What is pain management?
Pain management is the process of providing medical care that minimizes or diminishes pain. Our Pain and Spine Specialists are responsible for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pain.
What are pain and spine specialists?
Pain and spine specialists are doctors that have received extensive training in Anesthesiology and Pain Management. Our doctors have
Do I have to be referred by a physician?
No. You do not need a referral from a physician to schedule an appointment with our doctors.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Scheduling an appointment is simple. You can call (805) 557-0096 to speak with someone over the phone or fill out the Make an Appointment form and someone from our clinic will contact you.
What is the patient portal?
The patient portal (link) is an online platform where you can save valuable time by:
- Requesting prescription renewals
- Requesting or changing appointments
- Reviewing your medical records online in a safe and secure environment
- Communicating privately with our clinical staff via secure message
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
Please bring completed new patient forms with you when you arrive at our facility for your first appointment or procedure. If you choose not to fill out the forms before your appointment, please arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete the forms. Please bring copies of the following:
- Drivers license or approved government identification card
- Valid insurance card
- Drug and allergy list
- Patient Rights Form
You will also receive an email with detailed information and patient forms prior to your appointment or procedure.
What are facts about pain?
Chronic pain is a major public health problem in the United States. Did you know that:
- About 116 million Americans suffer from chronic or recurring pain
- Pain is the number one complaint of Americans ages
- Migraines plague 25 million people in the U.S.
- One in six Americans suffer from arthritis-related chronic pain
- Low back pain is the fifth most common reason for all physician visits in the U.S.
- Back pain is the most frequent cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years old
- When asked about four common types of pain, respondents of a National Institute of Health Statistics survey indicated that low back pain was the most common (27%), followed by severe headache or migraine pain (15%), neck pain (15%) and facial ache or pain (4%)
- Pain can increase stress levels, which can make pain worse
- The annual cost of chronic pain in the United States, including healthcare expenses, lost income, and lost productivity, is estimated to be about $560-$635 billion.
- Women were more likely to experience pain (in the form of migraines, neck pain, lower back pain, or face or jaw pain) than men. Women were twice as likely to experience migraines or severe headaches, or pain in the face or jaw, than men.
- 1 in 3 Americans lose more than 20 hours of sleep each month due to pain
What is difference between acute pain and chronic pain?
Acute pain usually comes on suddenly and has a specific cause. It is sharp in quality and usually does not last longer than six months. Acute pain goes away when there is no longer an underlying cause for the pain.
Chronic pain is pain that is ongoing and usually lasts longer than six months. This type of pain can continue even after the injury or illness that caused it has healed or gone away. Pain signals remain active in the nervous system for weeks, months, or years. Some people suffer chronic pain even when there is no past injury or apparent body damage. Chronic pain is linked to conditions including:
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- Headache
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Nerve pain
- Back pain
- Fibromyalgia pain
How soon can I get an appointment?
Our clinic is open Monday through Friday. We try our best to accommodate your desired appointment time. Please call (805) 557-0096 to speak with someone over the phone or fill out the Make an Appointment form and someone from our clinic will contact you.
