This post was written by Dr. Andrius Giedraitis, Pain Management at Parkview Bryan Hospital.
Surgeons play an essential role in healthcare. When a structural problem clearly needs fixing, such as severe spinal compression, fractures or joint degeneration, surgery can be life-changing.
But surgery isn’t always the first or only option for pain. This is where pain management fits in.
Surgery treats structure; pain management treats pain
Surgeons are experts in correcting anatomical problems. Pain specialists focus on how pain is generated, processed by nerves and experienced by the body.
Many patients have imaging findings like disc bulges, arthritis or degenerative changes that don’t always require surgery. Pain management specialists help determine:
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Whether pain is coming from joints, discs, nerves or muscles
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Whether minimally invasive treatments could help
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Whether conservative care should be tried first
Exploring non-surgical options first
Pain specialists often help patients explore non-surgical options such as:
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Epidural steroid injections
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Neuromodulation therapies
These treatments can reduce inflammation, interrupt pain signals and improve function. Sometimes pain management care can delay or avoid the need for surgery altogether.
Better outcomes before and after surgery
Even when surgery is the right choice, pain management can improve outcomes. Pre-surgical pain optimization may help patients:
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Enter surgery with better function
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Reduce preoperative inflammation
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Build realistic expectations for recovery
After surgery, pain specialists can help address:
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Persistent pain
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Nerve-related pain
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Scar-related pain
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Rehabilitation-related discomfort
This coordinated approach can improve recovery and reduce long-term pain risks.
When surgery doesn’t always fully solve the problem
Some patients experience continued pain after surgery, a condition sometimes referred to as “persistent postoperative pain” or “failed back surgery syndrome.” Pain management specialists are trained to treat these complex pain patterns using advanced, minimally invasive options.
Collaborative care, not competition
Pain specialists and surgeons often work together. The goal isn’t to compete with surgery—it’s to make sure patients have access to the full spectrum of evidence-based options.
A pain specialist helps answer important questions:
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Is surgery necessary right now?
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Are there less invasive options worth trying first?
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How can pain be better managed before and after surgery?
When both teams collaborate, patients benefit from clearer decisions, more personalized care, and better long-term outcomes.
Find care
At Parkview Bryan Hospital's Pain Management Clinic in Ohio, our team offers personalized and balanced care with no referral necessary. To learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call 419-633-7343.
At PPG—Pain Management in Indiana, appointments are by referral only. If you suspect you need to see a pain management specialist, contact your primary care physician.
