The Chronic Pain Management Program is a multidisciplinary program developed to help those patients who suffer from chronic pain. The goal of the Chronic Pain team is to teach self-care skills to alleviate suffering, enhance quality of life and promote healing through an integrated wellness model. The department is committed to providing an environment where the needs of staff and patients are considered equally. The goal of the highest quality care, delivered in a timely fashion, by a professional and compassionate staff is a priority. Integral to this process is a collaborative relationship among providers, both in our department and the facility, staff members and patients.

Our Staff

Our staff is comprised of a multidisciplinary team which includes Medical Doctors, Psychologists, Registered Nurses, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Physical Therapists & Acupuncturists.

Your First Visit

• New patients require a referral from a physician.
• Your first visit will be a group appointment to introduce you to the department and learn about chronic pain. You will be asked to fill out a patient questionnaire at this time.
• You will work with a care manager who will coordinate your care in the Chronic Pain Management Program. Your first individual appointment will be with your care manager.
• While we are able to review your laboratory reports, medications filled at Kaiser Permanente Pharmacies and recent imaging studies on our computers, we do not have access to non-Kaiser medical systems. For this reason, please make sure we receive copies of all records, including x-rays or x-ray reports that pertain to your chronic pain problem.

Managing Your Chronic Pain

• Chronic Pain Overview
• Your Chronic Pain Condition
• Common Chronic Pain Conditions
• Chronic Pain Medications
• Chronic Conditions
• Back Pain
• Headaches
• Spine Injection Information
• Total Body Reconditioning Exercises (led by Renee Garvin, PT)

Chronic Pain Program Classes

• Acupuncture Overview
• Graduate Group
• Intensive Chronic Pain Management Program (Level 3)
• Intensive Chronic Pain Management Program Overview
• Intensive Pain Management Phase Two
• Intermediate Pain Management Program (Level 2)
• Mindful Mediation for Pain Program Graduates
• Physical Therapy for Pain Program Graduates: Offered some Fridays, please call 707-571-3921 for information about these classes
• Spine Alignment
• Understanding Chronic Pain

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

• Learn about Complementary Medicine
• Acupuncture
• Ginkgo
• Saw Palmetto
• St. John's Wort

Common Chronic Pain Conditions

• Arthritis: What is Arthritis?
• Acute Low Back Pain
• Back in Action: Taking Control of Your Back Problem
• What is Making My Back Hurt?
• Chronic Pain Self-Care Tips
• Fibromyalgia Syndrome
• Headaches: What Causes Headaches?
• Herniated Disk
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome
• Neck Pain
• Neck Problems-Prevention & Self Care Tip Sheet
• Neuropathic Pain
• Shingles

Acupuncture FAQs

Acupuncture can promote natural healing, relieve pain, reestablish a free flow of energy, stimulate the immune system, improve energy and help to achieve biochemical balance. Read More

Introduction to Acupuncture Treatment Video

Mental Health Resources

• Emotional Well-being and Mental Health
• Stress Management
• Anxiety Disorders
• Insomnia
• Depression and Mood Disorders

Resources

• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
• American Chronic Pain Association
• American Academy of Pain Management
• Al-Anon Outreach is a resource for family and friends of alcoholics. This web site offers information on peer support groups, literature, and worldwide contacts.
• Alcohol Screening provides information about alcohol use and abuse and includes a screening tool to detect safe or harmful patterns of alcohol consumption.
• Alcoholics Anonymous provides information about the largest self help organization for recovery from alcoholism.
• Co-Dependents Anonymous s a self help organization for the development of healthy and fulfilling relationships.
• Dual Recovery Anonymous is a resource for people with a dual diagnosis. The web site includes news, forums, meeting times and locations.
• LifeRing is a self-help organization for secular recovery from alcoholism and addiction.
• Narcotics Anonymous provides information about addiction, treatment, resources and the Narcotics Anonymous Program. (available in English and Spanish)