Patients referred to the Pain Institute are first evaluated by our physician, Walter M. Kidwell, M.D. (Anesthesiology). Following initial evaluation, the patient and the referring party (physician, claims agent, attorney, etc.) will be informed as to the findings and the recommended treatment plan. The treatment plan may involve further diagnostic evaluation with testing or consultation, or a number of treatment options, ranging from conservative to aggressive, depending on the state of the pain and the patient's ability to function or state of disability. The patient, clinicians, and referring party will then decide on a plan, which the staff of the Pain Institute will assist in implementing. We can provide most treatments for painful conditions, ranging from conservative treatments such as medication management, physical therapy, medical massage, chiropractic therapy, osteopathic therapy and psychological (behavioral) treatment. More advanced treatments include injection therapy, radiofrequency nerve ablation and spinal neuromodulation (spinal cord stimulator). Whatever treatment is chosen, the goal remains the same: To optimize the patient's function and give him or her a more independent, productive and enjoyable quality of life.
Please refer to our Patient Education page for more detailed information on treatments offered.