies.
Finally, we will determine a follow-up plan to make sure you are progressing as expected based on the diagnosis
and treatment plan. Your feedback helps us fine tune your treatment plan to provide the best possible outcome.
Your participation is very important for maximum success. This includes understanding your diagnosis, the recommended treatment, and setting and working toward your pain management goals. A critical part of this process for you is learning what brought about your pain, how to make it better and, if possible, how to prevent it from happening again. Your participation is essential!
If needed, we may recommend further diagnostic tests such as…
The Comprehensive Pain Management Group’s doctors and nurses are constantly learning about new therapies
to improve the treatment of our patients. As specialists in pain management, we use evidence-based treatment recommendations. Our care providers can prescribe medications for chronic pain that are not typically used
by your family doctor.
Epidural steroid injections (pain blocks) are a
method of pain management that can quickly and substantially reduce your pain. This procedure may delay or even eliminate the need for surgery and improve your mobility.
Pain treatable with this injection is usually caused by swelling or a chemical irritation from herniated disc material. The medicine reduces the swelling and pain, which in turn improves your function and ability
to do activities of daily living. This procedure is done only as needed.
Our pain specialists are experts trained in the use of procedures and medications that
treat your pain
rather
than cover it up, such as:
Treatment referral options include:
Physical and Aquatic Therapy Treatment – to help reduce pain, increase strength and flexibility to make it easier to get through your day.
Home Exercise Program – so you can take control of your
well-being and to help prevent future injuries.
Coping Skills – a licensed clinical health psychologist can help you learn the skills and attitudes necessary to deal with pain. When under constant pain, some can understandably become irritable and fatigued. As part of our total approach to pain management we help you take more control over your life and start feeling better emotionally.
Nutrition Counseling – for weight management which can
have a significant impact on pain management.
Surgical Consultation – If needed, quality surgical teams
are available, such as neurosurgeons and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons.
Implantable Therapies – Similar to the concept of a pacemaker, an implantable spinal cord stimulator
provides pain relief by blocking pain messages from nerves to prevent the signals from reaching the brain. Another device is an implantable drug infusion pump which delivers medicine continuously to treat pain with the right dosage 24 hours a day.
…you won’t get any painful surprises from your insurance company. Our Office Manager, Pam Bury, and if needed, our Workman’s Compensation Specialist Tamara Herman, take care of the details in advance so the insurance company gets what they need to make
sure you get the care you need.
