Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of payment do you accept?
A: We work with numerous insurance providers and accept, checks, cash, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Care Credit.

Q: What kinds of pain do you treat?
A: We treat nearly every kind of chronic and acute pain.  See a list of services and the types of pain we commonly treat and call us at (281) 955-5585 to ask about your specific type of pain.

Q: Where are you located?
A: We are located in the NW Houston are - Spring.  See address and map to our location.

Q: Can I complete my forms ahead of time?
A: Yes!  That is a great way to save time.  Visit the forms page to print the forms you need.  Print what you need, complete them at home, and bring them to your appointment.  You can get the pre-procedure forms here.

Q: Will you work with my current doctor?
A: Of course.  In fact, we prefer it that way.  Simply call us or have your doctor call us at (281) 955-5585 and we will discuss your unique situation and how to begin your pain recovery program.

Q: What kinds of insurance do you accept?
A: We accept insurance from over 70 providers.  See our list of accepted insurance providers for more information and if you do not see yours listed, call us at (281) 955-5585.

Q: What is Acute Pain?
A: Acute pain begins suddenly and is usually sharp in quality. It serves as a warning of disease or a threat to the body. Acute pain may be caused by many events or circumstances, including:

  • Surgery
  • Broken Bones
  • Dental Work
  • Burns or Cuts
  • Labor or Childbirth

Acute pain may be mild and last just a moment, or it may be severe and last for weeks or months. In most cases, acute pain does not last longer than six months and it disappears when the underlying cause of pain has been treated or has healed. Unrelieved acute pain, however, may lead to chronic pain.

Q: What is Chronic Pain?
A: Chronic pain persists despite the fact that an injury has healed. Pain signals remain active in the nervous system for weeks, months, or years. Physical effects include tense muscles, limited mobility, a lack of energy, and changes in appetite. Emotional effects include depression, anger, anxiety, and fear of re-injury. Such a fear may hinder a person's ability to return to normal work or leisure activities. Common chronic pain complaints include:

  • Headache
  • Low Back Pain
  • Cancer Pain
  • Arthritis Pain
  • Neurogenic Pain (pain resulting from damage to nerves)
  • Psychogenic Pain (pain not due to past disease or injury or any visible sign of damage inside)

Chronic pain may have originated with an initial trauma/injury or infection, or there may be an ongoing cause of pain. However, some people suffer chronic pain in the absence of any past injury or evidence of body damage.

Q: How is Pain Treated?
A: Depending upon its severity, pain may be treated in a number of ways. Symptomatic options for the treatment of pain may include one or more of the following:

  • Drug treatments such as non-prescription medications like Aleve, Motrin and Tylenol or stronger medications such as morphine, codeine or anesthesia.
  • Nerve blocks (the blocking of a group of nerves with local anesthetics)
  • Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and relaxation
  • Electrical Stimulation
  • Physical Therapy
  • Surgery
  • Psychological Counseling
  • Behavior Modification

Some pain medicines are more effective in fighting pain when they are combined with other methods of treatment. You may need to try various methods to maintain maximum pain relief.

Q: Should I take pain medication only when I have a lot of pain?
A: No. Don't wait until pain becomes severe to take pain medication. Pain is easier to control when it is mild. You should take your pain medication regularly, just as prescribed. Sometimes this means taking medicine on a regular schedule.

Q: Will I become addicted to narcotic pain medications?
A: Not necessarily, if you take your medication exactly as prescribed. A person's likelihood of becoming addicted depends, in part, on his or her addiction history. Addiction is less likely if you have never had an addictive disorder. Ask your doctor about any concerns you may have.

Q: Why do I need to keep taking more of my medication to have the same effect?
A: This situation occurs when you have developed tolerance to a drug. Tolerance is a normal physiological response to narcotics and occurs when the initial dose of a substance loses its effectiveness over time. Changing the dose or the medication often solves the problem. Just because you have become tolerant to a drug does not mean that you are addicted to that drug.

Q: Should I tell my medical provider I am having pain?
A: Yes. Your provider needs to assess your pain, so it is very important for your health care team to know if you are in pain.

Q: Some days my acute pain is much worse.  What should I do?
A: You might notice at times that you are in more pain than usual (such as at the end of a tiring day or as a result of certain activities). If you notice that certain activities contribute to your pain, or that you feel worse at certain times of the day, medication can be taken prior to the activity (or time of day) to help prevent the pain from occurring. Always be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Q: How can I tell my doctor how much pain I am in?
A: The best way is to describe your pain as clearly and in as much detail as you possibly can. Most doctors and nurses ask you to describe your level of pain on a scale.

Q: What can my friends and family do to help with my pain?
A: Friends and family can benefit you by helping you to live as normally and independently as possible.

Q: Do I have to suffer with chronic pain for the rest of my life?
A: Not necessarily. With proper treatment, people can live full, normal lives after having experienced chronic pain.