Chronic pain affects millions of individuals worldwide, often interfering with daily life, sleep, and overall well-being. A pain management specialist is a physician with advanced training in diagnosing, treating, and managing persistent pain using a multimodal approach.
Unlike general practitioners, pain specialists use a wide range of techniques—from interventional procedures to lifestyle counseling—to help patients regain function and reduce discomfort. At Maywell Health in NYC, our team provides expert care tailored to each patient’s condition, offering both non-invasive and advanced pain relief strategies.
Whether you’re living with back pain, arthritis, nerve-related pain, or post-surgical discomfort, working with a qualified pain management doctor can make a significant difference in recovery and quality of life.
Qualifications of a Pain Management Specialist
Pain management specialists undergo rigorous education and training to become experts in treating complex pain conditions. Their qualifications typically include:
- Medical Degree (M.D. or D.O.): Completion of medical school.
- Residency Training: Often in anesthesiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), or neurology.
- Fellowship in Pain Management: Focused advanced training in diagnosing and treating chronic pain through both interventional and non-interventional techniques.
These specialists stay up to date with the latest advances in pain medicine to provide evidence-based, comprehensive care. At Maywell Health, our team—including board-certified physicians like Dr. Brian Mayrsohn—applies this expertise to offer high-quality, personalized treatment for patients throughout New York City.
Types of Pain Doctors and Their Expertise
Pain management involves professionals from various medical backgrounds, each offering unique expertise in addressing different aspects of chronic and acute pain:
- Anesthesiologists: Experts in pain-blocking techniques and interventional procedures, such as nerve blocks and epidural injections. They often manage post-surgical and chronic pain.
- Neurologists: Focus on nerve-related pain conditions like neuropathy and migraines, using both diagnostics and medications to manage symptoms.
- Physiatrists (PM&R): Specialize in restoring physical function. They treat musculoskeletal pain, often integrating physical therapy and non-invasive treatments into care plans.
At Maywell Health, our multidisciplinary team brings together these specialties to ensure comprehensive and coordinated pain relief strategies for each patient.
Advanced Training and Fellowships
Pain management specialists undergo extensive post-medical school education to develop advanced skills in diagnosing and treating complex pain conditions. This includes:
- Residency Training: Typically in anesthesiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), or neurology.
- Fellowship Programs: Focused training in pain medicine, such as the Interventional Pain Fellowship at renowned institutions like Cornell University, The Hospital for Special Surgery, and Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital.
These fellowships provide hands-on experience with:
- Interventional techniques like nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulation
- Multidisciplinary care models that combine physical, emotional, and lifestyle interventions
- Emerging technologies in pain management and regenerative medicine
At Maywell Health, our team—led by fellowship-trained specialists like Dr. Brian Mayrsohn—offers patients cutting-edge, personalized care informed by the latest advancements in the field.
Conditions Treated by Pain Management Specialists
Pain management specialists are trained to address a wide variety of chronic pain conditions that affect daily life and mobility. At Maywell Health, our team takes a comprehensive approach tailored to each patient’s unique diagnosis. Common conditions include:
- Arthritis: Managing joint inflammation and stiffness
- Fibromyalgia: Treating widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue
- Migraines: Providing relief for chronic and episodic headaches
- Sciatica: Targeting radiating pain from the lower back through the legs
- Sports Injuries: Alleviating pain caused by overuse or trauma
- Cancer Pain: Offering palliative care focused on quality of life
- Nerve Pain (Neuropathy): Managing burning, tingling, or electric-like discomfort
Maywell Health also offers targeted treatments for localized pain, including:
- Back Pain – Improve spinal function and reduce discomfort
- Neck Pain – Enhance mobility and relieve tension
- Knee Pain – Support joint health and reduce inflammation
- Hip Pain – Restore range of motion and function
- Leg Pain – Alleviate nerve or vascular pain in the lower limbs
- Pelvic Pain – Address complex chronic pain often overlooked
- Shoulder Pain – Regain strength and flexibility
- Sacroiliac Joint Pain – Improve stability in the lower back and pelvis
- Face Pain – Treat nerve-related and muscular facial discomfort
By treating both the source and symptoms of pain, our providers help patients achieve lasting relief and return to active, fulfilling lives.
Diagnostic Methods Used by Pain Management Doctors
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective pain treatment. At Maywell Health, our pain management specialists use a comprehensive evaluation process to identify the source and nature of each patient’s pain. This ensures that treatment is both targeted and effective.
Common diagnostic methods include:
- Physical Examinations: A thorough hands-on assessment helps identify areas of tenderness, limited mobility, and neurological deficits.
- Imaging Studies: MRI, CT scans, and X-rays reveal structural issues such as disc herniation, joint degeneration, or fractures.
- Specialized Testing: Techniques like nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), and diagnostic injections help pinpoint nerve dysfunction or inflammation.
- Patient History and Pain Mapping: Understanding when pain began, how it behaves, and what worsens or relieves it provides crucial context for diagnosis.
Each diagnostic step is designed to uncover the underlying causes of chronic pain—not just manage symptoms. This thorough approach helps our specialists at Maywell Health create truly personalized treatment plans that lead to better outcomes.
Treatment Options Provided by Pain Management Specialists
Pain management specialists at Maywell Health employ a wide range of evidence-based, non-surgical treatments to alleviate chronic pain and restore daily function. These therapies are tailored to the specific type and source of pain and are often combined to enhance effectiveness.
Nonsurgical Treatments for Chronic Pain Management
- Pharmacological Treatments
- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Help reduce inflammation and pain in conditions like arthritis or back pain.
- Opioids: Prescribed selectively for severe cases under close medical supervision.
- Antidepressants and Anticonvulsants: Particularly useful in treating nerve-related pain, such as fibromyalgia or sciatica.
- Physical Therapy
Customized exercise programs focus on improving flexibility, strength, and posture. Therapies may include stretching, resistance training, and techniques like electrical stimulation or ultrasound therapy. - Complementary Therapies
- Acupuncture: Balances energy pathways and reduces inflammation; shown to be effective in chronic lower back pain.
- Chiropractic Care: Realigns joints to relieve pressure and improve spinal health.
- Massage Therapy: Relieves muscle tension and improves circulation.
- Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) addresses the emotional and psychological aspects of living with chronic pain, helping patients cope and stay engaged in treatment. - Dietary Modifications
Registered dietitians, like Olivia Beall at Maywell Health, may recommend anti-inflammatory diets personalized to reduce pain triggers and support healing.
These nonsurgical strategies form the foundation of our patient-centered approach at Maywell Health—reducing pain while empowering patients to live healthier, more active lives.
Interventional Treatments for Chronic Pain Relief
When non-surgical methods aren’t enough to manage persistent pain, interventional treatments offer targeted, minimally invasive solutions. These techniques are especially effective for patients who need relief from nerve, spine, or joint pain.
Common Interventional Procedures
- Epidural Steroid Injections
Deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space to reduce nerve inflammation—commonly used for back and leg pain. - Nerve Blocks
Inject anesthetic near specific nerves to block pain signals. Ideal for sciatica, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and other neuropathic conditions. - Spinal Cord Stimulation Trials
A temporary device is implanted to send electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals. Effective for patients with severe, treatment-resistant nerve pain.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Uses heat generated by radio waves to deactivate specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain—commonly used for chronic neck or lower back pain. - Intrathecal Pump Implants
A surgically implanted pump delivers medication directly to the spinal cord area, offering powerful relief at lower doses compared to oral medications.
At Maywell Health, these procedures are carefully selected based on your individual diagnosis, ensuring a safer, personalized approach to pain management.
The Multimodal Approach to Pain Management
Managing chronic pain effectively requires more than just one solution. A multimodal approach combines various treatment types to target pain from multiple angles, improving results and reducing the need for strong medications like opioids.
Key Components of a Multimodal Strategy
- Pharmacological Treatments
Includes NSAIDs, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or low-dose opioids tailored to the specific type of pain. - Physical Rehabilitation
Customized exercise programs to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility—often guided by licensed physical therapists. - Behavioral Therapy
Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help patients address the emotional and psychological side of living with chronic pain. - Complementary Therapies
Acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy work alongside conventional medicine to enhance overall well-being.
At Maywell Health, our multimodal approach is led by a collaborative team—including Dr. Brian Mayrsohn and other pain management experts—who develop personalized care plans to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.
The Importance of Education and Patient Empowerment
Education plays a powerful role in helping individuals manage chronic pain more effectively. When patients understand their condition and treatment options, they’re better equipped to participate in their care, make informed decisions, and experience better outcomes.
Why Patient Education Matters
- Understanding the Condition
Learning about the source and nature of their pain helps patients grasp why certain treatments are recommended and what results to expect. - Exploring Treatment Options
Knowing the pros and cons of available therapies empowers patients to choose approaches that align with their goals and comfort levels. - Mastering Self-Management Techniques
Simple lifestyle adjustments—like posture correction, movement strategies, or home exercises—can reduce daily pain and build independence.
At Maywell Health, our team takes the time to explain each step of the treatment process. We believe that informed patients feel more in control, which reduces stress and builds trust between provider and patient.
Collaborating with Other Healthcare Providers
Effective chronic pain care often requires a team-based approach. Pain management specialists don’t work in isolation—they coordinate closely with other healthcare professionals to provide patients with well-rounded, personalized treatment plans.
The Value of Communication and Teamwork
- Primary Care Physicians
They are often the first point of contact and help coordinate referrals and share health history for better-informed pain management decisions. - Specialists
Collaboration with orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and rheumatologists ensures that complex pain conditions receive targeted, specialty care. - Rehabilitation and Mental Health Professionals
Physical therapists, psychologists, and dietitians contribute valuable insight and interventions that complement pain management efforts.
At Maywell Health, we pride ourselves on maintaining seamless communication with your broader care team. Whether you’re recovering from surgery or managing a chronic pain condition, we ensure your care is collaborative, transparent, and efficient.
Innovations Shaping the Future of Pain Medicine Practice
Pain medicine is rapidly evolving, with exciting breakthroughs that promise more personalized, effective, and less invasive treatments for chronic pain.
Emerging Innovations in Pain Management
- Personalized Medicine
Using genomics and proteomics, doctors can now tailor treatments based on a patient’s unique biological profile—improving response and minimizing side effects. - Neurostimulation Technologies
Devices like spinal cord stimulators are becoming smarter and more adaptable, using real-time feedback to fine-tune pain relief. - Regenerative Medicine
Stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are being explored for their ability to repair damaged tissue and promote long-term healing. - Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is helping predict patient outcomes, optimize treatment planning, and identify pain patterns that might not be obvious to the human eye.
The Role of Pain Specialists in Driving Innovation
At Maywell Health, our board-certified pain doctors, including Dr. Brian Mayrsohn, actively integrate the latest advances into patient care. With a strong foundation in interventional techniques and a forward-thinking mindset, they not only apply but also help shape the future of pain medicine through research and clinical leadership.
Conclusion
Understanding the role of a pain management specialist is essential for anyone living with chronic or complex pain. These physicians bring together medical expertise, interventional skill, and holistic care strategies to help patients regain control over their lives.
At Maywell Health, our specialists go beyond treating symptoms—they work closely with you to uncover the root cause of your pain, educate you on your options, and build a personalized treatment plan that promotes long-term relief and better quality of life. Whether you’re struggling with back pain, neuropathy, arthritis, or recovering from injury, expert guidance can make all the difference.
With a comprehensive, multimodal approach and access to the latest innovations in pain medicine, Maywell Health is committed to helping New Yorkers live more comfortably, actively, and confidently.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What does a pain management doctor do?
A pain management doctor specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating chronic and acute pain conditions. They use a combination of medical, interventional, physical, and complementary therapies to provide relief and improve function.
What qualifications should I look for in a pain management specialist?
Look for a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who has completed a residency—often in anesthesiology, PM&R, or neurology—followed by a fellowship in pain management. Board certification in pain medicine is also a key credential.
What are some common conditions treated by pain management specialists?
Pain management specialists treat a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, back pain, neck pain, sciatica, migraines, nerve pain, sports injuries, pelvic pain, and post-surgical pain, among others.
How do pain management doctors diagnose pain conditions?
They use a combination of physical exams, imaging studies (like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans), and specialized diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies to determine the source of pain and develop a targeted treatment plan.
What treatment options are available from pain management specialists?
Treatments may include medications, physical therapy, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, radiofrequency ablation, acupuncture, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. The goal is to create a personalized, multimodal plan for long-term relief.
Why is patient education important in chronic pain management?
Education empowers patients to actively participate in their care, understand their condition, and make informed decisions. This leads to better adherence to treatment, improved outcomes, and a greater sense of control over their health.
