Pain Management
Welcome to the Pain Management Group (PMG) at Boston Medical Center. We are a multidisciplinary group dedicated to the treatment of pain. The group is based in the Boston University Department of Neurology. For nearly ten years our group has been at the forefront of pain management and was born out of the increasing recognition of this common and often underestimated problem. We are proud to be one of the few multidisciplinary pain management groups in an academic department.
Our team is experienced in the evaluation and treatment of a wide variety of pain syndromes including:
Headache and migraine Back pain Neck pain Cancer pain Peripheral neuropathy Arthritis pain Myofascial pain syndromes |
Failed back surgery pain Post herpetic neuralgia Radiculopathies Neuralgias Reflex sympathetic dystrophy pain Abdominal pain Chest wall pain |
What treatments are available?
The full range of treatments and diagnostics for chronic pain are provided at Boston Medical Center. We perform minor nerve blocks and muscle trigger point injections and specialize in medication management. In cooperation with our anesthesia group a wide variety of procedures such as epidural steroids, nerve blocks and other procedures are available. In addition, our neurosurgical partners are involved in the implantation of spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal (spinal) opioid pumps. Our neuropsychologist can assess patients for medication suitability and offers biofeedback and stress management. Physical therapy and rehabilitative services are available on site through our physiatric service.
Research
There are several ongoing medication trials for chronic pain and headache. Epidemiologic studies of geriatric pain and the neuropsychological components of chronic pain are in progress both at Boston Medical Center and at the Boston Veterans’ Administration Medical Center.
Education
Education is a key activity of the PMG. The group is involved in presenting annual courses and lectures widely on various topics related to pain. In addition, the faculty are involved in student teaching and mentoring.
Referrals
Patients are typically referred by their physician. Self referrals are accepted. We also accept patients from second opinions and expert consultation. Our main telephone number is (617) 638-8456. Fax no. is (617) 638-8465.
Podcast
Dr. Perloff and Dr. Zhu discuss available treatment options for headaches, when to worry if it is something more serious and that if they begin to have a negative impact on your every day life, that would be the time to seek the help of a professional.
Faculty
Michael D. Perloff, M.D., Ph.D. is the head of the Pain Group
Sunali Shah, M.D.
Bianca Carson, M.D.
Katie M. McMillen, FNP
Other Faculty
Christopher Wenger, M.D. Anesthesia
Eduard A. Vaynberg, M.D. Anesthesia
Maher El-Khatib, M.D. Anesthesia
Isidore Berenbaum, M.D. Psychiatry
Come visit us!