How to Find the Best Pain Specialist in Brooklyn

TL;DR

• The best pain specialist for you is the one trained for your problem who looks for the cause before treating.
• Check board certification, fellowship training in pain or sports medicine, and the range of non-surgical options offered.
• A good first visit includes a real exam, a clear explanation and a plan, not just a prescription.
• Practical fit matters too: location, insurance, hours and how easy it is to reach the office.

Step 1: Check training and credentials

Look for a physician who is board certified, usually in physical medicine and rehabilitation, anesthesiology or sports medicine, with fellowship training in pain management or sports medicine. You can confirm board certification through the certifying board’s public lookup.

Step 2: Match the specialist to your problem

• Back, neck and nerve pain: a pain management physician who treats the spine
• Joint, tendon and sports injuries: a sports medicine or pain physician who uses ultrasound-guided treatment
• Long-lasting, complex pain: a team that can combine several approaches

Step 3: Look at the treatment options offered

A clinic that offers only one kind of treatment will tend to recommend it for everyone. A broader range lets the plan match the cause:

• Physical therapy
• Ultrasound-guided injections and PRP
• Device-based therapies such as shockwave, laser, TECAR and magnetic therapy
• Spinal decompression and cervical traction

Step 4: Judge the first visit

A good first visit should include:

• Questions about how the pain started and what you have tried
• A hands-on exam, not just a conversation
• A review of any imaging you bring
• A clear explanation of the likely cause
• A plan with first steps and when to follow up

Questions to ask a pain specialist

• What do you think is causing my pain?
• What are my options besides medication and surgery?
• How will we know if the plan is working?
• What can I do at home?

What a good treatment plan looks like

• It names the likely cause in plain language
• It starts with the least invasive options likely to work
• It includes something you do at home, not only treatments in the office
• It sets a time to check progress and change course if needed

Reading reviews the right way

Online reviews help, but read them for patterns rather than single comments. Look for repeated mentions of being listened to, clear explanations, short waits and helpful staff. Be cautious of reviews that only promise miracle results.

Red flags to watch for

• A plan built on medication alone, with no exam or explanation
• Pressure to commit to a large package before you understand the options
• Promises of guaranteed results
• Little or no follow-up

Practical fit matters

• Location you can actually get to for follow-ups
• Insurance accepted, checked before your visit
• Hours that fit your schedule
• Easy contact by phone

Pain specialist, chiropractor or orthopedic surgeon?

• Pain specialist: a physician who diagnoses the source of pain and treats it, mostly without surgery
• Orthopedic surgeon: focuses on bones and joints, including surgery when needed
• Chiropractor: focuses on spinal manipulation and is not a medical doctor

For pain that has lasted weeks or months, a pain specialist is often a good first stop because they can order tests, coordinate physical therapy and refer to surgery if it is ever needed. Learn more about what a pain management doctor does.

Bay Way Pain Medical Care at a glance

• Doctors: Dr. Henry Sardar, board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation with fellowship training in pain management, and Dr. Eric Lubomir, DO, sports medicine. See our providers.
• Location: 6010 Bay Parkway, 6th Floor, Suite 603, Brooklyn, NY 11204
• Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu 9:00 to 5:00; Wed 10:00 to 6:00; Fri 9:30 to 2:00
• Insurance: most plans accepted. Call (718) 576-2001 and we will check yours.

Frequently Asked Questions