Medical Pain Management

Find Relief from Chronic Pain with Our Expert Care

Apex Spine's pain medicine specialists are dedicated to improving the lives of those living with chronic pain. With personalized treatment plans, we help patients find relief and enhance their daily function. We ensure that your medication is suitable and appropriate for your changing condition over time. It includes adjusting and modifying medications, and monitoring side effects and potential drug interactions to find the most effective solution.

What are the tenets of pain medication management?

Pain, despite being a shared experience, is a complex and subjective phenomenon that can be difficult to address. Consequently, prior to prescribing pain medication, we conduct an initial diagnosis to identify the specific type of pain the patient is experiencing. Typically, chronic pain can be classified into two primary categories:

  • Nociceptive Pain

    This type of pain is caused by inflammation or tissue injury. This type of pain can be sharp, dull, or aching in nature. Nociceptive pain is further categorized into two types: somatic (skin, muscles, bones, and joints) and visceral (which impacts the organs in the abdominal cavity.)

  • Neuropathic Pain

    Neuropathic pain arises due to damage or injury to the nerves and is characterized by symptoms such as burning, increased sensitivity, and shooting sensations. Patients commonly describe this type of pain as severe, sharp, lightning-like, stabbing, burning, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Who Needs Medical Pain Management

Pain management plans can benefit anyone experiencing pain, whether it's temporary, such as post-injury or post-surgery, or long-term. These comprehensive plans are tailored to individual needs and can help manage a variety of painful conditions, including:

  • Arthritis and Muscle and Joint Injuries

  • Autoimmune Disorders

  • Back Injuries

  • Chronic Pain Disorders

  • Endometriosis

What medications are most commonly used for nociceptive pain?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are typically the first-line treatment for nociceptive pain, with opioids reserved for severe or treatment-resistant cases. The following medications can aid in the management of nociceptive pain:

  • Acetaminophen

  • NSAIDs

  • CSO2 Inhibitors

  • Opioids

  • Atypical Opioids

What medications are most commonly used for neuropathic pain?

While remedies such as NSAIDs and opioids may provide relief for nociceptive pain, they are generally less effective for neuropathic pain. For this type of pain, membrane-stabilizing medications that block neurotransmitters in the brain tend to be the most effective treatment:

  • Anticonvulsants

  • Tricyclic Antidepressants

  • Select Antidepressant Medications

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