Our Services / Pain Management

What is pain management?

Pain management includes evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of common conditions that cause pain. Dr. Kumar specializes in pain management using the most advanced treatments available. He prefers pain management solutions that don’t involve addictive pain medication or invasive procedures. 

Why might I need pain management?

You may be a candidate for pain management at Spine & Pain Specialists of the Carolinas if you struggle with severe or long-lasting:

• Neck pain
• Back or spine pain
• Shoulder, hip, or knee pain
• Other types of joint pain
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Fractures
• Sports- or work-related injuries
• Fibromyalgia
• Sciatica
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Nerve damage
• Bulging or ruptured discs
• Other causes of chronic pain

Sometimes the pain goes away with rest and home remedies, but you may need medical intervention to get the relief you deserve in other cases. 

How does my provider diagnose the cause of my pain?

To find the root cause of your discomfort, Dr. Kumar checks your vital signs, review your symptoms and medical history, and complete a physical exam. He often recommends blood tests, nerve nesting, X-rays MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, or other imaging procedures to develop the most effective pain management treatment plan.

What are the different types of pain management?

Some of the many types of pain management solutions available at Spine & Pain Specialists of the Carolinas include:

Physical therapy
Physical therapy and massage are natural pain-relieving treatments that enhance healing and reduce your risk of future problems.

Injections 
Spine & Pain Specialists of the Carolinas offers a variety of injections that reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, enhance cell regeneration, lubricate your joints, or release tight muscle fibers. Examples include steroid injections, trigger point injections, and many others.

Spinal cord stimulation 
Spinal cord stimulation uses a tiny pacemaker-type device to send electrical pulses to your spinal cord to diminish pain signals. Dr. Kumar usually inserts spinal cord stimulators underneath skin near your buttocks or abdomen.

Peripheral nerve stimulation
Peripheral nerve stimulation is like spinal cord stimulation, but it sends tiny electric pulses to nerves outside of your spinal cord to achieve pain relief. Peripheral nerves relay information between the brain and the rest of your body.

Intrathecal pump
Intrathecal pumps are tiny devices that deliver medicine into spinal fluid around your spinal cord. They consist of a pump with a catheter (small plastic tube) that releases medicine into your body. That allows for lower doses of medication.

Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation uses a tiny needle and radiofrequency energy to heat and dull nerves that carry pain signals to your brain. Dr. Kumar numbs the treatment area to ensure you avoid discomfort during the procedure. 

To learn more about pain management at Spine & Pain Specialists of the Carolinas and find a treatment that’s best for you, call the office or book a visit online today.