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Pain Management in North Carolina

Persistent pain can affect mobility, sleep, work, and the ability to stay active. Pain management at North Carolina Neurosciences & Spine Center is focused on identifying the source of your discomfort and developing a treatment plan based on your condition, goals, and overall health. Because pain can involve the spine, nerves, muscles, or several systems at once, our specialists provide coordinated care designed to relieve symptoms, improve function, and help patients participate more comfortably in everyday life.

Comprehensive Pain Management Services

Our pain management services include:

  • Nerve Disorders & Injuries Disruptions affecting the central or peripheral nervous system can cause pain, burning, tingling, numbness, sensitivity, and other symptoms that require specialized evaluation and care.
  • Neck & Low Back PainPersistent or recurring discomfort may originate from the muscles, ligaments, discs, nerves, or other structures in and around the spine, making an accurate diagnosis important for choosing an effective treatment.
  • Spinal Stenosis Narrowing within the spinal canal can place pressure on nerves or the spinal cord, potentially leading to pain and other symptoms that may be managed through conservative or advanced treatment options.
  • Physical Therapy Personalized rehabilitation can help patients improve strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, and function while supporting their broader pain management goals.

Evaluating the Source of Your Pain

Effective pain management begins with understanding why it is happening. During your evaluation, our specialists will review your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and the ways discomfort affects your daily activities. A physical or neurological examination may also help determine whether your symptoms involve the spine, nerves, muscles, or other structures.

Depending on your condition, diagnostic testing may include MRI, CT imaging, X-rays, electromyography (EMG), or nerve conduction studies. Information gathered during this process allows our specialists to develop a more targeted approach rather than treating pain without considering its underlying source.

Why Choose North Carolina Neurosciences & Spine Center?

Pain can involve multiple parts of the body and may require expertise from more than one medical discipline. North Carolina Neurosciences & Spine Center brings together specialists in pain management, neurology, neurosurgery, spine care, and physical therapy. When appropriate, these professionals collaborate to evaluate complex symptoms and coordinate care across different stages of treatment.

Our approach prioritizes personalized care and conservative options. At the same time, access to advanced spine and neurological expertise means additional treatment options are available when symptoms require a different level of care. By combining specialized knowledge with coordinated treatment planning, our team helps patients from West Raleigh, Clayton, Pineville, Holly Springs, Cary, and throughout the Triangle Area understand their options and make informed decisions about managing pain.

Benefits of Pain Management

  • Reduce persistent discomfort.
  • Improve mobility and physical function.
  • Increase strength and flexibility.
  • Address certain nerve-related symptoms.
  • Support greater participation in rehabilitation.
  • Improve confidence with movement.
  • Support long-term management of recurring symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?

Acute pain develops suddenly and lasts for a relatively short period of time. Chronic pain persists or recurs for three months or longer and may continue beyond the expected period of healing.

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Can stress make pain feel worse?

Stress can increase muscle tension and influence how strongly the nervous system perceives painful sensations. Emotional stress does not necessarily cause the underlying problem, but it can affect a person's experience of pain.

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Why does pain sometimes feel worse at night?

Fewer distractions at night can make painful sensations more noticeable than they are during a busy day. Changes in hormone levels and prolonged positioning may also influence how some people perceive pain at night.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Pain Management in North Carolina

You do not have to navigate persistent pain without answers. If discomfort is limiting your activities or affecting your quality of life, the specialists at North Carolina Neurosciences & Spine Center can evaluate your symptoms and help determine an appropriate path forward. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your options for pain management in North Carolina.

Patient Testimonials

Nat Lambeth
I am a former patient of Dr Koolevelt, hate he retired am of the opinion he is a great doctor. I had a very good result from my surgery last April. I have encountered a new problem. I called and got an appoint ment to see Daniel Ingram he to is great. He listen to my complaint(s), then examined me. He sent me for xrays, and gave me a recomended treatment plan. Within hours of having my xrays he called me back with the preliminary results. He said he would get me seen for an injection to rule out possible other issues. He is a warm friendly professional. Great bedside manner. You don't find medical professionals of his quality in every practice. UNCRex Neuroscience is lucky to have him.
Dennis Hlad
Everyone was pleasant & efficient. Daniel Ingram, PA went over the previous MRI showing me where the problem is. Then we discussed the options. He suggested if the symptoms changed to contact him.
Jill Schade
I have known Dr Koeleveld and his team over 19 years and due to the nature of my back history L5/S1. There is NO one else I would trust but Dr K, Dan, Judy and his wonderful team. I should have written this sooner as I am 2 years post fusion and doing wonderful. Their expertise, care and compassion is second to none.
Katy TwoJsMom
Amazing. Mom needed nerve ablation on the back. She has a pacemaker and these folks were wonderful.
Kristian Brock
Best experience I had even Surgery went great, Dr.Lacin knew exactly what needed to be done.
Catherine Raspet
When I had stenosis quite a while ago, he performed surgery,and I woke up with no pain. What an extreme relief.
Raymond Baule
Great job Dr. Buttram!
Whitney Moore
John A. Engler, MD was amazing! I've been having back pain for years (had surgery in 2011) and was good for awhile. However I started going to a pain management clinic 3 years ago when it started up again. After an incident that cause me to go the the ER I was referred to Dr. Engler. He was extremely nice and informative. He took the time to explain everything to me. Extremely satisfied with the care I received will update after everything is said and done.
Mary Roby
I am now pain free and well on my way to a full recovery thanks to Dr. Lacin. Both he and his staff are knowledgeable, compassionate, caring and professional. Dr. Lacin performed back surgery on me as well as my mom and we will both be forever grateful.
Jeff Wiblitzhouser
Dr. Lacin's skill and dedication gave me a new lease on life. As a designer and builder of custom homes and remodels, I depend on my ability to get in and out of houses, tight spaces, etc., and my back had gotten to the point where the pain was intolerable. I didn't hire Dr. Lacin to tell me what I wanted to hear, I hired him to help me regain functionality. Thank You Dr. Lacin and your staff!!
Joann
My primary care doctor referred me to Dr Engler for a second opinion. First, I would like to say I would highly recommend seeing Dr Engler. He was patient, very thorough, and really took the time listening to me when I explained the pain I been experiencing. I was so relieved when he immediately pinpointed the cause of my pain. Dr Engler not only told me my options, but he explained them in-dept to me, and answered all my questions. I was truly satisfied with my visit. I Couldn't have asked for a better doctor.
Sharon Greene
Superb care from Dr Lacin and staff. Dr Lacin repaired my cervical disc, and with each visit I felt as if my care was most important to him and he Treated me like I was his only patient. Great bedside manner and Excellent surgeon. Highly recommended!!!
Brooke Weisner
Dr. Buttram was amazing, he helped me recover from a severely herniated disc, which ultimately had to have surgery on. his staff is super sweet and friendly, I would recommend him to anyone who is having back pain.