Pain Management for Chronic Conditions

Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming. When everyday treatments stop working, it may seem like relief is out of reach. At The Pain Free Institute in Los Angeles, we believe that lasting relief is possible. Our team of experienced pain management specialists provides advanced, personalized care for patients dealing with complex, long-standing pain conditions.

Whether you have been struggling with nerve pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), fibromyalgia, or another condition that has not responded to conventional treatment, we offer a range of specialized therapies designed to reduce pain, restore function, and improve your overall quality of life.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is generally defined as pain that persists for three months or longer, often continuing even after an injury has healed or in the absence of any identifiable tissue damage. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal, chronic pain can become a condition in itself, affecting the nervous system, mental health, physical mobility, and daily functioning.

Common chronic pain conditions include:

• Neuropathic pain (nerve pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction)
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic back and neck pain
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Chronic post-surgical pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Vascular or circulation-related pain

Chronic pain does not look the same for every patient. That is why The Pain Free Institute takes an individualized approach, carefully evaluating each patient's history, symptoms, and goals before recommending a treatment plan.

How We Approach Chronic Pain Management

Our approach to chronic pain management begins with a thorough evaluation. We review your medical history, previous treatments, imaging studies, and current symptoms. From there, our team develops a customized treatment plan that may combine multiple therapies to address both the source of your pain and its effect on your daily life.

We focus on:

• Reducing pain intensity and frequency
• Improving physical function and mobility
• Minimizing reliance on opioid medications
• Addressing the root causes of your pain, not just the symptoms
• Supporting your long-term wellness and independence

We offer a full spectrum of interventional and non-surgical options, including minimally invasive procedures, nerve-targeted therapies, regenerative treatments, and advanced infusion therapies. Many of these treatments can be performed on an outpatient basis with minimal downtime.

Treatments Offered for Chronic Pain

Below is a detailed overview of the specialized treatments we provide for chronic pain conditions. Our team will help you understand which options are most appropriate based on your diagnosis and needs.

1. Intravenous (IV) Infusion Therapy

IV infusion therapy delivers powerful medications directly into the bloodstream, allowing for faster absorption and more effective relief than oral medications. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients whose pain has not responded to standard treatments.

At The Pain Free Institute, we offer infusion therapies including ketamine and lidocaine infusions. These medications work by interrupting abnormal pain signaling in the nervous system, offering relief that can last weeks or even months after a single course of treatment.

Conditions treated with IV infusion therapy include:

• Neuropathic pain
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic pain syndromes that have not responded to other treatments

IV infusion therapy is administered in a supervised clinical setting where patients are closely monitored throughout the session. Most infusions are completed within a few hours, and patients may require a series of treatments to achieve optimal results.

2. Peripheral Joint Nerve Ablation

Peripheral joint nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from a damaged or inflamed joint. By disrupting these nerve signals, the procedure can provide long-lasting pain relief without the need for major surgery.

We offer two types of nerve ablation:

• Radiofrequency Ablation: Uses heat generated by radio waves to deactivate pain-transmitting nerves
• Cryoablation: Uses extreme cold to achieve the same effect, freezing and disabling targeted nerves

Peripheral joint nerve ablation is effective for:

• Arthritis pain in the knees, shoulders, hips, and other joints
• Chronic pain resulting from joint injury or inflammation
• Joint dysfunction that has not improved with physical therapy, medication, or other treatments

This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes less than an hour. Most patients experience significant pain relief within days to weeks following the procedure, and results can last from six months to two or more years.

3. Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

The sympathetic nervous system plays a key role in how the body perceives and responds to pain. In conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), the sympathetic nervous system becomes dysregulated, amplifying pain signals and causing symptoms that go far beyond the original injury.

Sympathetic nerve blocks involve the injection of a local anesthetic near specific clusters of sympathetic nerves to interrupt this abnormal pain signaling. Depending on the location of the pain, different nerve clusters may be targeted, including the stellate ganglion (for upper body pain) or the lumbar sympathetic chain (for lower body and leg pain).

Conditions treated with sympathetic nerve blocks include:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Types I and II
• Chronic pain following injury or surgery
• Vascular or blood flow-related pain conditions
• Phantom limb pain
• Raynaud's syndrome

Sympathetic nerve blocks can provide both immediate short-term relief and contribute to longer-lasting symptom management when performed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Some patients experience significant improvement after a single injection, while others benefit from a series of procedures  

Why Choose The Pain Free Institute?

The Pain Free Institute is a dedicated chronic pain management practice based in Los Angeles, serving patients throughout the greater Southern California area. Our practice is led by Dr. Farnad, a board-certified pain management specialist with extensive experience treating complex and difficult-to-manage pain conditions.

When you choose The Pain Free Institute, you benefit from:

• A comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan
• Access to the latest evidence-based pain management techniques
• Minimally invasive procedures with low downtime
• A compassionate, patient-first approach to care
• Convenient location at 5757 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036
• Extended office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

We understand that living with chronic pain affects every area of your life. Our goal is to help you find meaningful relief so that you can return to the activities, relationships, and experiences that matter most to you

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask about pain management for chronic conditions.

What qualifies as chronic pain?

Chronic pain is generally defined as pain that lasts for three months or longer. It may be constant or intermittent, and it can occur even when there is no ongoing tissue damage or identifiable injury. Chronic pain is a recognized medical condition that affects the nervous system and often requires specialized treatment.

How is chronic pain different from acute pain?

Acute pain is a short-term response to injury or illness that typically resolves as the body heals. Chronic pain persists well beyond the expected recovery period, sometimes for years, and may develop a life of its own independent of the original cause. It often requires a different, more targeted approach to treatment.

What conditions does The Pain Free Institute treat?

We treat a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, arthritis, chronic back and neck pain, post-surgical pain, headaches and migraines, and vascular pain conditions, among others.

Are the treatments at The Pain Free Institute surgical?

Most of the treatments we offer are non-surgical or minimally invasive. Procedures such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and IV infusion therapy do not require general anesthesia or extended hospital stays. Many are performed on an outpatient basis with minimal recovery time.

What is ketamine infusion therapy and how does it help with chronic pain?

Ketamine is an anesthetic medication that, when administered at low doses through an IV infusion, can reset abnormal pain signaling pathways in the nervous system. It has been shown to be effective for conditions like CRPS, fibromyalgia, and treatment-resistant neuropathic pain. Sessions are conducted in a supervised clinical setting and typically take one to two hours.

What is the difference between radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation?

Both are nerve ablation techniques used to disrupt pain signals from specific nerves or joints. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat generated by radio waves, while cryoablation uses extreme cold. Both are minimally invasive and can provide significant pain relief lasting months to years. Your provider will recommend the most appropriate option based on your condition and anatomy.

How long does relief last after a nerve ablation procedure?

Most patients experience relief for six months to two or more years following a nerve ablation procedure. Because nerves can regenerate over time, pain may gradually return, at which point the procedure can often be repeated.

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and how is it treated?

CRPS is a chronic pain condition that typically develops after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. It causes intense, burning pain, swelling, changes in skin color and temperature, and hypersensitivity in the affected area. We treat CRPS using sympathetic nerve blocks, IV infusion therapy (including ketamine), spinal cord stimulation, and other advanced interventions tailored to the severity of symptoms.

Is fibromyalgia treatable at The Pain Free Institute?

Yes. While fibromyalgia does not have a single cure, we offer several treatments that can significantly reduce pain and improve function, including ketamine and lidocaine infusions, nerve-targeted therapies, and regenerative medicine options. We work with each patient to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses both pain and the lifestyle factors that influence it.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, the severity of your pain, and your response to treatment. Some patients experience significant relief after a single procedure, while others benefit from a series of treatments. Your provider will outline a recommended plan during your initial consultation and adjust it based on your progress.

Will I need to stop my current medications before starting treatment?

This depends on the specific treatment being planned. Some procedures or infusion therapies may require temporary adjustments to your current medications. Your provider will review your full medication list during your consultation and provide clear instructions on how to prepare.

Do you accept insurance?

Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and the specific procedures recommended. We encourage you to contact our office directly at (323) 553-5638 so that our team can verify your benefits and discuss payment options prior to your first appointment.

Is pain management the same as opioid management?

No. While opioids have historically been used for pain management, modern interventional pain medicine focuses on addressing the underlying cause of pain through targeted procedures, nerve-based therapies, and regenerative treatments. At The Pain Free Institute, our goal is to reduce or eliminate the need for long-term opioid use by providing more precise and effective alternatives.

How do I know which treatment is right for me?

The best treatment for your chronic pain depends on your diagnosis, your medical history, the location and nature of your pain, and how you have responded to previous treatments. During your consultation at The Pain Free Institute, Dr. Farnad will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.

How do I schedule an appointment at The Pain Free Institute?

Scheduling an appointment is simple. You can call our office at (323) 553-5638 or request an appointment online through our website. Our office is located at 5757 Wilshire Boulevard, PR2, Los Angeles, CA 90036. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and look forward to helping you begin your path to relief.

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Relief?

You do not have to keep living with pain. The Pain Free Institute offers advanced, compassionate care for patients with chronic pain conditions throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn which treatment options may be right for you.

Call us at (323) 553-5638 | Visit us at 5757 Wilshire Blvd, PR2, Los Angeles, CA 90036

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