Southern Pain & Spine Answers Your Pain Management Questions
Pain Management
Q: What is pain management and how can it help me?
A: Pain management is a medical approach focused on reducing and controlling chronic or acute pain to improve quality of life. It involves a variety of treatments – such as medication, physical therapy, injections, and minimally invasive procedures -tailored to each individual’s needs. Whether your pain stems from injury, illness, or a chronic condition, a pain management specialist can help identify the cause and create a personalized plan for long-term relief and improved daily function.
Q: What is radiofrequency ablation?
A: Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses heat to disable a specific nerve, providing pain relief by stopping pain signals from reaching the brain. By inserting a needle into the area around the nerve and injecting a local anesthetic, a small amount of radiofrequency energy is then delivered to the nerve, disrupting the nerve’s ability to send pain signals. No single treatment works best for everyone, so we will work to find the best possible treatment for you.
Q: Why is it important to receive chronic pain treatment?
A: If left untreated, chronic pain can lead to a number of serious health problems. You may be unable to work, enjoy an evening out or get a good night’s rest. As a result of untreated chronic pain, you could eventually develop depression or anxiety. Some people even develop substance use disorder after relying on opioid medications to manage their pain.
Q: What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
A: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a therapy that uses electrical impulses to interfere with pain signals traveling to the brain. By implanting a small device near the spinal cord, SCS can help reduce chronic 
pain, offering a noninvasive alternative to traditional pain management methods. No single treatment works best for everyone, so we will work to find the best possible treatment for you.
Q: When is it appropriate to seek pain management after a car accident?
A: It’s important to seek pain management following a car accident if you experience persistent or worsening pain. Watch out for difficulty moving, numbness, tingling or weakness and pain lasting more than a few days. Delayed symptoms like headaches, back pain or whiplash can also indicate the need for professional treatment. Early intervention can prevent long-term issues and improve outcomes.
Q: Are there regenerative medicine options I should consider for my pain?
A: Regenerative medicine is revolutionizing healthcare by offering treatments that heal and restore damaged tissues, reducing the need for invasive surgeries or long-term medications. Regenerative therapies, such as PRP, provide new possibilities for patients suffering from acute or chronic injuries. If pain continues to affect your quality of life, the team at Southern Pain and Spine would love to help you feel your best again.
Q: When should I see a pain specialist?
A: Pain is considered chronic when it lasts for more than three months. Some signs that indicate you should see a pain management specialist include persistent pain that has not responded to conservative treatment or over-the-counter medications, difficulty with daily activities, pain that disrupts your sleep cycle, escalation in pain intensity or dependence on pain medications. Southern Pain & Spine can help get you back to the life you love!
Southern Pain & Spine
1150 Hammond Dr., Bldg E, Ste. 40, Atlanta
678.971.4167, southernpainandspine.com
