How a Pain Management Doctor Can Help With Neck and Back Pain

A piece of paper that says "pain management" resting next to a stethoscope.

Get the treatment you need to improve your quality of life

Pain is one of the most debilitating symptoms of a neck or back injury. It's not just physical discomfort; it can affect your ability to work and do the things you love, whether that's playing with your kids or running a marathon.

We understand the critical importance of pain management in treating musculoskeletal disorders. That's why we have an experienced, board-certified pain management specialist, Dr. Stephen Wade, on our team at Island Musculoskeletal Care. Dr. Wade and our entire team are dedicated to helping our patients feel better.

A pain doctor plays an important role throughout the process

We're mindful of the role of pain management throughout the treatment process. That starts with diagnosing the source of the pain. Even a minor pain can be a warning sign of a deeper underlying problem. We'll talk in-depth about your symptoms, including:

  • Where in the body are you feeling pain?
  • When did this pain start? Did anything in particular happen at that time (e.g. an accident)?
  • What time of day do you experience the most pain?
  • Are there any activities that make your pain worse?
  • Is the pain better or worse depending on your posture (sitting, standing, lying down)?
  • Have you tried any pain medication or other treatment? What works and what doesn't?

Based on this evaluation, we may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs or other diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause of your pain. We have a radiologist on staff who can order these tests and interpret the results.

Once we have a diagnosis, we will recommend treatment to help you manage your pain. Depending on the nature of your injury, that may involve surgery to correct the underlying problem, but our physiatrist and physical therapy team can also recommend more conservative treatments. We may also prescribe pain medication.

We believe in treating the whole patient, not just one part of the body

Pain is incredibly personal. Everyone's pain tolerance is different, and everyone's body responds differently to medications and treatments. If a particular treatment doesn't work for you, that doesn't make you weak; it makes you human. We will listen to your story and recommend different treatments to help find the best pain management plan for your body and your life. We'll also advocate for you when it comes to getting your treatment paid for, whether you're dealing with regular health insurance, workers' compensation, or no-fault insurance after a car accident.

You don't have to deal with the pain of a neck or back injury on your own. Contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our seven locations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. We often have same-day appointments available. Visit us online to see our available times and book an appointment.

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