Pain Management

Why choose us for pain management?

We’re committed to helping you live a healthier life with less pain. You receive care from physicians who specialize in managing and treating chronic pain. They deliver expert, leading-edge treatments with compassion and understanding.

At BJC HealthCare, you benefit from our:

• Expertise in multiple fields: Your care team includes world-class experts with advanced training and board certifications in pain medicine. Our team brings the latest scientific breakthroughs directly to you.
• Comprehensive pain management: Our pain care physicians specialize in nonnarcotic pain management using medications, injections, physical therapy, and psychological therapy. We work with an expert team to get you the care you need if you need surgery.
• Personalized treatment plans: We customize a care plan for you. Our team helps patients taper the use of opioid medications and offers other pain management options for sustainable, long-term treatment.
• Experienced nurses for follow-up care: Our registered nurses have years of experience in pain management. They can answer your questions and provide expert follow-up care. You can often get help via phone or our secure online patient portal, so you don’t have to come in for a visit.
• Whole-person care: Physical therapy and psychological support address chronic pain and its effects on your life. You receive care to help you improve your ability to function at work or school and participate in the activities you enjoy.

What is pain management? 

Pain management is a group of treatments and strategies designed to help reduce or eliminate chronic pain and the effects of chronic pain, so you can do the things you love. Our treatments range from physical therapy to injections to psychological therapy, all with the goal of providing long-term relief without the use of opioid medications.  

To support these treatments, we often suggest lifestyle changes to help you reach your goals faster. Some of these strategies include:  

• Moving more: Light exercise and moving your body if it hurts in certain positions (like extended periods of sitting) will often provide some pain relief. Cardiovascular and aerobic exercise can also help your body build more endurance while improving your mood. Our team can help you decide if an exercise program will be helpful for your specific pain management program. 
• Relaxation techniques: Sit somewhere comfortable. Tighten one muscle group—say your legs—for five to seven seconds, then relax for 30 seconds. As the tension releases, notice how the muscle softens and relaxes. Repeat with another muscle group. 
• Breathing exercises: Sit comfortably with your eyes closed. Breathe in and out, imagining yourself at a favorite, peaceful place—perhaps the beach or mountains. Feel the pattern and regularity of each breath. 
• Prioritizing sleep: Most people need seven to nine hours of sleep, if you live with chronic pain sleep is often disrupted which can then affect how you feel. If you’re having trouble with your sleep, let your provider know, they can help you develop a plan. 
• Eating the rainbow: Some chronic conditions are affected by the food we eat, worsening your pain or inflammation in the process, so it’s always a good idea to focus on a well-balanced diet that supports your health. If you need guidance, we can connect you with a dietician or nutritionist who will tailor a plan that meets your needs. 

Finally, it’s always important to keep a log of your pain so you can track what makes it worse and what makes it better. Your pain log can also help you pace your activities, so you can do the things you want to do without overexerting yourself. For example, if you know something makes your pain worse you could limit the amount of time you do it, plan for breaks, and then gradually increase the time you spend on it to slowly build up endurance without causing extra pain. 

Pain can be debilitating, but there is hope, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.