Pain Management

Pain management by a board-certified doctor is about more than just treating pain – it’s about helping you regain control of your life. By carefully listening to your concerns and understanding your unique needs, we work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Combining medical treatments, therapies, and education, the goal is to relieve pain, improve your daily function, and enhance your overall well-being. With compassion and expertise, our pain management specialists support you every step of the way on your journey to a pain-free life.

The effectiveness of any given treatment can vary significantly from person to person, even for the same underlying cause of chronic pain. As a result, healthcare providers generally prioritize less invasive or conservative treatments before exploring more complex or risky options. However, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for chronic pain management.

Treatments Available at Our Clinic

Managing Pain With Treatment

Managing chronic pain often requires a multi-faceted approach. Healthcare providers may recommend a combination of therapies, focusing on both treating the underlying cause and managing the pain itself. Research indicates that combining multiple treatment methods typically leads to greater pain reduction than relying on a single method.

Dr. Darren Freeman, D.O.

Dr. Darren Freeman is board-certified in both pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation. He earned his medical degree from Western University, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pomona, CA. Dr. Freeman completed an internship at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, OH, and a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Rusk Institute, New York University, NY, where he served as Chief Resident. He also completed a fellowship in interventional pain management/spine with Pain Solvers Inc. in Walnut Creek, Oakland, and San Francisco, CA.

Dr. Freeman previously served as an assistant clinical professor in pain management and director of the pain management program at the UC Riverside School of Medicine, where he played a key role in training future physicians and advancing pain management techniques.

Currently, Dr. Freeman is a Pain Intervention Specialist with Alertive Healthcare Medical Group, specializing in comprehensive pain management and rehabilitation. He is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing him to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population.

Dr. Darren Freeman, DO Healthgrades.

Procedures Provided

EMG/NVC Testing - Upper and Lower Extremities
Trigger Point Injections
Bursa Injections
Tendon Sheath Injections (ie Dequervans Tenosynovitis)
Occipital Headache Blocks (In Office/ OR)
Medial Branch Blocks (Cervical/Thoracic/Lumbar)
Radiofrequency Ablations (Cervical/Thoracic/Lumbar)

Epidurals: Caudal/Interlaminar/Transforaminal - (Cervical* /Thoracic*/Lumbar)
Genucula Blocks/Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Femoral Accessory & Obturator Blocks/ RFA
Pudendal Nerve Blocks
Iliohypogastric Nerve Blocks (Ultrasound)
Adductor/Saphenous Nerve Blocks (Ultrasound)
Dorsal Column Stimulator Trials/ IPG Implants

DRG Stimulator Trials/ IPG Implants
Kyphoplasty
Intracept to treat chronic lower back pain (Basovertebral Nerve Ablation or BVN)
SI Joint Fusion (LINQ)
Discograms
Peripheral Stimulator Trials/ Implant (StimWave)

What is pain management?

Pain management is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and alleviating pain. It involves a variety of treatments, including medications, physical therapy, injections, and lifestyle changes, tailored to each patient’s unique needs to improve their quality of life.

When should I see a pain management doctor?

You should consider seeing a pain management doctor if your pain lasts for weeks or months, affects your daily activities, or isn’t adequately relieved with over-the-counter medications. A pain management specialist can help you explore advanced treatment options and improve your comfort and mobility.

What kinds of pain can a pain management doctor treat?

A pain management doctor can treat various types of pain, including chronic back pain, arthritis, nerve pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, and pain following surgery or injury. They work with you to find the underlying causes of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan.

How do I know if pain management will work for me?

Every patient’s experience with pain is different, and pain management is highly personalized. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, a skilled pain management doctor will assess your condition, discuss your goals, and try different treatments to see what works best for you. Many patients find significant improvement in their pain and quality of life.

Is pain management safe?

Pain management is safe when administered by a trained, board-certified doctor. Your doctor will carefully evaluate your medical history and conditions to ensure the treatment options are appropriate for you. They will also monitor your progress to adjust the plan as needed for the best and safest results.

Are there non-medication options for pain relief?

Yes, many non-medication treatments can help manage pain. These include physical therapy, acupuncture, nerve blocks, chiropractic care, and cognitive behavioral therapy. A pain management doctor will guide you in choosing the best options for your specific condition.