What Is Pain Management?
Understanding interventional pain medicine and how a specialist can help you.
Pain management is a medical specialty focused on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of all types of pain — from acute pain following injury or surgery to chronic pain conditions that persist for months or years. When pain becomes a condition in itself — rather than simply a symptom of an injury — a pain management specialist provides the expertise that primary care and other specialists cannot.
Dr. Edward Rubin is a board-certified pain management specialist serving Nassau County and the greater Long Island area. His approach combines advanced interventional procedures with a comprehensive understanding of pain physiology — always prioritizing non-opioid, non-surgical solutions first.
Interventional Pain Medicine
Interventional pain medicine uses minimally invasive procedures — guided by fluoroscopy (live X-ray), ultrasound, or CT imaging — to target and treat pain at its source. Rather than simply prescribing medications that mask pain, interventional procedures:
When Should You See a Pain Specialist?
Consider a pain management consultation if:
- Pain has lasted more than 3 months and has not resolved with rest or basic treatment
- Pain is interfering with work, sleep, relationships, or daily activities
- You have been told surgery is your only option — but want a second opinion
- You have already had surgery but still have significant pain
- Your primary care doctor or orthopedic surgeon has recommended a pain specialist
- You want to reduce or eliminate opioid medications safely
- You have been diagnosed with a chronic pain condition like CRPS, fibromyalgia, or neuropathy
Dr. Rubin's Philosophy
Non-opioid, non-surgical first. Dr. Rubin believes that most patients with chronic pain can achieve meaningful improvement through targeted interventional procedures — without relying on long-term opioid therapy or undergoing surgery.
When you come to Dr. Rubin, he takes the time to understand your specific pain generators, your history, and your goals. Every treatment plan is individualized — there is no one-size-fits-all approach to pain management.
50+ procedures available. From PRP and laser therapy to spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pumps, Dr. Rubin offers the full spectrum of interventional pain treatments — including several advanced procedures not widely available on Long Island.
Conditions We Treat
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pain management specialist?
A pain management specialist is a physician who has completed specialized training in diagnosing and treating chronic and acute pain conditions. Dr. Rubin is board-certified in both anesthesiology and pain management, with fellowship training focused exclusively on interventional pain medicine.
How is a pain management doctor different from a primary care doctor?
Primary care doctors provide broad healthcare and often prescribe medications for pain. Pain management specialists focus specifically on pain — using advanced diagnostic tools, interventional procedures (injections, nerve blocks, neuromodulation), and comprehensive multimodal approaches to address the underlying pain generators rather than just masking symptoms.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Rubin?
A referral is not always required, though some insurance plans do require one. We recommend calling our office to verify your specific insurance requirements. Many patients self-refer after researching pain management options.
What happens at a first appointment?
Your first visit includes a comprehensive review of your pain history, prior treatments, imaging, and medications; a physical examination; and a discussion of your goals. Dr. Rubin will explain the likely pain generators and propose a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.
Will I be prescribed opioids?
Dr. Rubin's philosophy is non-opioid first. He focuses on interventional procedures — injections, nerve blocks, regenerative treatments, and neuromodulation — that address the root cause of pain rather than relying on chronic opioid therapy. Opioids may be part of a carefully monitored plan for certain patients, but they are never the first or only approach.
What conditions does a pain management specialist treat?
Pain management specialists treat a wide range of conditions including back and neck pain, sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, CRPS, neuropathic pain, joint pain, cancer pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, and more. If pain is significantly affecting your quality of life, a pain management evaluation is appropriate.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Call our office or request an appointment online. Most major insurance plans accepted.