Pain Management Without Surgery: When to See a Specialist

Chronic pain isn’t just frustrating — it can interfere with every part of your life. From sleep and mobility to mood and work, pain takes a toll. But not all pain requires surgery. If you’ve been dealing with persistent discomfort, nerve issues, or spine-related pain, a non-surgical pain management specialist might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

At 360 Orthopedics, our award-winning team of interventional pain physicians helps patients in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice find long-term relief — without relying on medication or jumping straight to surgery. If you’re wondering when to see a pain management specialist (and what they actually do), this guide is for you.

What Is a Pain Management Specialist?

A pain management specialist is a physician with advanced training in diagnosing and treating pain — especially chronic pain or nerve-related issues. These specialists are often board-certified in anesthesiology or physical medicine & rehabilitation and complete fellowships in interventional pain medicine, allowing them to offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments.

At 360 Orthopedics, our pain management physicians are experts in non-surgical spine care, joint pain, and nerve-related pain conditions.

Common Conditions We Treat Without Surgery

• Back or neck pain
• Sciatica, pinched nerves, or spinal stenosis
• Joint pain from arthritis
• Migraines or chronic headaches
• Nerve-related pain (neuropathy)
• Injuries or inflammation that haven’t improved with rest or medication

When to See a Pain Management Specialist

• You’ve tried rest, ice, or physical therapy — and the pain keeps coming back
• Medications help temporarily, but you don’t want to rely on pills long-term
• You’re being bounced between providers, but no one is identifying the root cause
• You’re looking for alternatives to surgery, or want a second opinion before moving forward
• You’re recovering from an injury but haven’t fully healed

Advanced Pain Relief Options at 360 Orthopedics

We offer non-surgical treatments performed in our Lakewood Ranch procedure suite using fluoroscopic imaging:

• Epidural steroid injections
• Facet joint injections
• Nerve blocks
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) 
• Botox for migraines and nerve pain
• Kyphoplasty
• MILD (minimally invasive lumbar decompression)
• Intracept for vertebrogenic pain

Meet the Region’s Top Pain Specialists

• Dr. Douglas Constant – Interventional Pain Management Physician
  Dr. Constant is a double board-certified pain physician and U.S. Naval Academy graduate, fellowship-trained at Harvard Medical School. A former Chief Resident at UAB, he specializes in minimally invasive spine procedures—like Intracept and spinal cord stimulation—delivering results-focused care backed by elite training and military-grade discipline
• Dr. Ashot Kotcharian – Interventional Pain Management Physician
  Dr. Kotcharian is a board-certified PM&R physician, fellowship-trained in interventional spine and sports medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to serve as Assistant Fellowship Director at Johns Hopkins, where he trained future pain physicians in advanced, image-guided procedures that he now brings to Florida patients with deep clinical precision.
• Dr. Justin Raye – Interventional Pain Management Physician
  Dr. Raye is a board-certified PM&R and interventional pain specialist, fellowship-trained at the highly respected Arizona Pain Specialists program. A former Chief Resident at the University of Minnesota and Summa Cum Laude graduate of UF, Dr. Raye blends cutting-edge spine techniques with a research-backed, patient-first approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a pain management doctor do?

Pain management doctors diagnose and treat chronic pain using advanced, non-surgical techniques like injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation. Their goal is long-term relief without relying on medication alone.

What’s the difference between a pain doctor and a surgeon?

Pain management doctors treat chronic pain using non-surgical procedures like injections, ablations, and nerve blocks. Surgeons perform invasive operations when needed. At 360 Orthopedics, our pain specialists focus on relieving pain without surgery — and can refer you to a trusted surgeon if necessary.

Should I see a spine surgeon or a pain management doctor for back pain?

If you have back pain, it’s best to start with a pain management specialist. They offer advanced, non-surgical treatments like epidurals and nerve blocks. Surgery is only needed when conservative care doesn’t work.

How are pain management procedures different from surgery?

Pain management procedures are non-surgical treatments like injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation. They’re done in-office or outpatient, with little to no downtime — unlike surgery, which often requires recovery and rehab.

Do I need a referral to see a pain management doctor?

Not always. Some insurance plans require one, but many don’t. Contact us and we’ll check your benefits for you.

Can pain doctors treat nerve pain or migraines?

Yes. Pain management doctors treat nerve pain and migraines using options like nerve blocks, Botox injections, and spinal cord stimulation.

What are signs I need to see a pain specialist?

If your pain has lasted more than a few weeks, or is affecting sleep, work, or daily activities, it’s time to see a pain doctor. Early care can prevent your condition from getting worse.

How is pain management different from a primary care doctor?

Pain management specialists focus on diagnosing and treating the source of pain using interventional procedures, not just medications. They offer targeted relief and long-term solutions.